Commission announces grants to expand access to legal services Monday, January 12, 2015 Categories: News Releases Contact: Laura Ernde 415-538-2283 barcomm@calbar.ca.gov Editor’s note: This press release was updated Jan. 30, 2015, to reflect a grant substitution. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 12, 2015 — The California Commission on Access to Justice has chosen four projects to receive grants to promote increased access to legal services for low- and moderate-income individuals. The grants — $180,000 in total — were the first in a new Modest Means Incubator program that funds groups to train lawyers to create sustainable law practices providing affordable legal services. “This is a wonderful first step in nurturing the next generation of lawyers providing legal services for everyday people with modest means,” said California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, chairman of the Access Commission’s grant review committee. “The unmet legal needs in our communities are well-documented, and this could serve as a model for incubator projects throughout California and nationwide.” The Access Commission has approved grants to the following projects: The Bay Area Regional Incubator Project ($45,000). This is a collaboration among the Volunteer Legal Services Corporation, the Alameda County Bar Association and the following law schools: UC Hastings, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, UC Berkeley and Golden Gate University. Other partnering entities include the Contra Costa Bar Association, Bar Association of San Francisco, the Alameda County Law Library and legal services providers. Northern California Lawyer Access (NCLA) Academy Project ($45,000). This is a collaboration among a lawyer referral service, local attorneys, county courts, bar associations and other legal nonprofits. Los Angeles Incubator Consortium ($45,000). This is a collaboration among three law schools — Southwestern, Pepperdine University and UCLA — as well as the Los Angeles County Law Library and five legal aid organizations: Bet Tzedek, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Community Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles and Public Counsel. Orange County Incubator Consortium ($45,000). This is a collaboration among the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Chapman University, UC Irvine, Western State and Whittier College law schools. Two dozen applicants in all were received. Applicants were required to demonstrate scalability, sustainability, high-quality services and training, strong collaboration and innovative partnerships. The 26-member California Commission on Access to Justice was established to explore ways to improve access to civil justice for Californians living on low and moderate incomes. Next Article