Legal aid and public defense offices at risk due to federal funding freeze

By Rabiah Burks, National Legal Aid & Defender Association The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA), founded in 1911, is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. Our membership is comprised of civil legal aid and public defense attorneys, community advocates, and clients. NLADA has pioneered access to justice at the national, state and local levels. A leader in the development of national standards for civil legal aid and public defense, NLADA also provides advocacy, training, and technical assistance for equal justice advocates across the country.The following guide is intended to help explain some of the nuances of the impact of stop-work orders on civil legal aid and public defense. Today’s explainer builds on more than 114 years of NLADA’s work in the public defense and civil legal aid space. The impact of the attempted Federal Funding freeze on Civil Legal Aid and Public Defense InstitutionsNLADA’s community of advocates—including civil legal aid, public defense, and representatives of low-income and marginalized communities—work daily to uphold the government’s commitment to safety and stability. This community both receives federal funding to provide services and in turn provides services...