ASHLEIGH STARNES | APRIL 15, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented challenges for the legal services community. The State Bar’s new committee is coming up with a plan.
The COVID-19 crisis is affecting every aspect of our social systems, including the legal services community. As more and more low income families are impacted by the crisis, the challenges for legal services are compounding: How are documents signed and notarized? How can we meet with clients securely online? How will the courts operate, and how can we adapt?
In late March, State Bar President Darrell Sutton formed a committee to participate in a joint task-force with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society and Georgia Legal Services Program on the delivery of legal services to low-income Georgians and others needing assistance during the pandemic.
The Committee is pouring their best ideas into creative problem-solving so that low-income Georgians can get the help they need in these uncertain times.
Our Family Law Program Managing Attorney Audrey Bergeson, along with 23 other members of Georgia’s legal services community, was appointed to the committee by President Sutton.
As the pandemic continues to disrupt our legal system – and stretch the capacity of the civil legal aid system around the country – the Committee is pouring their best ideas into creative problem-solving so that low-income Georgians can get the help they need in these uncertain times.
Do you have ideas about providing legal services during the pandemic? Submit your concerns and suggestions to the Committee here.
Ashleigh Starnes
Communications Manager
As AVLF’s Communications Manager, Ashleigh develops strategy, design, and content for AVLF’s digital and print communications. She’s deeply committed to sharing resources and education with her community at large – and makes it her mission to support AVLF’s programs and outreach in all they do.
Ashleigh is an Atlanta native. Before joining AVLF, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Turkey. Ashleigh holds a Bachelor’s in English and Linguistics from the University of Georgia. She is also a performance artist, and can occasionally be seen performing movement pieces, poetry, and combinations of the two around Atlanta and beyond.