Member Spotlight

The August/September 2024 Member Spotlight shines on the Alabama Law Foundation.

Access To Justice:

The Alabama Law Foundation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that every citizen of Alabama has access to justice and holds a profound respect for the law. As the sole charitable, tax-exempt entity associated with the Alabama State Bar, the foundation empowers the state’s attorneys to make a significant positive impact on the lives of countless Alabama residents. Proudly representing the Heart of the Bar, the foundation’s work is truly transformative.

The Alabama Law Foundation and its Board of Directors manage a variety of programs designed to empower lawyers, enhance their profession, and contribute to their communities. Each year, the foundation awards grants to organizations providing free legal assistance in civil cases, supports projects that advance the administration of justice, and promotes law-related education.

Our Impact in Numbers:

• Expanded access to justice for thousands of Alabamians
• Distributed $24.5 million in grants
• Assisted over 30 students with their law school expenses
• Provided $681,500 in Kids’ Chance Scholarships to more than 200 students
• Founded the Atticus Finch Society, now with 99 charter members
• Honored 473 Fellows for their outstanding contributions to the foundation and their communities

About The Alabama Law Foundation | Video: 8 Minutes 40 Seconds

A Brief History of the Alabama Law Foundation:

• 1987: Launched as the only statewide 501(c)(3) organization supporting civil legal aid for the underprivileged. Introduced the IOLTA program and began offering the Cabaniss Johnston Scholarship to promising law students.
• 1988: The first interest from IOLTA enabled the foundation to start planning for grants.
• 1989: Awarded its first grants to programs and organizations dedicated to providing civil legal aid to the poor.
• 1990: Funding from the Alabama Law Foundation initiated the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program.
• 1993: The inaugural Kids’ Chance Scholarships were granted to students whose parents were killed or permanently disabled while working.
• 1995: The Fellows program was created to recognize bar members who have made significant contributions to their profession and communities.
• 2005: Individual attorneys made substantial financial contributions to establish the Atticus Finch Society, supporting financial stability and mitigating fluctuating IOLTA interest rates.
• 2007: The William Verbon Black Scholarship was created to honor William Verbon Black and provide financial assistance to full-time students at the University of Alabama School of Law.
• 2008: The IOLTA program became mandatory for all Alabama lawyers. The Women’s Section of the Alabama State Bar introduced the Justice Janie L. Shores Scholarship to support female Alabama residents attending law school in the state.
• 2021: The ROBE Fund was established to offer scholarships to general jurisdiction state judges for judicial education programs.
• 2024: In collaboration with the Alabama Access to Justice Commission, the foundation funded a new initiative by the Alabama State Bar to assist Alabamians needing legal help but lacking the means to afford it. The Bar introduced Justice4AL.com, a comprehensive resource hub for legal aid.

Bryan Stevenson on Access to Justice and the Alabama Law Foundation | Video: 5 Minutes 26 Seconds

A light In the Dark:

With nearly four decades of dedicated service, the Alabama Law Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and justice, tirelessly working to promote access to justice across Alabama. Their legacy of service and commitment continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many, embodying the true spirit of the legal profession.