2018 Annual Report DEAR LSA FRIENDS and SUPPORTERS

2018 Annual Report DEAR LSA FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS:

orking as a team in 2018, the Legal Services Alabama Board and executive Wmanagement team undertook the challenge of a firm transformation that was called the One Alabama Plan. Each member of the executive team, in conjunction with their respective standing Board committee, examined their work to make recommendations that would improve and expand LSA’s capacity to help meet the civil legal needs of the eligible client population in Alabama..

As a result, I look back on 2018 with pride in the transformative work LSA has been able to do. We worked with many community partners and funders to respond to the diverse needs of our clients across all 67 counties of the state. Our dedicated team of advocates provided high-quality legal services to nearly 11,000 elderly and low-income clients—protecting homes, livelihoods, health, and families.

As you will read in this report, our “One Alabama” work plan developed new ways to reach Legal Services Alabama serves under-served populations, including: • veterans with health-harming legal needs; low-income people by providing • victims of elder consumer fraud abuse; and • students in need of advocacy around special education or excessive discipline. civil legal aid and by promoting We also continued refining and expanding ways to meet the LSA Board objective of addressing geographical inequity. Last year, LSA obtained a multi-year grant from the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation for a Rural Economic Improvement Project to provide collaboration to find solutions economic stability and improvement to the rural counties in our service delivery area.

This work cannot be done without you—our donors, funders, and pro bono volunteers. As much as this report is a look back on LSA’s achievements, it also provides the opportunity to problems of poverty. to say thank you to the many individuals and organizations whose generosity helped make this possible.

In 2019, LSA will celebrate its 15th Anniversary by continuing to unite as a community to work toward the idea that everyone in Alabama is entitled to equal protection under the law.

Thank you.

Guy E. Lescault Executive Director 4 LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA 2018 Advocacy Highlights LANGUAGE INADIVORCE DECREE FROM ABUSEORDERORPROTECTION CLIENTS OBTAINED APROTECTION IN SERVICES PROVIDED MORE THAN 47 $

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B L A L M A A Court ofAppealsforthefirsttimesincecreationLSAin2004. consumer tofamilylawandappearingfororalargumentbeforetheEleventhCircuit constitutional rightsinfederalcourt, handlingnumerous appealsrangingfrom In 2018, LSAmademajorstridesinadvocacyincludingfilingcasesregarding in thestate, andlastyearwasnodifferent. some ofthemostunderprivileged, aswellsomeofthebravestandstrongestpeople income Alabamiansin2018. Everyday, ourattorneyshavetheprivilegeofserving Director of Advocacy Michael Forton CASES CLOSED BY PROBLEM TYPE ofdirectservices, LSAisveryproudofthestrideswe’ve madeonbehalfoflow- s Alabama’s onlypublicinterestlawfirmprovidingacomprehensivearray

As DirectorofAdvocacy, Iamsoveryproudandhumbled without thefearofabuse. to benefitsthatprovidefood, andthefreedomtolivelife pay utilities, protectionoftheroofovertheirheads, access For manyclients, LSArepresentsaccesstothemoney better life—alifethatmanyAmericanstakeforgranted. that formanyofourclients, werepresentthehopeofa Why dowe doit? toward justice. working hardtomakesureitcontinuesbend may belong, theattorneysandsupportstaffofLSAare much forthepeopleofthisstate. Whilethearcofhistory to beapartofstrongandamazingprogramthatdoesso Advocacy Update TheattorneysatLSAunderstand CLOSED IN2018 TOTAL CASES

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 5 WORK THE — 6 Communications Report Development & LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA I • • • three prongapproachtodevelopment: To attainthisgoal, LSAhasadopteda base. a diversifiedandsustainablefunding state andprivatepartnerstoensure to continueworkwithourlocal, LSA’s fundingrevenue, LSA’s goalis funded LSCgrantprovides84%of to 19or40%. Althoughthefederally attorneys whoarenon-LSCfunded LSA toincreasethenumberofstaff awards. Theseawardshaveallowed projects andobtainingnewfoundation result ofLSAsuccessfullycreatinggrant million dollars. Thisincreasewasa been addedtothewebsite page. In Facebook, TwitterandLinkedIn have legalservicesalabama.org. Icons for launched anewwebsitewww. communications capacity, LSA In supportofenhancingits Improving communicationtoincrease needs; support LSA’s prioritiesofclient Developing grantapplicationsto partnerships andgrantorrelations; Strengthening community media presence. marketing withanincreasedsocial funding toanewlevelofover$1 n 2018, LSAincreaseditsnon-LSC

page viewsandapproximately 4,000 receives anaverageofnearly 9,000 organizational websitein2018, LSA LinkedIn. Sincetherebranding ofthe followers acrossFacebook, Twitterand 858 people!We havea combined 4,370 Facebook sitereachedatotalof51, to webanalytics, in2018alone, LSA’s community impactstatewide. According online engagementandbroad and visibilityhassoared—increasing Since 2017, LSA’s SocialMediapresence poverty inAlabama. to thealmost1millionpeoplelivingin expand thecriticalservicesprovided continue tofillthejusticegapand With continuedsupport, LSAwill the state. benefits communitiesthroughout in financialbenefitsisreturnedtoand to Alabamaresidentsincivilcases, $12 Aid services, providinglegalassistance every $1investedinAlabama’s Legal on Investmentstudythatconcludedfor Foundation conductedaSocialReturn Last year, theAlabamaCivilJustice and funders. to membersoftheAlabamaStateBar Annual Reportthatwasdistributed and alumni. LSAalsopublishesan publication, publishes anelectronicquarterly addition tothenewwebsite, LSA The Advocate, fordonors

