ATJ Commission Launches Additional Legal Help Access Points in Louisiana The Louisiana Access to Justice Commission recently launched two additional Legal Help Access Point locations, with one in Chalmette and another in DeRidder. The Access Points are physical computers or booths that allow users to access a spectrum of services and information to get assistance with their civil legal issues. At the Access Points, users can: get access to Self-Help resources and automated court forms; find out if you qualify for free legal aid; get customized legal help and referrals through the Civil Legal Navigator; meet virtually with an attorney in a confidential enclosed space; attend a virtual hearing with participating courts via an online court program.On July 9, 2024, the Louisiana Access to Justice (ATJ) Commission and Justice for All (JFA) Project partners celebrated the launch of the Legal Help Access Point with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the St. Bernard Parish Government Complex in Chalmette. This new community resource, located in the first-floor lobby, provides vital legal resources to the community at no cost on a walk-in basis to those needing assistance with civil legal matters. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes, members of the St. Bernard Parish Chamber of Commerce, Director Rhett Pritchard, Sheriff James Pohlmann, and distinguished guest, the Honorable Chief Justice John Wiemer of the Louisiana State Supreme Court. Chief Justice Wiemer, who was instrumental in delivering this program to St. Bernard Parish, also delivered opening remarks. Also in attendance were Judges Kim Jones, Jeanne Juneau, and Billy McGoey of the 34th Judicial District Court, District Attorney Perry Nicosia, and Parish Councilmembers Patrice Cusimano and Ryan Randall, along with several members of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Lagniappe Law Lab, and local community members. Prior to then, on November 15, 2023, the ATJ Commission and partners celebrated the launch of a Legal Help Access Point in DeRidder at the Beauregard Parish Library. Those in attendance of the ribbon cutting ceremony included: Judge Martha Ann O’Neal, 36th JDC, Judge C. Kerry Anderson, 36th JDC, Mayor Misty Clanton of DeRidder, District Attorney James R. Lestage, 36th JDC, several members of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Lagniappe Law Lab, and local community members. These locations are essential to the communities they serve, especially to low-income and disadvantaged individuals. Together these Access Points will help serve their communities with much needed resources while also reducing the amount of Louisiana that is encompassed by civil legal resource deserts. This project would not be possible without the support and hard work of Lagniappe Law Lab, the Louisiana Bar Foundation, local parish and government leaders, library staff, and many other community organizations. Pictures from the Legal Help Access Point Ribbon Cutting in Chalmette: (Left to right) Rachael Mills, LA State Bar Association, Amanda Brown, Lagniappe Law Lab, Judge Kim Jones, 34th JDC, Judge William McGoey, 34th JDC, Perry Nicosia, St. Bernard Parish District Attorney, Judge Jeanne Juneau, 34th JDC, St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes, James Pohlmann, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff, Patrice Cusimano, St. Bernard Parish City Council, Chief Justice John L. Weimer, and Ryan Randall, St. Bernard Parish City Council. Amanda Brown, Lagniappe Law Lab Judge Jeanne Juneau, 34th JDC, & St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes Pictures from the Legal Help Access Point Ribbon Cutting in DeRidder: (Left to right) Amanda Brown, Lagniappe Law Lab, Margaret Derise, Acadiana Legal Service Corporations, Erin Chesnutt, Beauregard Parish Library Director, Judge Martha Ann O’Neal, 36th JDC, Mayor Misty Clanton of DeRidder, and Rachael Mills, LA State Bar Association. Margaret Derise, Acadiana Legal Service Corporations, showing library staff how the Access Point works Judge Martha Ann O’Neal, 36th JDC