Dear Paralegal Member,
As a professional in the legal community, you know how complex the legal system is.
Imagine navigating it with no resources or prior training. Imagine navigating it while facing violence at home, poor health, or language barriers.
Thousands of people in Utah are asked to do just that every day. Increasingly, access to justice in our society depends on access to money. While an attorney is guaranteed in criminal issues, those with civil legal problems who cannot afford representation must face the system alone.
Since 1998, "and Justice for all" has been helping low-income individuals, people with disabilities, seniors and minorities get the help they need to solve their legal problems. Whether it's a woman trying to escape a violent spouse, a disabled veteran seeking benefits or a senior citizen protecting her limited resources, "and Justice for all" works to help those in our community who have nowhere else to turn.
The Utah State Bar Paralegal Division understands how important it is to ensure access to justice for all Utahns. We are writing to you today to ask you to join us in supporting the work of "and Justice for all" by making a tax-deductible donation today. If you give before December 31, 2004, Morgan Stanley has offered to match each new donor's contribution up to a combined total of $10,000. It's a great way to double the impact of your support.
As paralegals, we have a responsibility to join others in the legal community in leading this fight to ensure that every person has access to the justice system, regardless of income, age, disability, or minority status. Other agencies including the Utah State Bar and many of the regional and specialty bar divisions have given their support to this cause.
Your gift will allow "and Justice for all" agencies to serve thousands of individuals - free of charge - across Utah every year. Let me tell you more about what the partner agencies have done for people in your community, and why they urgently need your financial support to continue this work.
Last year, partner agencies helped over 32,000 people solve their legal problems and get on with their lives. Some of the successes include,
¥ Rachel, who had the courage to take her children and leave an abusive husband. Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake helped Rachel get a protective order against her husband and file for divorce. Rachel and her children are now happily living on their own, free of fear.
¥ John, newly diagnosed with MS, who was denied a van with a lift - the only way he could keep his job of 16 years. Disability Law Center helped reverse the decision and John was able to maintain his independence.
¥ Doris, an elderly woman with a brain injury, who was being illegally evicted from her home. After Utah Legal Services challenged the eviction, the owners of the property quickly settled the case, and Doris was able to remain in her home.
"and Justice for all" is committed to providing professional, effective and cost efficient services. Last year, in fact, the average cost per case at their agencies was only $150!
In the last year, the number of people seeking legal aid has increased sharply. With a sluggish economy and one of the fastest growing poverty rates in the nation, the demands for legal aid are greater than ever. That is why we are writing to ask for your support.
You can make a big difference in the lives of disadvantaged Utahns by sending a generous contribution to "and Justice for all" today, and please note that you are contributing as a Paralegal Division Member. Your gift will be used to help ensure people across the state get the legal support they need to change their lives for the better.
We are proud to partner with "and Justice for all" to make access to justice a reality for thousands of Utah residents. Together, we hope to make a lasting impact on our community and help our neighbors in need. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Utah State Bar Paralegal Division
Tally A. Burke, Chair