momentum. will continuetoexpandandbuild of advocacy, oursocialmediapresence various outreachprojectsandstories the communitythroughpromotionof to growandpromotetheinterestof media outlets. Asthefirmcontinues with local, statewide, andnationalnews across platformsaswellvisibility in thegrowthoffollowersandcoverage community partnerships, havehelped Clinics, andstorieshighlightingvarious exceptional work), Veterans CivilLegal highlight specificattorneyswhodo Sessions, AdvocateoftheMonth(which posts asFacebookLiveInformative visitors eachmonth. Suchcontinued 2018 CommunicationHighlights FOLLOWERS ON GALSERVICESALABAMA .org www NEW WEBSITERELEASED TO THE COMMUNITYINBENEFITS LSA, TWELVE ARERETURNED FOR EVERY INVESTED DOLLAR IN .LE Deputy Director Jaffe Pickett EACH MONTH WEBSITE VISITORS

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 7 WORK THE — 8 LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA for theunderserved inAlabama. offices continuetoachieve greatthings of North-CentralAlabama.Our local of MetroAlabama,andLegalServices Corporation ofAlabama,LegalServices service organizations the mergerofthreeexistinglegal came intoexistencein2004with 50 years.LegalServicesAlabama preceding organizationsspansover Alabama, thelegalaidwork ofits anniversary forLegalServices Although 2019marksthe15year —Legal Services

O a fullrefund. our clientthathercreditunionwouldissue be traced. Thepolicedepartmentpromised since theIPAddressoffraudsterscould local policedepartmentforidentitytheft Anniston Officereferredourclienttothe card wasterminated. Ouradvocateinthe month) werereversed. Ourclient’s debit “business account.” Thesecharges($40per called DirecTV, andwasinformedita client wenttoherCreditUnion, which more than$700infraudulentcharges. Our Amelia firstdiscoveredthese, shehadlost for DirecTV andAmazonPrime. When and fraudulentchargesstartedtobemade after herdebitcardnumberwasstolen potential fraudchargesuntiloneyear She didnotcheckherbankstatementfor East Alabama Area Agency on Aging on Agency Area Alabama East Funding Source Income ofElderlyClients Helping toProtectthe monthly incomeoflessthan$1,200. ur client, Mrs. AmeliaS., hada

Anniston Office Anniston, Alabama—— Anniston ManagingAttorney David Webster

Open since1978

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 9 WORK THE — Birmingham Office Birmingham, Alabama—— Opensince 1977 10 LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA Birmingham ManagingAttorney Barbara Luckett

O lawsuit againstourclientwas dismissed. judgment setasideandultimately theentire Our LSAadvocatewassuccessful inhavingthe $8,000 tohisaccountwithina45-daywindow. was compromisedandathiefchargednearly card fraud. Ourclient’s creditcardaccount Birmingham CDBG Funding source schizophrenia, andwasavictimofcredit ur client,

Mr. Warren B., isaseniorwith O Dothan officeadvocatesentanemail by thetimeLSAwascontacted. Our of thepropertyformorethanamonth had beenlivinginhercar, hadbeenout personal propertybehind. Merry, who her cat, andmovedout. Shelefther she couldfitinhersmallcar, alongwith eviction. Merrygotwhatpossessions leave theproperty, withthethreatof was sentaletterrequestingthatshe wanted hertovacatetheproperty. She died. Uponherdeath, Merry’s nephew went intoanursinghomeandlater than fiveyearsbeforehersister-in-law services tohersister-in-law formore sister-in-law. Merryprovidedsupportive retirement complex. apartment atalocal the waiting listforan Merry iscurrentlyon With thehelpofLSA, woman, hadmovedinwithher ur client, MerryH., a70-year-old Tracie Melvin Dothan ManagingAttorney Corporation Services Legal Funding source complex. for anapartmentatalocalretirement Merry iscurrentlyonthewaitinglist her belongings!WiththehelpofLSA, intact, andshewasabletogetallof right away. Merry’s possessions were it wasavailablefortheclienttoaccess of Merry’s propertyinthegarage, and been instructedbyhisclienttoputall immediately respondedthathehad to thenephew’s attorney. Theattorney Dothan, Alabama—— Opensince 1978 Dothan Office

