NEWS RELEASE Contact: Andy Harrington

For Immediate Release E-Mail:aharrington@alsc-law.org

July 23, 2007 Phone: 907-374-7308

AnchorageBar Association Awards Grant Funding
for AlaskaAdvocates Website

Major Contribution Supports Expansion of Website for Civil Legal Aid

and Pro Bono Attorneys in Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska

Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) announces the receipt of a $10,000 grant from the Anchorage Bar Association to support expansion of a new website, www.AlaskaAdvocates.org. Launched in late 2006, AlaskaAdvocates.org is part of a national network of statewide legal websites offering resource materials and support for civil legal aid, public interest, and pro bono (volunteer) attorneys serving low-income clients.

AlaskaAdvocates.org provides access to timely news articles, an events calendar, a listing of volunteer opportunities, job announcements, and a library of substantive legal resources. Built on a template provided by Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit organization based in New York, AlaskaAdvocates.org follows a model that is in use in 30 states and regions, reaching approximately two-thirds of the poverty population in the United States and the lawyers who serve them. "This award demonstrates the Anchorage Bar Association's strong support for new innovations in the delivery of legal services in Alaska and serves as a wonderful example to other bar leaders across the country. Pro Bono Net is very excited to partner with Alaska Legal Services Corporation and the Anchorage Bar Association on this project" said Allison McDermott, Deputy Director of Pro Bono Net.

ALSC, working in partnership with other justice community organizations, received start-up funding for the AlaskaAdvocates site from the Legal Services Corporation through its national Technology Initiative Grants program, which promotes full access and high-quality legal representation through the use of technology. Andy Harrington, ALSC Executive Director, stated "It makes one proud as an Alaskan that the Anchorage Bar Association is taking the leadership role in this endeavor and setting a role model for the rest of the country. Over the next year, we look forward to expanding the site to provide pro bono program directors with additional resources and tools to help volunteer attorneys promote equal access to justice for all low-income Alaskans."

The Anchorage Bar Association, the state's largest voluntary bar association, provides grants to non-profit organizations for effective and innovative law-related public service projects. Krista Schwarting, Anchorage Bar President, stated "The Anchorage Bar Association is pleased to support this website and ongoing efforts toward pro bono work in Alaska."

Alaska Legal Services Corporation is a private, non-profit corporation providing free civil legal assistance to low-income Alaskans. Founded in 1966, the law firm's mission is to provide meaningful access to justice in resolving civil legal problems for low-income clients, thus promoting family stability and reducing the legal consequences of poverty.