Dean Anderson: Funding Gaps Affect Underserved Communities

August 20, 2009

In a letter to the New York Law Journal, Dean Michelle Anderson talks about how the decrease in funding for legal services "exacerbates the crises already faced by low-income families throughout the state."

New York Law Journal
Letter to the Editor
August 20, 2009

We Have the Chance to Make a Difference

The decline in state funding for legal services as reported in the article, "Staggering Gap in Civil Legal Assistance Looms as IOLA Fund Is Squeezed by Interest Rate Plunge" (Aug. 18) exacerbates the crises already faced by low-income families throughout the state. Solo practitioners and Legal Aid attorneys working in underserved communities see an increasing need for affordable legal representation in matters related to housing, immigration, health care and unemployment. The slow economic recovery means there is no relief in sight for diminishing legal services funding.

However, as law students across the country start school this month, they have an opportunity to make a difference. The commitment to serve communities in need is core to CUNY Law's mission. Extraordinary economic times call for the legal academy and the entire legal community to renew and enhance our collective commitment to service. Through legal internships and clinics, law schools in particular can have an impact.

For instance, a team of CUNY Law students and faculty represent low income individuals and families through our Clinical Program, one of the largest law firms in Queens. Alumni practitioners in our Community Legal Resource Network also serve disadvantaged clients in communities traditionally underserved by lawyers. As the economy continues to strain family resources and increase the need for legal services, we can all play a vital role.

At this critical juncture, lawmakers should recognize that while they debate the allocation of funding for legal service providers, families wait for urgently needed representation. Students and schools, however, don't have to wait. We can act now.

Michelle J. Anderson
Dean and Professor of Law
CUNY School of Law