As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, I wanted to update you on the good work that Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund’s three beneficiary legal aid law firms are doing to help those most vulnerable to the economic fallout of this crisis.
Our beneficiary organizations have temporarily closed their offices and suspended some services and programs in accordance with CDC social distancing guidelines. More information on those changes can be found on their websites:
However, staff members at all three organizations have transitioned to working remotely and are dedicated to continuing to serve their existing clients while monitoring changes to court proceedings and other legal processes. They are also working to ensure that Wisconsin’s low-income citizens are protected from further harm during this crisis. For example, attorneys from LAW and Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee successfully obtained judicial orders to temporarily halt the enforcement of evictions in Milwaukee and Dane counties, ensuring that families will continue to have shelter through this public health crisis.
Nationally, the American Bar Association has created a task force comprised of lawyers and judges from across the legal profession to address the legal needs arising from the pandemic. The task force is chaired by former Legal Services Corporation President Jim Sandman.
While much is uncertain right now, it is clear that access to pro bono legal aid will be crucial to the lives of so many Americans as the pandemic continues to spread and long afterward. Please consider making a gift to WEJF in support of the vital work of Legal Action of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Judicare, and Disability Rights Wisconsin.
I hope you’re well and able to work and care for your families while navigating these unprecedented times, and thank you for your past support of pro bono civil legal aid in Wisconsin.
Sincerely,
Melissa Sullivan
Executive Director
sullivan@e-justice.org