New Jersey Legal Services–Our Journey

Legal Services’ first 50 years (1966–2016) was distinguished by an immediate transformation from a predominantly voluntary, part-time, advice and very limited representation model to a system that was principally publicly funded, staffed full-time, and geared to providing full representation to the conclusion of a matter. The journey has been challenging, with distinct expand–then–retreat phases. At times, low-income communities across the state and nation experienced a sense of abandonment, often abrupt, as funding was cut, staff terminated, and, in extreme circumstances, even some offices closed. Nonetheless, the state and national Legal Services systems have persevered, testament to the commitment and courage of staff and supporters, and the strength and resilience of the communities being served. The survival of Legal Services bears further witness to how the arc of the moral universe still bends towards justice.