LSV Seeks Support in Washington for Vermont’s Civil Legal Needs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legal Services Vermont’s executive director and board president met with congressional staff in Washington, D.C., on April 8, 2024, to discuss the importance of low-income Vermonters having access to the legal system on issues like fair housing, veterans’ benefits, domestic violence and medical debt.
Legal Services Vermont Executive Director Sam Abel-Palmer and Board President Bessie Weiss joined attorneys from every corner of the nation to mark the 50th anniversary of Legal Services Corporation (LSC) supporting civil legal aid across the United States.
Abel-Palmer met with staff from the offices of Sen. Sanders, Sen. Welch and Rep. Balint. “LSC’s recent Justice Gap report found that low-income Americans received no legal help or insufficient legal help for 92% of their civil legal problems,” he said. “In Vermont, we see a huge gap as well, and we are advocating for Vermonters, for donations and for volunteer attorneys to close the gap.”
The largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans, LSC was established by Congress in 1974. LSC is the lead funder of Legal Services Vermont’s work to increase access to justice.
To mark its historic 50th anniversary, LSC embarked on an outreach campaign called “Protecting the Promise” of equal justice, and they held a forum on Access to Justice on April 8 - 9. Abel-Palmer attended the forum along with colleagues from across the country.
Photos courtesy Bessie Weiss.
- LSC's John Levi speaking at LSC's 50th anniversary forum.
- Our Board President Bessie Weiss and our Executive Director Sam Abel-Palmer with the Capitol dome behind them.
- LSC's John Levi on stage with Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
- Our Executive Director Sam Abel-Palmer on Capitol Hill.
