The Justice Gap Fund implements AB 2301 (2006), which authorizes the State Bar to solicit contributions from its members to support legal services for low-income Californians.

Legal services for the indigent are a critical component of the justice system, helping to improve trust and confidence in the court system and working to ensure justice for vulnerable individuals who cannot represent themselves.

The Justice Gap Fund is one of three sources of funding for the State Bar’s Legal Services Trust Fund Program, which makes grants to nonprofit organizations that provide free civil legal services to low-income Californians.

Other funding sources for the Legal Services Trust Fund Program are the Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and the state Equal Access Fund (EAF).

Contributions to the Justice Gap Fund will go toward programs that:

• provide legal assistance to vulnerable clients, such as victims of domestic violence and elder abuse;
• help to keep families intact by avoiding homelessness and establishing guardianships, and;
• ensure that low-income children receive needed health care and special education services.

All California lawyers can choose to contribute voluntarily to this fund through their annual member fee statement (mailed Dec. 1) or by using the Contribute link above.

Contributions are tax-exempt to the fullest extent of the law and recipients are 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal services organizations.

• Brochure – Support the new Justice Gap Fund!
  
• Task Force on Lawyer Support for Legal Services - AB 2301
• Legislation
• Legal Services Trust Fund Grant Recipients
• Action Plan for Justice – full and summary versions

For additional information, send an e-mail to: justicegapfund@calbar.ca.gov