On Wednesday, Second Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan announced that the Circuit has been granted an Access to Justice grant for the third consecutive year. This grant, made possible by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, aims to support programs designed to assist self-represented litigants.
In 2022, the Circuit introduced the “Lawyer in the Library” program at a pilot site in Franklin County. This initiative involved a local attorney meeting one-on-one with individuals at the library to provide free legal information and guidance. Last year’s grant allowed for the expansion of these services to three additional counties within the Circuit: Gallatin, Hamilton, and Richland. This year’s grant will not only sustain these programs but also establish an additional location in White County.
Chief Judge Morgan expressed her appreciation for the grant, highlighting the importance of the program’s success and growth. She thanked the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice and the Administrative Office for their ongoing support, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with libraries, courthouses, and attorneys that have made the program successful. Judge Morgan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to further expand outreach efforts with this year’s grant.
The Second Judicial Circuit encompasses twelve counties: Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White.
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