“Expanding access to justice requires innovation and moving past the idea that an attorney or a courtroom is the best or only solution for Alaskans.” Alaska Court System’s Justice for All Statewide Action Plan.
Although ALSC attorneys and staff work tirelessly to address the civil legal needs of Alaskans, the need for legal aid is far greater than any organization’s capacity to address it. In 2019, the Community Justice Worker program began as a new approach to solving the justice gap, by empowering legal advocates in rural Alaska communities to provide certain legal services with ALSC’s training and supervision. This program is the first of its kind in the nation, a partnership of ALSC, Alaska Pacific University, and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium that looks beyond lawyer-based solutions to achieve justice.
Momentum is building as this groundbreaking project has caught the attention of thought leaders across the globe. The Alaska Supreme Court has approved a waiver that will permit Community Justice Workers trained and supervised by ALSC to provide limited scope legal help in certain situations. Over the next year, an American Bar Foundation-affiliated research team will help us design the evidence-based training programs needed to expand the skills and practice of our Community Justice Workers and bring this project to scale across our state as well as in other communities that face similar challenges.
Program Information
About Alaska Bar Rule 43.5 – CJW waivers
Talk Justice podcast on CJW Program
Talk Justice podcast on IAALS Report Featuring CJW Program
IAALS Report On Allied Legal Professionals
Information for Community Justice Workers
The ALSC Community Justice Worker Program is proud to partner with the Alaska Pacific University and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to provide trainings for those interested in becoming Community Justice Workers. The courses are all online and done at your own pace. We ask that anyone taking them commit to assisting at least one ALSC client with that specific legal issue. The courses are free to those who make a commitment to assist others with their newly obtained legal training. If you are interested in getting involved, know someone who might be interested, or are looking for more information, please fill out the registration form below. For more information about the program, please contact ALSC senior staff attorney Sarah Carver at scarver@alsc-law.org or (907) 406-2222.