— — REPORT REPORT ANNUAL ANNUAL 2018 2018 — THE WORK WORK THE THE — — 12 Huntsville, Alabama—— Opensince 1969 Huntsville Office LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA O Holly Ray Huntsville Managing Attorney victim indivorce. Thea the him. Whilethecasewaspending, Protection FromAbuseorderagainst Theresa N. S charges forchokingourclient, Mrs. was arrestedonfelonystrangulation deported. Withnootherwaytoreach detention facilityandpresumably a dverse represented adomesticviolence u r Huntsvilleo emotionally aswell asfinancially! her abusive partnerandbeprotected our clientcanhave afreshstartfrom Thanks toourHuntsville officeadvocates,

p he receivedapermanent arty wastakentoICE ffice dverse a dvocate p arty (ALF/ACJF) Prevention America-Foreclosure of Bank Funding Source vehicles andotherpersonalproperty. preserved herinterestinhome, get adivorcebydefaultforTheresa, him bypublication. LSAwasableto (other thantheclient’s), we served him orevenalastknownaddress

O Wage Garnishments Protecting Clientsfrom debt andAlabamaCodesection6-10- circuit courtinvolvedapost-2015 her morethan$5,000. Thecasein garnishment indistrictcourt, saving Mobile officeadvocatepreventedthe the LSAMobileOfficeforhelp. Our to makeendsmeet, Jancontacted finances spiraledoutofcontrol. Unable the deathofherhusband, ourclient’s in thedistrictandcircuitcourt. After and wasfacingwagegarnishments nursing homecookfor35years ur client, Ms. JanM., hadbeena elderly inhercare. and continuetoprovidefoodthe a newchapterinherlife, freefromdebt, $15,000 judgment. Ourclientcanbegin Thereby, foregoingcollectionona declaration andclaimofexemption. withdrew itscontesttotheclient’s before thefinalhearing, thecreditor defend Janincourtvigorously. Oneday the Attorney Generalandpreparedto 6.1 Ouradvocatefiledabrief, served City of Mobile CDBG Mobile of City Funding Source Mobile ManagingAttorney Ann Brown

Mobile, Alabama—— Opensince 1978 Mobile Office

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 — THE WORK THE — 14 Statewide callcenter located inMontgomery, Alabama Call Center LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA O the lawsuit. court hearing, theplaintiffdismissed documents. Thetrialwasset. At the took ouradviceanddemandedoriginal under theBestEvidenceRule. Ourclient he wantstoseeoriginaldocuments when hewenttotrial, totellthejudge, Our advocatefurtherexplainedthat demand originaldocumentsasproof. advocate toldourclienttodenyand to completeandfilehisanswer. Our attorney explainedtotheclienthow card debtfor$1,253.33. OurCallCenter Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Corporation Services Legal Funding source by SynchronyBankforacredit u r client, Mr. WillieB., wassued Call Center ManagingAttorney James Chipley

advice! for thegood say thankyou called backto Our client accepted orpending online applications 1 calls answered 29, LSA office referrals to alocal 4 Lawyer Program referrals to aVolunteer 2 cases closed 2 cases opened 7, 2018 CallCenterStats ,004 ,966 ,346 ,396 084 708

S The Daniel Foundation/LSC Funding Source Veterans Where They Are.” Every day, LSA “Meets located at2400HospitalRoadinTuskegee. Montgomery, andthe Veterans Hospital, Center, locatedat215Perry HillRoadin others. Veterans areassistedatthe VA Medical prevention andwagegarnishmentsamong homelessness, tenantevictions, foreclosure support issues, driver’s licensereinstatements, with amyriadoflegalissuessuchaschild and ArmyveteranPerry Myer, helpsveterans month, ourMontgomeryOfficeStaffAttorney closed 703cases. EveryWednesday ofeach and TheDanielFoundation. In2018, LSA Central Alabama Veterans HealthcareSystem Alabama throughourpartnershipwiththe “America’s Heroes” fromacrossCentral i nce 2017, LSAhasbeenassisting

Montgomery Office Montgomery, Alabama—— Opensince 1978 Stephanie Blackburn 703 Montgomery ManagingAttorney

closed in2 veterans, were cases defending 018.

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 — THE WORK THE — 16 Selma, Alabama—— Opensince 1978 Selma Office LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA I Community Evictions LSA StopsMobileHome damages inthecase. of thecourtactionwastodecide against thelandlord. Thefinalphase judgment intheinitialcomplaint the residentsandreceivedadefault handled thecase, representednineof Improvement Project(REIP), who Attorney forLSA’s RuralEconomic Elizabeth Hollie, ProjectStaff began evictingtenantsofthepark. community. Asaresult, thelandlord water billfortheentiremobilehome a landlordhadceasedpayingthe LSA’s SelmaRegionalOffice, when County, AL, soughtassistancefrom HUD-HCS Funding Source n amobilehomeparkinDallas September 2017, residentsfrom

Selma Managing Attorney Felecia Pettway

Attorney’s fees. than $35,000 to LSA in Trade Act; andmore violating theDeceptive $2,000 to oneplaintiff for in punitive damages; more than$130,000 compensatory damages, each oftheplaintiffs for had to pay $569,000 for addition, thelandlord emotional distress. In for mental anguishand to eachofournineclients landlord to pay $1 million The court ordered the

