News and Updates

This Wednesday is Deadline to Complete Census

Only two days remain to be counted in the 2020 Census. The window is closing for us to make a positive impact on the next 10 years in our state. Alabama's response rate is sobering low, and a reduction in Alabama’s census could have adverse impacts to federally funded public service programs that affect every single resident. If you've already participated, encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do so as well. Visit http://my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to get counted!

Volunteer Lawyers Program Awarded Disaster Expense Grant

The Alabama State Bar's Volunteer Lawyers Program was awarded an Emergency Relief Grant from the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation! The grant was specifically related to COVID-19, and monies will be used to better serve clients through virtual assistance and programming, as well as personal protective equipment needed for in-person clinics. Congratulations to VLP Director Linda Lund on her hard work, and thank you to the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation!

Pro Bono Month Starts This Week!

This October will mark the 12th annual Pro Bono Month Celebration in Alabama. While this year’s celebration will look different than years past, what has not changed is our commitment to showcase the important work done by pro bono attorneys throughout the state. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for pro bono assistance, and we’re counting on you to rise to the challenge to respond to the growing demand for access to justice. If you are not already, consider joining a volunteer lawyer program in your area, or providing financial support.  You can also sign up to be a part of Alabama.FreeLegalAnswers.org – which is an easy way to volunteer your time online. We will highlight pro bono stories each Monday in October here in the Scoop as well as a series of free CLEs planned for Pro Bono Month!

Montgomery County Bar to Host Election Legal Issues CLE

Birmingham Bar to Host Free Voting Rights CLE

Other Upcoming Live CLE Courses on Zoom

Oct. 6 from 12 - 1 PM - The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Workers’ Compensation Claims
Register here.
 
Oct. 7 from 12 - 1 PM - Garnishment Update with Hilaire Armstrong, Alabama Bankruptcy Assistance Project Coordinator Register here. 

Don't forget, we have more than a dozen free, on-demand courses available at https://alabar.prolearn.io. Find step-by-step instructions for the platform here. 

Enhanced Online Service Available for Attorneys in Medicaid Benefit Recovery and Subrogation Claims

The Alabama Medicaid Agency’s Third Party Liability Unit now has an enhanced web portal available to Alabama attorneys called Subrogation On-Line Attorney Referral Information Service Plus, or “SOLARISPlus.” It allows Alabama attorneys and/or paralegals to create and manage their subrogation cases from start to finish.  Attorneys and paralegals are also able to upload, generate, and submit requests and relevant case documentation, including HIPAA-compliant medical authorizations and lien documents, all through a single intuitive platform.  Read more here.

Judge French Releases Video on Safety Precautions for Jurors

Kudos to President Judge Elisabeth French in the Tenth Judicial Circuit on her video promoting the COVID-19 protocols the courts are putting in place to protect the safety of jurors. 

ICYMI: Cumberland School of Law Partners with Tuskegee University for Accelerated Program

Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and Tuskegee University have partnered to offer Tuskegee undergraduate students an accelerated bachelor’s to Juris Doctor program. This partnership, more commonly known as a 3+3 partnership, creates a pathway for students to receive a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee and a law degree from Cumberland in six years of study, rather than the traditional seven. Read more here.