Federal Funding for Civil Legal Services: Uncertainties Loom

Arizona’s civil legal services are facing a significant funding crisis, primarily relying on federal aid due to the absence of state support. The repercussions of this can be severe, particularly for low-income communities needing legal assistance.

Despite the importance of these services, Arizona ranks among the lowest states for civil legal aid attorneys per capita, according to the American Bar Association. This places enormous pressure on the limited resources available for legal services in impoverished areas.

The state has neither allocated funds for civil legal aid nor established a funding mechanism. Consequently, three legal aid organizations—Community Legal Services, Southern Arizona Legal Aid, and DNA People’s Legal Services—work primarily through the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).

LSC, established in 1974, funds over 130 independent legal aid organizations nationwide, totaling more than 900 offices. In Arizona, eligibility for services requires individuals to be at or below 125% of the federal poverty line, impacting roughly 1 million residents.

In 2024, Arizona’s funding totaled $11.2 million for general services, with additional amounts allocated for Native Americans and agricultural workers. Last year, the three organizations helped 24,068 individuals, addressing pressing issues such as family law and housing disputes.

“We are often the last step for many in our community,” stated Sharon Sergent, executive director of Community Legal Services. The organization spans several counties and tackles numerous legal challenges, from domestic violence to public benefits.

Sergent added that around 60-70% of their funding comes from LSC, creating a heavy reliance on federal support. Efforts to diversify funding sources are ongoing but challenging.

Anthony Young, executive director of Southern Arizona Legal Aid, echoed similar concerns. His organization serves multiple counties and handles about 5,000 cases annually, emphasizing the necessity of adequate funding for equitable justice.

Ronald Flagg, president of LSC, noted that the organization’s current budget relies heavily on federal funds, which cover the core operational costs that local and philanthropic sources often cannot meet.

In Arizona, LSC typically supports 53% to 80% of the budget for civil legal organizations. Cuts to federal funding could be detrimental, potentially leading to the collapse of these vital services.

Previously, under the Trump administration, LSC faced threats of complete elimination, yet bipartisan support prevented such drastic measures. Flagg remains cautiously optimistic about future funding stability.

The urgency for state investment in civil legal aid has been underscored by various advocates. Drew Schaffer from the William E. Morris Institute for Justice stressed the need for systemic changes to better serve economically vulnerable Arizonans.

Proposals for state funding have emerged but have yet to gain traction. For example, a bill introduced this year to appropriate $10 million for civil legal aid did not advance in committee.

As Schaffer aptly noted, Arizona must invest in both civil and criminal legal systems to ensure justice is accessible to all its residents.