An Interlude of Restoration
1992
Led by its chair Joel Kobert, the IOLTA Board recommends to the Supreme Court adoption of a mandatory IOLTA program, which the court approves.
Bill Clinton, whose wife Hillary was a former LSC Board Chair (1978–1980), is elected President. During the campaign, he declares his support for an effective, adequately-funded national Legal Services program.
LSNJ completes work on a set of “Performance Criteria for the Delivery of Legal Services,” which is implemented for IOLTA evaluations in New Jersey and by year-end has been adopted by the LSC as a national standard for its Comparative Demonstrative Project.
1993
President Clinton designates Douglas Eakeley, former LSNJ Board chair, as Chair of the national LSC Board. The remainder of the new Board is nominated and confirmed over the summer and sworn in during a White House ceremony in the fall.
LSNJ secures a state appropriation increase of $500,000; funding now totals $2.5 million.
Mandatory IOLTA takes effect by the end of the year, beginning to offset declining IOLTA revenue, caused primarily by a drop in interest rates.
1994
The new LSC Board takes hold, hiring Alexander Forger as President. The national LSC appropriation increases to $415 million, an all-time high (in nominal dollars). The new LSC leadership staffs up, discharging carryover staff perceived to be non-supportive of the program.
The new LSC Board initiates broad positive changes in program evaluation and monitoring, delivery of supportive services, and other areas.
IOLTA revenues continue to drop, mirroring a national trend, but the drop is largely offset by the positive effects of the mandatory program.
In November, control of both houses of Congress shifts.