National Legal Aid & Defender Association

We're thrilled to announce that @RoofAbove CEO Liz Clasen-Kelly will be kicking off #EJC26 with us! Join us in Charlotte from May 13-16 to learn, network, and stand united in support of the legal needs of low-income individuals. Register for EJC today: bit.ly/4l6rD8B

NEW: A year after H.R. 1 enacted the deepest SNAP cuts in history, the number of children receiving SNAP nationwide has likely dropped by more than 1.5 million, based on our analysis of available data from 17 states. cbpp.org/research/food-…

We want to extend a huge thank-you to @PhoneNinjasAI for sponsoring our Lit Leaders Reception last Wednesday! Your support helps bring together leaders in civil legal aid and civil rights to connect, collaborate, and strengthen our advocacy community. shorturl.at/aJ8ei

Major changes to federal student loan programs took effect on July 1. For legal aid attorneys and public defenders who rely on PSLF, these changes create uncertainty at a time when the justice gap continues to widen. We're responding—but we need you! Support the future of PSLF today: bit.ly/GiveToNLADA

L'Sonya Crawford Jones believes legal aid providers, public defenders, attorneys, and community members all have a role to play in creating lasting change. Together, we can help more people resolve legal challenges and build stronger communities for generations to come.

Today is the day that governance nominations close! Nominate a colleague or yourself for at least one of many governance positions at NLADA: Board of Directors and the Civil, Client, and Defender Councils. We need justice for all! Make your voice heard: bit.ly/4xh8S8g

Tomorrow is the deadline. Don't miss your opportunity to serve or to recognize a colleague who would make a meaningful contribution in a leadership role. Submit your nomination today. Nominations close tomorrow. Make your voice heard: bit.ly/4xh8S8g

Roughly 400,000 Americans are sitting in jail waiting for trial. Join NLADA and @BPDA_justice on July 16 at 4 P.M. ET for a conversation on pretrial detention and solutions to address the ballooning crisis in America's jails. Register: bit.ly/4azAoEm

Just a few days left to submit your nomination! Scan the QR code in your election materials to review position descriptions, eligibility criteria, and nomination details. Nomination Deadline: July 7. Make your voice heard: bit.ly/4xh8S8g

Do you know someone who is passionate about leadership, advocacy, and advancing meaningful change? Governance positions are available on the Board of Directors and the Civil, Client, and Defender Councils. Submit your nomination online by July 7. 🔗: bit.ly/4xh8S8g

The honorees will accept the award at the 2026 NLADA Exemplar Awards Gala on September 24 in Washington, DC. Register for this year's Exemplar Awards Gala here: nlada.org/gala2026

PRESS RELEASE: We're pleased to announce that 33 law firms will be honored with the 2026 Beacon of Justice Award for their exceptional commitment to protecting democracy and civil society through pro bono legal service! Learn more about our honorees: bit.ly/3QnlGtn

🔴 PRESS RELEASE: Last month, general counsel and chief legal officers from over 100 of America's largest corporations sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to fully fund @LSCtweets in FY27. Read more: bit.ly/4b6EGmG

Nominations are open for the 2026 NLADA Annual Conference Awards Program! Submit your noms by Friday, July 31, 2026 to uplift your colleagues, clients, and fellow advocates. Individuals or orgs must be NLADA members to submit nominations. Learn more: bit.ly/4xPaPcw

✨ Real change can take shape when leaders across communities come together to advance the work collectively and make an impact. A few weeks ago, we attended the @ABAesq /@NLADA Equal Justice Conference, where we hosted over 65 changemakers for our first community justice worker-focused pre-conference, “Supercharging Access to Justice from the Frontlines: A Community Justice Worker Convening.” 💡 Seeing people expand on ideas, share noteworthy strategies, and inspire cross-sector collaboration confirmed the importance of shared spaces in expanding access to justice. We are grateful for each conversation, session, and active-learning segment that was grounded and community-centered. We deeply appreciate all of our guest speakers for contributing their voices and energy to support forward thinking in the community justice worker movement. These moments matter, and leaving the convening gives us more motivation to keep building, advocating, and showing up for people who need it most. 💻 Subscribe to our YouTube channel at zurl.co/GfSkK for more conversations on access to justice and community-driven solutions. #FrontlineJustice #Groundwork #CommunityJusticeWorkers #Share #Repost #AccessToJustice #LegalHelpForAll #LegalReform #LegalizeJusticeWork

2026 NLADA Elections Are Under Way! Did you check your mail? You are invited to participate in shaping the future of NLADA. Nomination Deadline: July 7. Learn more and submit your noms today: nlada.org/2026/elections #2026NLADAElections #Nominate #GoGreen #Sustainability

Recent funding challenges for #A2J initiatives have left many wondering what their next step will be. Join us next Friday at 3 pm ET for a discussion on how these challenges impact our work and strategies to secure additional support. 🖊️ Register here: bit.ly/4i0cBQp

MEMBERS: Your 2026 NLADA Election Solicitation Is In the Mail. Check soon for info on how to submit nominations online. Scan the QR code in your election materials to review position descriptions, eligibility criteria, and nomination details. More info: bit.ly/4xh8S8g

The Management Information Exchange (MIE) held its 1st National Legal Aid Summer Intern Orientation June 2, 2026. Clockwise, top l.: Kesha James, Erica Briant, Liz Dunn, Radhika Singh, Julia Wilson, Niya Fonville Swint, Alison Paul, Jared Smith, & Ron Flagg. #LegalAidMatters

Are you interested in supporting the future of public defense? We're looking for people who want to fight poverty and advance justice by empowering communities through capacity-building services. Applications due May 1. Open in MI, NY, & TX. Learn more: bit.ly/4uWCwyH