As I reflect on my tenure as FFLA’s president this past year, I am proud to report that it has been a year of remarkable achievement for our organization, and there is much more to come!
With increased IOTA funding, FFLA has seen demonstrable growth in our programming. This summer, 47 law students will work as Summer Fellows in legal aid organizations across the state, up from 14 last year. We are in the process of creating an Elder Law grant program that we plan to roll out in 2027.
We are also developing a disaster relief program in which grantees will be funded to provide continuing legal education to Voluntary Bar Associations (VBA). Local communities often turn to VBAs for help after a disaster, and we are confident that our grantees have much wisdom to share with them.
FFLA is also continuing our efforts to help grantees build capacity. We have increased our subsidies for legal research and case management services, and we are working on an AI workshop for better office management. Our Loan Repayment Assistance Program has grown, with more than 210 legal aid lawyers applying for loans this year to pay down their law school loans.
Our board and staff remain focused as always on the IOTA rule and the objective standards. It has been an honor to oversee the responsible and transparent management of the funding entrusted to us.
Lastly, I hope to see you at our Annual Award Ceremony and Breakfast on June 18. It will be an uplifting event as always.