M to theothertenants. TheDistrict presence didnotpresentadanger of thegrandson, andtherefore, his that therehadbeennoconviction tried thecaseinDistrictCourt, arguing prior. OurTuscaloosa officeadvocate possession ofmarijuanaseveralyears due tohishavingbeenchargedwith grandson wasontheno-trespasslist food. ThemanagerclaimedMonette’s lease whenhergrandsonbrought notice, claimingshehadviolatedher landlord sentheraleasetermination move-in. AfterMonette’s request, the any majormaintenancedonesinceher carpet replaced, asshehadnot that herapartmentbepaintedand community whenMonetterequested renovating severalapartmentsinthe disabled. Monette’s landlordhadbeen reserved forthelow-incomeelderlyand 15 years. Thepropertyisspecifically lived inHUD-subsidizedhousingfor wheelchair boundsenior, has rs. MonetteF., an86-year-old waived therighttoevictourclient. then acceptedtherentsubsidy, they of anyallegedbreachbyourclient, and concluded thatoncethelandlordknew left thecourtwithnochoice. Thecourt Authority ofBirminghamvDurrdecision Tenant Act alongwiththeHousing the AlabamaResidentialLandlord& hearing, LSAsuccessfullyarguedthat motion. At thesummaryjudgment refused. LSAfiledasummaryjudgment based onwaiver, butthelandlord dismiss theunlawfuldetaineraction Our advocatedemandedthelandlord month untiltheappealwasfiled. accepting theHUDrentsubsidyeach found thatthelandlordhadbeen appealed thecaseandindiscovery, entered judgmentforthelandlord. LSA Court disregardedtheargumentsand Funding Source Legal ServicesCorporation Tuscaloosa Office Tuscaloosa, Alabama—— Opensince 1980 Tuscaloosa ManagingAttorney Willie Mays Jones

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 — THE WORK THE — 15 Years of Great Advocacy ver the past 15 years, LSA has helped clients in over 100,000 cases. ONot all of those cases made headlines, but each one was significant to at Legal Services Alabama the person that Legal Services Alabama served. Below are some of the great moments in 15 years of client services at LSA.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

LSA wins the case of G.W. v. LSA creates our Call LSA files the case of Ervin v. Housing LSA wins the case of Herrin v. LSA is successful in Tiller v. YW Housing Partners, Sheriff of Jefferson County, Center in response Authority of Birmingham, alleging that the GreenTree, which allows for mobile which is the first case reviewed by Alabama appellate demonstrating that individuals to Hurricane Katrina. housing authority violated due process home owners to pay only the full value courts regarding the new Landlord and Tenant Act. cannot be imprisoned simply LSA is now easily when they failed to produce witnesses or of their mobile home, in bankruptcy, Tiller holds that a trial court must review evidence because they are financially accessible to everyone evidence before terminating a tenant’s under certain circumstances. regarding a tenant’s defense before evicting them. unable to pay their child around the state, benefits. Ervin eventually reached the It also recognizes the necessity of complying with support obligations. regardless of location. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which notice provisions under the new law. found in LSA’s favor without a hearing.

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

LSA wins Pruett v. Worldwide LSA closes more LSA protects a consumer’s right to protect their LSA wins Ervin v. Stackhouse, which LSA wins an injunction in Carter v. Montgomery Housing Asset Purchasing, which than 13,000 cases for wages in an important decision before the upheld a tenant’s right to sue their Authority, when the Housing Authority suddenly began holds that it is a debtor’s right Alabama citizens. Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. In Gutzmore landlord when the landlord illegally terminating tenants for traffic and minor criminal citations to choose which property v. Bartholomew, the court holds that a creditor turns off the power in an attempt to which were many years old. they will claim as exempt. must properly challenge a consumer’s right to evict them. protect their wages before the consumer can be forced to undergo further proceedings.

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

LSA wins Ex parte Hill, 166 701, When a grandmother’s vehicle LSA wins Ex parte Alabama LSA is successful in Merrida v. In a case of first impression, LSA which protects a domestic violence is repossessed for a fraudulent Department of Labor, an Credit Acceptance, which held that protects the rights of children victim’s right to have her case heard title loan taken out by a family important procedural case Alabama debtors may protect up to not to be disowned after a in the county, where it was filed, member, LSA files Powell v. recognizing that a low-income $1,000 in wages where there is no non-biological parent knowingly when her abusive spouse failed to Complete Cash Holdings, to have person’s appeal is filed timely, accumulation. accepts the role of parent for challenge venue. the vehicle returned. Although the regardless of when the trial court over a decade in G.R.B. v. L.J.B. amount was reduced on appeal, approves their hardship form. LSA wins over $300,000 for our client after a jury trial. 20 LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA I Improvement Project(REIP) LSA’s RuralEconomic REIP isalsostaffedbyafull-time staff projects inruralcountiesstatewide. of theCentralOfficeandcoordinates Attorney, FarahMajid, isbasedout The REIPCoordinatingProject been achallenge. accessing legalserviceshasalways far fromoneofLSA’s eight offices, are consideredrural. Forthoseliving majority ofAlabama’s 67counties counties throughoutAlabama. A the deliveryoflegalservicestorural Project (REIP), aimedatimproving the RuralEconomicImprovement Civil JusticeFoundation(ACJF) tofund received agrantfromtheAlabama n 2018, LegalServicesAlabama

