The Nebraska Lawyers Foundation: Funds
Volunteer Lawyers Project
VLP is the NSBA’s statewide volunteer legal services project and referral network founded on the belief that all citizens should have access to the legal system, regardless of ability to pay. The following is a quote from a real client assisted by VLP: “Last September my divorce was accepted through the VLP. My divorce is over with now and I am standing on my own two feet. I am not on any public assistance, but without the attorney’s help and the Volunteer Lawyers Project I would have had to apply for assistance just to make ends meet. Because of the attorney, I have my pride and self-respect. I didn’t just gain an attorney, I gained a friend or two along the way.
Nebraska Minority Justice Committee
The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee is a unique statewide collaboration that works to develop and implement just and sustainable policy reforms that will not only improve the system of justice but will also strengthen public trust and confidence in our laws and court system. The Committee is a joint effort of the Bar Association and the Nebraska Supreme Court, appointed by the Supreme Court in May of 2003 in response to a Task Force’s two-year investigation of racial and ethnic bias and discrimination in Nebraska’s justice system. The mission of the Committee is to achieve four primary aims:
- Address racial disparities in both the juvenile and adult justice systems,
- Ensure equal access to justice,
- Increase the diversity of Nebraska’s judicial workforces, and
- Increase the diversity of Nebraska’s legal profession.
Nebraska Lawyers Assistance Program
NLAP offers help to lawyers, judges, and law students troubled by substance abuse problems, stress, depression and other problems that may impair their ability to perform in a competent and professional manner. “If I haven’t told you already, the program you’re running is a fantastic asset to the bar. Saved my life.” (E-mail received by the NLAP Director from a Nebraska lawyer)
One Hour of Sharing Campaign
Seeks to raise cash contributions to support the provision of civil legal services to low income Nebraskans. Contributions may go to the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Nebraska Legal Services, Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, the Milton R. Abrahams Legal Clinic or the UNL Civil Law Clinic. In addition to financial contributions, the annual campaign recruits volunteers to provide pro bono assistance. The following is a real client assisted because of the One Hour of Sharing Campaign: Tina, a homemaker, has four children. Due to domestic violence in the home, she and the children left their home and went to live at the Friendship home. Tina’s husband wanted custody of the children. Tina obtained a protection order, which her husband did not violate. Tina wanted a divorce but was afraid her husband would be awarded custody of the children. Tina contacted the Volunteer Lawyers Project. The case was placed with an attorney in Lancaster County. With the assistance of this volunteer, Tina files for divorce and is awarded temporary custody. Tina was able to leave the shelter knowing she and the children are safe.
Nebraska Continuing Legal Education
NCLE was established to provide an educational program for the study and discussion of information relating to the practice of law. Its mission is to provide Nebraska lawyers with the latest information about law and practice in Nebraska, to enable them to stay current and maintain their “edge” so as to better serve their clients. The lawyers, judges, and other professionals who plan and present at NCLE seminars are volunteers in service to the profession. As one participant said “NCLE does a great job with informative and up-to-date programs.”
New Initiative Fund
The new initiative fund will fund new initiatives, projects, or programs before a dedicated fund is established.
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