As mentioned in a previous blog post, much of the funding comes from the interest gained on an obscure pooled account called the Lawyers’ Trust Account program. This account contains money from certain escrow funds that is set aside by lawyers to serve clients. More money the lawyers put in, the greater money available to clients who need legal defense. The less money that comes in and the lower the interest rate (which is the case right now), the less there is available to serve clients.

This Globe article highlights the struggles occurring in Massachusetts legal aid organizations.

Just a years ago, there were jobs with banks that paid handsomely and required 100-hour work weeks. Now, however, these jobs are not on the market and students are looking to pursue different avenues. That may turn out to be a good thing for public service, according to this Boston Globe article.

“There’s always that push to make money and be comfortable, but the financial crisis made me think that there’s a lot more in life than going to get that corporate job,” said Matthew Clair, a Harvard government major who will spend the next two years teaching at an Atlanta primary school. “It gave me a good excuse to take some more time off to do what I’m really passionate about.”

Statistics from the National Association from Colleges and Employers show that the anticipated hiring rate for the 2009 graduating class will drop over 21% from 2008. Statistics also show that there is an anticipated increase in Teach for America applicants. One can imagine the applicants for the City Year program will see an increase as well. So, while there is a deepening economic recession, there appears to be an increasing appeal to the idea of committing to public service.

The article highlights how the subprime mortgage crisis played out both on the macro and micro level. Focusing on few families in Atlanta, Georgia, the article tries to focus on what the families went through in their efforts to keep their home.

Sarah Bolling an ‘07 alumni, is featured in the article. Bolling, who is currently working for the Legal Aid Society in Atlanta, is defending the Mitchell family and other families hit hard by the mortgage crisis.

To read the article, clink on this link