REIP Coordinating Project Attorney Farah Majid access tojustice, andhelpsplacethem rural, low-incomeAlabamians, ensures aims toimprovethequalityoflifefor the fundingfromACJF, theREIPproject andusingtechnology.lawyers; Through and publiclibrarystaff;usingvolunteer non-lawyer serviceproviders non-lawyer rural clients, suchasutilizing innovative strategiestoreach They arealsoimplementing services inruralcounties. to aidinthedeliveryoflegal conducts outreachandclinics the BlackBelt. TheREIPstaff and servetheruralcountiesof based outoftheSelmaOffice Portis, respectively. Theyare Elizabeth HollieandIris attorney andaparalegal,

Alabamians. with other footing on equal Recovery Initiative LSA DisasterRelief and T ney ChrisMcCarywereonsiteconducting Attorney DavidWebster andStaffAttor- books andpersonalbelongings. Managing students losttheirhousing, computers, In oneapartmentcomplexalone, 504 and homesapartmentsdestroyed. Many Universitybuildingsweredamaged, and thesurroundingtown. damage toJacksonvilleStateUniversity from thetornadothatdidextensive immediate challengeofdisasterrelief launched inMarch2018withthe he Anniston/GadsdenOffice and securitydepositrefunds. ing, canceledleases, insuranceclaims, to help. Theprimaryissueswere:hous- pact LitigationUnitwasevenstandingby in privatebarvolunteers. LSA’s HighIm- LSA Boardmember, BillBroome, tobring attorneys werealsoincontactwithour there toofferadviceandassistance. The town residents. TheLSAattorneyswere contact pointforagencies, students, and center, whichopeneddaily, servedasa intake andgivingadvice. Acommunity

— REPORT ANNUAL 2018 — THE WORK THE — 2018 ANNUAL REPORT —— GRATITUDE 23 Tuscumbia Athens Huntsville Birmingham Mobile Birmingham Birmingham Tuskegee Institute Huntsville Montgomery Montgomery Tuskegee Jasper Birmingham Wetumpka Huntsville Huntsville Phoenix City Billingsley Tuscaloosa Montgomery Dothan Pine Apple Ashley Penhale, Esq., Penhale, Ashley Lizzie Pullom, Qahhaar, Avery Esq., Saxon, John D. Esq., Saxon, Yvonne Esq., Shepard, T. Tazewell Sims, Saintess Doris Smith, Esq., Charles Tatum, Laveeda M. Battle, Esq., M. Battle, Laveeda Esq., Norman Bradley, Esq., Campbell, Katy Esq., Craig, T. Hon. George Esq., Dorman, T. Richard Esq., Heflin, Jr. Thomas Howell Esq., Linda Henderson, Hereford, Willie Esq., A Hosp, Edward Mary Jackson, Jones, Karen Kelly, Marcia Ludgood, Esq., Merceria Esq., Anil A. Mujumdar,

President Esq. Mitchell, Phil D. Decatur President Vice M. Smith, Esq. Alexander Oneonta Secretary II Bennie L. Richardson, Rev. The Daphne Treasurer Esq. H. Broome, William Anniston Sylvia Mason Sylvia & Assistant Executive Liaison Directors of Board 2018 Board of Directors Board 2018 in the state with offices in Anniston, Anniston, with offices in in the state Huntsville, Dothan, Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Mobile, statewide call as well as a Tuscaloosa, to partner LSA also continues center. across the state with many agencies legal services to to provide critical who cannot individuals and families afford an attorney. are a reflection successes of not LSA’s only the dedication of its current staff who currently serve and board members, pre-merger predecessors but it’s LSA, who have served those in need for These individuals over four decades. epitomize the selfless dedication to the service to our client community and legal commitment to equal justice for all. first While we are celebrating the firm’s planning for we are already 15 years, the strategic growth and development of our capacity to increase the number will continue LSA of clients served. to expand its partnership with the Lawyers Volunteer Alabama State Bar Program to increase the number of LSA also continues rural legal clinics. to develop CLE approved webinars to provide training for volunteer LSA has assisted In addition, attorneys. the Alabama State Bar Solo & Small Practice Section by creating a forms bank for the use of all attorneys. like the together with partners Working Volunteer Alabama State Bar and its to LSA looks forward Lawyers Program, the next 15 years. ’m ’m honored to serve as to serve as the 2019 Board President for Legal Services Alabama. Last year, LSA enjoyed tremendous tremendous successes I

in advocacy and client outcomes in advocacy and client outcomes including preventing homelessness, legal ensuring women and children have assistance to escape domestic violence, protecting the elderly from abuse providing and financial exploitation, providing relief end of life planning, and issues, legal from disaster-related helping those with disabilities get the benefits to living a life with dignity. LSA celebrates its fifteenth This year, three anniversary since Alabama’s Legal – historic legal aid providers Legal Services Corporation of Alabama, Services of Metro Birmingham and Legal Services of North Central Alabama merged to form one statewide law – Included in our celebration is the firm. recognition of the continued support of the Alabama State Bar whose Board of Bar Commissioners approves the appointment of LSA attorney board members. LSA provides high quality civil legal services in all 67 counties of Alabama. law firm are now the 12th largest We Alexander M. Smith, Esq. M. Smith, Esq. Alexander 2019 Board President Board 2019

LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA SERVICES LEGAL

22 Board President’s Message President’s Board 2018 ANNUAL REPORT —— GRATITUDE 25 Gilbert B. Laden Gilbert B. Gillian Eckwall Norman & for Glen Taylor Helen Hibbard S. Lee Grace Esq. Guy E. Lescault, Henry Brewster Esq. Henry Caddell, Windham Lynne Hon. Vaneta Craig T. George Honorable Sue Bell Cobb Honorable (Ret.) Esq. Heflin Jr., Thomas Howell Esq. Irvin Grodsky, Hogin Thom J. Chouinard Jacques Esq. S. Pickett, Jaffe Esq. James Terrell, Clifton Perry, Esq. Perry, Clifton Dana L. Hadl Esq. Tipton, Danette Danielle Stockman Esq. Last, David Esq. R. Peeler, David Barune Deborah Hansen, Esq. Debra Doris Smith Esq. Dorman Richard Hardison & Cynthia Edward Bingham Edward Herbert Elizabeth S. Sapp Esq. Ernestine Smith Frank Aronov Freddi Moore Gary & Kathy

Individuals Taylor Abram Esq. Albert Brewer, M. Smith, Esq. Alexander Allie R. Jones Esq. Koh, Annette L. Culberson Ashley Qahhaar Avery Esq. Lyons, Marietta Beth Bodiford Bradley Hetrick D. Brenda Ann Braverman Carrie Privett Penny Caryl Harper Catherine Jr. Charles G. Spradling Charles Hart Clark H. Lankford Partners for Justice Partners Non-LSC Grant Revenue Grant Non-LSC HUD/West Tennessee Legal Services Legal Tennessee HUD/West Service Revenue Internal Corporation Services Legal Clinic Taxpayer Low-Income University Loyola Foundation McDowell-Hartman Mobile Bar Foundation CDBG Mobile County (ADECA) Leviticus Project DV Montgomery (ADECA) Center Justice Family One Place Veterans Priority Way United Alabama of Central Way United

Grantors Alabama Civil Justice Foundation Alabama Civil Justice and of Economic Alabama Department (ADECA)(VOCA) Affairs Community Foundation Alabama Law Foundation Annie E. Casey Consortium Alabama Aging Central of Birmingham City of Huntsville City of Mobile City of Tuscaloosa City of Alabama Daniel Foundation Planning and Alabama Regional East (EARPDC) Commission Development On behalf of the LSA Board, staff and clients, thank thank Board, staff and clients, the LSA On behalf of who volunteers partners and you to our grantors, equal access to provide joined us in our effort have all Alabamians. to justice for THANK YOU THANK LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA SERVICES LEGAL 24 2018 ANNUAL REPORT —— GRATITUDE 27 RoiLisa Prevo RoiLisa Ann Ramirez Leslie Rust Collin Anna Saunders Lily Shropshire Slawkowski Penny Maggie Smith Taylor Demetrius Tharaud Louise Thompson Robert Thull Tyler Miguel Torres Trammel Keitt Trimble Maya Westry Chastity Annie Wilkerson Megan Williams Williams Ronnie Williams Valnita Wilson Brittany Diana Wilson SOUTH ALABAMA ALABAMA SOUTH LAWYERS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 388 BAR STATE ALABAMA LAWYERS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 324 Julia Hoffman Hutchens Courtney Imam Tamara Summer Jackson Ishmael Jaffree Joseph Jasper Jenkins Brooklyn Johnson Tristan Johnson Dinissa Keith Thomas Kemp Patricia Claudine LaFrance Ellen Larson Ledbetter Misty Leggin Laura Lynn Brittany McDaniel Lauren Miller Ashley Eric Nelson O’Bannon LaWanda Pendergrass Drew Allison Phillips 79 VOLUNTEER LAWYERS LAWYERS VOLUNTEER BIRMINGHAM 2,780 COUNTY MONTGOMERY VOLUNTEER BAR PROGRAM LAWYERS 2 Volunteer Lawyer Program Volunteer by Program Cases Closed THANK YOU THANK YOU OUR MANY TO VOLUNTEER LAWYERS COUNTY MADISON LAWYERS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 488 Volunteers Ackles Veronica Channing Adams John Adams Allen Ashley Baker Adele Bennett Elsbeth Deana Breckenridge Hahna Burney Brian Caffey Chloe Cardwell Joana Carter Clark Joyce Darrius Culpepper Davis Levonna Day Gavin Lichelle Drakeford Frey Caleb Larry Gardella Glass Leverius Green Sarah Michelle Herd Hill Sarah

(Faulkner Law) (Faulkner Birmingham School of Law THE FOLLOWING LAW SCHOOLS SCHOOLS LAW THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS: PROVIDE of The University Alabama School of Law Cumberland School of Law Thomas Goode Jones School of Law William Broome, Esq. Broome, William Esq. Dawson, William Gill, Esq. William Esq. Towers, William Powell & Gaynell Willie Hereferd W. Willie Rodgers Willie Esq. Saxon, Yvonne Businesses Assoc. Leadership Alagasco AmazonSmile Facebook Manufacturing Hyundai Motor Alabama Bar Madison County Association Inc. Realty, Company Moore & Hayes Glover Prince, Bar Foundation Tuscaloosa Cont. Michael Sales Platter Nancy Norman A. Dodd Esq. Norman Bradley, Eberharter Paul Johnson Paul Turner Peggy Esq. Mitchell, Phil D. Queen Knox Esq. Randy Haynes, II Bennie Richardson Rev. Morris T. Rebie Frankowski Richard Esq. “Rick” Davis, J. Richard Dorman, Esq. T. Richard Esq. Segall, Robert Reyes Rory Brown Ruby Sims Saintess Esq. Samuel Crosby, Zampierin Sara Bynum Stanley Blackburn, Esq. Stephanie Jackson Stephen Sue McInnish III Esq. Shepard, T. Tazewell S. Randolph Terresa Oden Tina Ogle Tina Daniel Tracy VL Duratheheir Esq. Hayes, Walter

