CBA Record March-April 2024

Chicago Bar Foundation Report

Innovative Project Aims to Increase Access to Justice for the Underserved Middle Class By Roya Samarghandi E veryday people often struggle to find high-quality, afford able legal services. While most organized access to justice efforts, including those of the CBF, rightly focus on low

to transforming the delivery of legal services to the underserved middle class. The new project builds on the success of the CBF Justice Entrepreneurs Project and other programs around the country to improve legal access for the middle market. The Problem in a Nutshell The traditional legal marketplace serves corporate and higher income people well, but it is largely out of reach for the 100 million-plus Americans who are above the income eligibility line for free legal aid. The result is that people in the middle class (everyone making between $18,225 and $141,568 annually)— who make up the largest share of Americans—face distinct and alarming challenges in accessing legal services. The graphic below illustrates the nature of the “Above the Line” problem, with rain representing legal problems Americans typically face, and the umbrellas representing access to afford able legal services.

income and disadvantaged people, who are particularly vulnerable in the legal system, middle-class Americans also face daunting challenges finding affordable legal help. They are “above the line” of income eligibility for already overstretched free legal aid, but they also struggle to find legal services in the current market. People in the middle class constitute more than 50% of our nation’s population. Their challenges in getting legal help have profound consequences for access to justice. A more concerted national effort is needed to address this distinct access gap—and the new Above the Line Network (ATLN) aims to do just that. ATLN is a joint initiative of the CBF and IAALS, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, along with individual and organizational partners from around the country and Canada. It is led by a diverse advisory committee of knowl edgeable, experienced leaders and innovators who are dedicated

Graphic by The Chicago Bar Foundation.

16 March/April 2024