I was delighted to learn from a recent press release from the trustees of the IOLA Fund that $25 million would be available for grants in 2008 to support programs that provide free legal services to low-income people throughout New York State. That’s up 78% from the $14 million in grants offered in 2007. This is a wonderful holiday surprise that is sure to make a difference.
As you know, the Interest on Lawyer Account Fund (IOLA) program requires attorneys to deposit funds received from clients either in interest bearing accounts for the benefit of clients or in interest bearing IOLA accounts. The interest is pooled and managed by the IOLA Board of Trustees to fund non-profit civil legal services for people who otherwise cannot afford access to the civil courts.
In 2007 the Association was a proud leader in urging Governor Spitzer to enact new regulations requiring banks to pay an interest rate on IOLA accounts proportionate to the rates they pay their best customers with similar accounts. Civil legal services for the poor in New York State are drastically under funded, and the reality is that despite the thousands of volunteer hours provided by attorneys across the state, we can only meet 20% of the actual need. Access to justice for all, and not just for those who can afford legal services, is fundamental to our Association. And the concept of Civil Gideon, which would require free legal services to the poor in matters involving shelter, sustenance, safety, health and child custody, is one of our 2008 legislative priorities. There is still a long road ahead.
With additional and stable funding from the state we can ensure no one is left behind. Nevertheless, with an eye toward the future, Governor Spitzer and the IOLA Board should be commended for this significant improvement in funding, for prioritizing this issue and for producing impressive results.