Atlanta, GA (October 2025) — The Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) is proud to share that Executive Director Michael Lucas has been invited to speak at the American Bar Association’s 2025 Access to Justice Conference, taking place this week.
Michael will join a distinguished panel of national leaders for the Joint ATJ/IOLTA Plenary session titled “The Evolving Federal Landscape & What It Means for State Access to Justice Commissions and IOLTA Programs.”
A distinguished panel of speakers representing a variety of justice system stakeholder perspectives will examine the structural changes to federal agencies and funding, and their cascading effects on state and local legal systems. Panelists will discuss new priorities as reflected in federal funding availability, grant requirements, agency staffing and regulatory changes. Additionally, the panel will explore how these changes impact both the civil and criminal justice systems, the courts, and legal aid providers. Speakers will share examples of emerging adaptations by state and local authorities to maintain essential legal system services through innovative partnerships and funding strategies.
Panelists: Karen A. Lash (Moderator), Access to Justice Law and Policy Consultant, Lash Consulting LLC; Betty Balli Torres, Executive Director, Texas Access to Justice Foundation; Reena Shah, Executive Director, Maryland Access to Justice Commission; Isabel Shapiro, Principal Associate, Courts and Communities Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts; Anne Sweeney, Chief, Civil Legal Services, National Legal Aid and Defender Association; Michael Lucas, Executive Director, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation.
At AVLF, our mission is to create safe and stable homes and communities by bridging the gap between the legal system and those who need its protection most. Michael’s participation in this national conversation reflects AVLF’s ongoing commitment to advocating for equitable access to justice and strengthening systems that serve our community.
The ABA Access to Justice Conference brings together leaders from across the legal services field including advocates, funders, policymakers, and community organizations to address emerging challenges and opportunities in access to justice.
Stay connected with AVLF for updates from the conference and more stories about how we’re advancing justice for all in Atlanta.
📅 Learn more about the ABA Access to Justice Conference here.