Costa Mesa partner Joseph Chairez co-authored an article, "Mind the Gap," which was published in the March 29, 2010, edition of the Los Angeles Daily Journal. His co-author was Joanne Caruso, a partner with Howrey LLP. Chairez is a past member and Caruso is a current member of the California Commission on Access to Justice, which was established to explore ways to improve access to civil justice for Californians living on low and moderate incomes.
According to the authors, the "Justice Gap Fund" in California helps sustain the legal service organizations that "are on the front lines of the critical battle against injustice." The authors continue: "In California, six million people in need face serious civil legal problems . . . For many of these people, getting the help of a skilled lawyer is literally a matter of life and death."
Chairez and Caruso's article goes on to provide information on the scope of the work being done by the legal service programs and attorneys in California for these indigent populations. The programs are substantially supported by the State Bar, but given the volume of those needing service, "public funding for legal aid is at the level of $16 for each potential client, regardless of whether they need self-help assistance or are the named plaintiff in major impact litigation."
The authors appeal for support of the Justice Gap Fund, noting: "As attorneys, we enjoy exceptional power and privilege. With these advantages comes an obligation to make sure that the system works for all of us, and not to the detriment of the marginalized and voiceless."