Let’s make noise! The timing of decisions such as the WA Supreme Court to sunset the LLLT program cannot go unnoticed. There is space for our voices to be heard!
Please provide comments and position statements to the Supreme Court about this decision via email at supreme@courts.wa.gov
INSIGHT From Bloomberg Law: It’s Time to Allow New Legal Service Providers.
Utah Supreme Court Justice Deno Himonas and former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court Scott Bales urge court leaders, the legal profession, and the public to “embrace experimentation and reform to allow new ways of providing legal services.”
The rawness of equal justice barriers playing out in front of our nation during this time of pandemic cannot go unnoticed any longer. We must take bold action NOW to establish reform in our justice system. We can’t continue to fail those that need these resources most.
Why sunset the program? Yeah, great question!!! Why???
Citing costs to sustain the LLLT program and low interest in the program by service providers, a majority of the court voted to sunset the program. Apparently the WA State Bar Association was urging cancellation of the program also citing cost of running the program.
However, materials submitted to the board of governors shows otherwise. And the fact is, this program has served as a pilot program to so many others in the country, why wouldn’t the State Bar look to Federal resources for sustainable funding? Truly this makes no sense! Hello American Bar Association or National Center for State Courts, where you at???
Even more infuriating is the reference to low interest in the program! The requirements to enter the program and successfully license oneself as a LLLT is convoluted to say the least. The demanding criteria and substantive work experience qualifications mixed with the investment of time/money make accessibility to the program very narrow. While there is a need to filter out those individuals looking to act unprofessionally or unethically (as with nearly all industries!) the standards cannot be so high that it bars access.
The abrupt end to this program resulting from a process without all stakeholders present serves as continued injustice to our communities. Innovation and inclusion are interesting to balance but should not provide barriers to progress. Here’s a little more local noise on this subject. Also, see pgs 9-11 of the article by LLLT Jeanne M. Barrans in the Snohomish County Bar News.
Let our voices be heard!!! If you want to include your comments attached to the position statement I’ll be submitting, please email me at kelli@klrparalegal.com
Here’s to a better half of 2020 than we’ve endured this far — cheers, friends!
