Opinion ID: 1634097
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Indicators Suggest Arkansas' Unmet Need is Substantial

Text: While there are no comprehensive studies of the unmet civil legal needs of poor and near poor Arkansans, case data from Arkansas' two legal services providers suggest the unmet need is substantial.  Just 21% of the 12,588 cases Arkansas' two legal services providers completed in 2002 received full representation while 71% were given advice and counsel. While advice met the needs of some, a significant number would have benefited from full representation. An additional 3,022 cases were pending at the end of the year.  In addition to completed cases, Arkansas' legal services providers had to reject 4,858 cases in 2002 due to conflicts and other factors. This number does not include individuals who call and no case is opened.  Demand for civil legal services for the poor is increasing. Arkansas' legal services providers completed seven percent more cases in 2002 than 2001. Requests for assistance are expected to accelerate in 2003 due to the declining economy, at a time when staff reductions at Arkansas' legal services providers will make it difficult to maintain the current level of services.  Despite the growing need, the number of cases handled on a pro bono basis was more or less flat from 2001 to 2002.  Due to a decline in Arkansas' share of the national poverty population, federal funds will decline in 2003 at the same time that Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) funds are decreasing. Arkansas' legal services providers have seen their revenue slashed nearly 20%, making it necessary to eliminate six support staff and nine attorney positions in 2003.