Jared Morris Jared Jerry & Ginger Held Jerry Held, Esq. Esq. John A. Earnhardt, Esq. Saxon, John D. Esq. Juanita Lee, Jones Karen Esq. Campbell, Katy Esq. Hampton, Kenneth Morgan Kristin H. Clark Lankford Esq. Larry Gardella, Spooner Larry and Yvonne Muhammad, Esq. Lateefah Bixby Laura Esq. Farrar, Laurel Esq. Morgan-Battle, LaVeeda Esq. Linda Henderson, Lizzie Pullom Esq. Towers, B. Lura Esq. Windham, V. Lynn Kelly Marcia Mark Nelson Mary Jackson Esq. Mary Pons, McCroskey & Sarah Matthew Borenstein Matthew DeCarolis Matthew Esq. Melvin Camp, Ludgood, Esq. Merceria Michael Camerio Michael Dill, Esq.

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26 Partners for Justice Justice for Partners 2018 ANNUAL REPORT —— OUR TEAM 29

Kelly Carmody worked with LSA staff and staff with LSA worked Carmody Kelly Strategic LSA’s develop to members board Plan provides Strategic LSA Plan. The client- excellent provide map to a road 2021. through and advocacy service PLANNING AHEAD FOR EXCELLENT EXCELLENT AHEAD FOR PLANNING AND ADVOCACY CLIENT SERVICE 14 NEW EMPLOYEES IN 2018 14 NEW EMPLOYEES Our staff grew in 2018 and were welcomed welcomed and were in 2018 grew Our staff Orientations. Employee our New at

The new office was dedicated to to dedicated was office new The Attorney members long-time board Board Client and Norman Bradley Hereford. Member Willie installed new doors that are more more are that doors new installed and added bright accessible client signs on the building. new OUR BIRMINGHAM OFFICE OUR HUNTSVILLE OFFICE OUR HUNTSVILLE moved to a location more accessible accessible more a location to moved is near a bus office The our clients. to for has parking available and stop and clients. staff

LSA HONORED Tommy Wells and Wells Tommy Sue McInnish in of appreciation for their work the low-income of citizens Alabama.

ONE FIRM, ONE FOCUS, ONE MISSION ONE MISSION ONE FIRM, ONE FOCUS, to hard worked committee conference statewide LSA’s our annual conference. at agenda a comprehensive provide gathered and board volunteers bono lawyers, pro Our staff, in a participate join in training, to the state all over from recognition. and enjoy simulation poverty

Debra Hansen Debra Operations of Director

LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA SERVICES LEGAL

28 Operations Report Operations 2018 ANNUAL REPORT —— OUR TEAM 31

Justice Center Justice Haynie Leigh Staff Attorney Jim Smith Staff Attorney Selma Office Pettway Felecia Managing Attorney Danielle Edwards Paralegal Hollie Elizabeth Staff Attorney * Iris Portis Assistant Administrative Office Tuscaloosa Jones Mays Willie Managing Attorney Barnes* Pam Assistant Administrative Chambless T. Ricky Staff Attorney Gabriel DeMoske Staff Attorney Perry Myer Perry Staff Attorney Nannie Reed Staff Attorney Family One Place

Rachele Reis Staff Attorney Ramos Gregory Attorney Staff Norman Roman Staff Attorney Sherry Rudolph Assistant Administrative Smitherman Caitlin Staff Attorney Office Montgomery Blackburn Stephanie Managing Attorney Rowell Andriette Lead Attorney * Armstrong Hilaire Staff Attorney Faulk Peyton Staff Attorney Hall Joyce Assistant Administrative Hall Whitley Staff Attorney Hollingshead Shevetta Receptionist Jordan Lee Staff Attorney Kirkland Maceo Staff Attorney Last Stephen Staff Attorney

LSA would like to thank Desiree Taylor (LSA’s Communications Coordinator), the LSA the LSA Coordinator), Communications (LSA’s Taylor thank Desiree to like would LSA Annual our 2018 make helping to Union for Liaisons and Handshake Communication possible. Report Liaison Communication * LSA Huntville Office Huntville Holly Ray Attorney Managing Jackson Pamela Lead Attorney C. Henderson Meteasa Staff Attorney Lewis Christine Assistant Administrative Majid Farah Staff Attorney * McFalls Laurie Synco Staff Attorney of the Shoals One Place Center Justice Family Brannon Tyler Staff Attorney Mobile Office Ann Brown Managing Attorney Tipton Charlotte Lead Attorney Lisa Cooper Assistant Administrative * Harold Tamara Assistant Administrative Julia Hoffman Jesuit Jerome-Williams Valynda Staff Attorney Kingston Tim Staff Attorney

