Bay Area Legal Services Seeks Support in Washington for Florida Residents’ Civil Legal Needs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leadership from Bay Area Legal Services met with congressional staff in Washington, D.C. on Monday, April 8, to discuss the importance of constituent access to the legal system on issues like fair housing, veterans’ benefits, domestic violence and burdensome medical debt in Florida.

Bay Area Legal Services’ CEO/President, Joan Boles, and Board of Directors Chairperson, Vivian Cortes Hodz, joined attorneys from every corner of the nation to mark the 50th anniversary of Legal Services Corporation supporting civil legal aid across the United States.

Joan and Vivian met with Lauren McCarthy, Legislative Counsel to Congresswoman Laurel Lee, who serves Florida's 15th congressional district.

The largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans, LSC was established by Congress in 1974. To mark its historic 50th anniversary, LSC has embarked on an outreach campaign — “Protecting the Promise” of equal justice. LSC held its quarterly board meeting in conjunction with a forum on Access to Justice and a gala Monday and Tuesday (April 8-9). 

LSC’s 2022 Justice Gap Report found that low-income Americans received no or insufficient legal help for 92% of their civil legal problems.

About Bay Area Legal Services

Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm of skilled attorneys whose objective is helping the most vulnerable members of our community. Our clients do not have the income to hire private attorneys. Visit to bals.org/help to learn more about our services.

About Legal Services Corporation

Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974. For 50 years, LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 131 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.