LEGAL SERVICES

In the 1970's federal funds became available to local organizations furnishing legal services for indigent persons in civil cases. The federal Legal Services Corporation Act required participation on the board by representatives of client agencies, intricate reporting of expenditures, limits to attorney caseloads, and strict eligibility requirements for clients. After discussions within the Birmingham Bar Association, it was decided to form a separate agency, with Legal Aid handling only court-appointed, mostly criminal defense cases, and Legal Services handling civil cases. That distinction survives today, as Legal Services now operates a federally-funded program for civil matters and Legal Aid operates strictly as a contract public defender agency. Locally, Legal Aid and Legal Services Alabama are often confused, but there are distinct differences. Legal Aid does not accept cases directly from the public but only by court appointment. The courts where it operates make the eligibility..

Also known as: Legal Services Corporation

Primary location: Birmingham United States