Wilson Webb Wilson Staff Attorney Center Call James Chipley Managing Attorney DeJournette Catherine Intake Screener Arianna Boyd Intake Screener Flynn Pamela Assistant Administrative Gaines Austin Paralegal Jones Renea Intake Screener Knight Amy Intake Screener Mann Lydia Intake Screener Moorhouse Stanley Staff Attorney Parks Adriene Intake Screener Doris Pincheon Intake Screener Dothan Office Melvin Tracie Managing Attorney * Rachelle Greczyn Staff Attorney Angela Newton Assistant Administrative Mary Jane Oakley Staff Attorney

Anniston Office Anniston Staff Attorney James Rich Staff Attorney Birmingham Office * Luckett Barbara Managing Attorney Rae Bolton Staff Attorney Finn Chundra Staff Attorney Michael Letson Staff Attorney E. Moore Janice Assistant Administrative Mok Jonathan David Webster David Managing Attorney * Jolene Laymon Assistant Administrative McCary Christopher Assistant Administrative Johnson Kendra Staff Attorney Lisa Overton Staff Attorney Suggs Doss Faye Staff Attorney Thompson Tamara Assistant Administrative Trabanino Patricia Assistant Administrative Wade Jessica Paralegal

Executive Team Executive Guy Lescault Interim Executive Director Pickett Jaffe Deputy Director Mason Sylvia Executive Assistant Michael Forton Director of Advocacy Hansen Debra Director of Operations Roberson David Controller Office Central IT Project Coordinator Jones Desiree Specialist Accounts Graham Dorothy Christine Davis Christine Grants Manager Hayes Tommy IT Manager Jones Christopher Development Coordinator Nelson Latresha Accounts Specialist Accounts Rogers TaKenya Operations Administrator Taylor Desiree Communications and Communications and Community Development Coordinator

LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA SERVICES LEGAL

30 Our Team Our 2018 ANNUAL REPORT —— FINANCIAL 33

299 75,527 35,293 $3,980 161,653 717,936 136,228 747,215 $ 696,133 $25, $ $ 7,818,170 443,348 1,246,717 $ ,979,823 $ $ $2, 7,904,296 $1,060,403 $4,9 $3, $7 $2,969,003 $ $4, 402,524 1, $

VOLUNTEER SERVICES IN 2018. SERVICES VOLUNTEER

LSA RECEIVED LSA IN

2018 Financial Highlights Financial 2018 Investments Cash & Receivables Cash Equipment and Property Revenue Expenditures Assets Liabilities Accounts Payable Accounts Trust Client Other ASSETS TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL TOTAL LIABILITIES TOTAL Grant Revenue Grant Other Revenue TOTAL REVENUE TOTAL TOTAL EXPENDITURES TOTAL Assets Change in Net Direct Services & Support Staff & Services Direct Operations

32,000 7 $ A FROM INCREASE 2017 Controller David Roberson David

7 5,979 61,581 35,293 70,864 524,379 $2 $33 $ 1,075,247 $364,30 $2 $ $4,9

IN GRANT

FUNDING OVER FUNDING OVER ational These partnerships will allow .

million A continues to receive strong to receive strong A continues LSA was able to serve clients in over clients in over LSA was able to serve

S the LSA was its funders. support from Direct Services & Support Staff Services Direct T T Other Oper Clien 8 Offic Pr

andTravel raining echnology &Equipment Contracts t Services &Contracts Fees ofessional e Locations

for the implementation of much-needed for the implementation of much-needed projects around the state. recipient of $7.8 million in grant awards million in grant awards recipient of $7.8 With a $732,000 increase from in 2018. 2017, 67 across Alabama’s 11,000 cases from counties. financial performance is at- strong LSA’s and di- tributed to a new focus—expanding resources through new versifying financial partnerships

LSA EXPENSES BY LINE ITEM EXPENSES BY LSA AWARDS, AWARDS, 7.8 7.8

11,000 CASES STATE-WIDE. CASES 11,000 L

LEGAL SERVICES ALABAMA SERVICES LEGAL

32 Financial Report Financial Legal Services Alabama Centralized Intake Hotline Central Office 866 456 4995 P.O. Box 20787 Spanish Hotline Montgomery, AL 36120 888 835 3505

LSA Local Offices

Anniston Office Mobile Office P.O. Box 5431 104 Saint Francis Street, Suite 700 Glencoe, AL 35905 Mobile, AL 36602 256 399 2548 251 433 6560

Birmingham Office Montgomery Office 1820 7th Ave., North, Suite 200 2567 Fairlane Drive, Suite 200 Birmingham, AL 35203 Montgomery, AL 36116 205 328 3540 334 832 4570

Dothan Office Selma Office 224 West Main Street 801 Alabama Avenue, Suite 250 Dothan, AL 36301 Selma, AL 36701 334 793 7932 334 872 1355

Huntsville Office Tuscaloosa Office 610 Airport Road SW, Suite 200 2315 9th Street, Suite 3A Huntsville, AL 35802 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 256 536 9645 205 758 7503

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