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Cohen Joins ABA in Calling for More Federal Support of Memphis Area Legal Services

June 22, 2010

MEMPHIS, TN – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today joined with the American Bar Association (ABA) to call for more federal support of Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS). In April, the Congressman received the ABA Day Award for his work to increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and for working to address racial and ethnic disparities in the federal criminal justice system.

“Memphis Area Legal Services has helped thousands of people over the years,” said Congressman Cohen. “Whether you’re facing domestic violence, mortgage foreclosure or predatory lending, Memphis Area Legal Services is there when you need help. It is vital that we work to ensure that those who need a lawyer get the legal representation they deserve.”

MALS is the primary provider of civil legal representation to low income families in western Tennessee. MALS helps individuals and families facing critical, sometimes life-threatening situations such as:

  • Domestic violence;
  • Mortgage foreclosure, eviction or homelessness;
  • Wrongful denial of health care, food stamps, unemployment compensation and other assistance;
  • Consumer fraud or predatory lending; and
  • Special challenges of children and the elderly.


In presenting the award in April, the ABA recognized Congressman Cohen’s efforts as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation Act. LSC was established by Congress in 1974 to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for civil legal assistance to low-income families, but the Act has not been reauthorized since 1977. ABA also recognized the Congressman for authoring the Justice Integrity Act to address racial and ethnic disparities in the federal criminal justice system by establishing advisory panels to study the problem and recommend solutions.

The ABA is a group of lawyers that works to improve the legal system for the public, provides law school accreditation, legal education and information about the law. It also organizes and administers programs to assist lawyers and judges. The ABA has more than 400,000 members across the country.

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Issues:Memphis