The State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees recently voted to recommend a statewide community justice worker program to the Supreme Court. If approved, community justice workers will be allowed to provide limited legal services under the supervision of approved legal aid organizations.

Read more about the recent development here.

In some areas of California, like Bakersfield (Kern County), access to affordable legal help is scarce. According to Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc. (GBLA), Kern County is described as a legal desert, with just 0.9 attorneys for every 1,000 residents.

We appreciate every voice and action taken to help expand capacity to serve people with everyday legal needs. Support from organizations like NYU School of Law’s Center on Civil Justice, Legal Aid Association of California, OneJustice and Legal Link has amplified the push to create change.

Check out a couple of articles that are circulating about the need and movement in California.

23ABC Bakersfield: "Kern County faces attorney shortage as California weighs expanding access to civil legal help"

NYU Law: "CCJ Publishes Public Comment Supporting California's Community Justice Worker (CJW) Program"

‍We’ll continue watching and share what we learn along the way.