Turning Leadership Into Impact.

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ALSC Q1 Impact Report Total Economic Impact $951,429.

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LSC Visit from Vice Chair Father Pius and Frank Neuner.

We were delighted to visit with LSC Board Vice Chair Father Pius Pietrzk and LSC Board Member Frank Neuner in January. It is always encouraging to have LSC's support and guidance as we continue our hard work and mission to provide exceptional civil legal services to our community.

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Upcoming Justice on the Geaux Tour

Winter Storm Fern hit the Northern Louisiana parishes hard, bringing severe winter weather that knocked out power and service for over 10 days. While immediately the response was short-term recovery, civil legal issues start to rear their ugly heads 3-6 months after a disaster. It is important to report all damages immediately to help make the case for a federal disaster declaration. If you or anyone you know is still experiencing issues due to Winter Storm Fern, reach out to ALSC and apply for services by visiting www.la-law.org/get-help. Our upcoming Justice Bus tour will visit parishes most affected by the storm to provide those communities with legal education and access to civil legal services. Follow us on Facebook to see upcoming events!

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Expungement CLE - Jan Swift, Lauren Kirichkow, Greg Hopkins, and Sachida Raman.

Building Pathways Forward Through Expungement Training.

With the Lafayette Bar Foundation, we hosted training and recruiting for pro bono attorneys to eliminate obstacles to education and workforce enhancement in Lafayette. Justice Douglas Saloom of Lafayette City Court and Attorney Lauren Kirichkow from the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana provided essential guidance on completing Lafayette City Court expungement forms, understanding eligibility requirements, managing time delays, filing In Forma Pauperis (IFP) petitions, reinstating driver's licenses, and addressing TWIC card denials for individuals reentering our communities after incarceration. This program offered valuable practical insights for attorneys to assist community members in confidently navigating the expungement process.

Help us improve legal services in our service areas. Will you take a few minutes to complete our survey

We have launched our 2026 Community Needs Assessment, a region-wide survey intended to gather feedback from all communities across 42 Louisiana parishes. The survey will remain open until September 30, 2026, and will help us identify the most urgent civil legal needs in the communities we serve. The assessment encourages participation from current and past ALSC clients, community partners, service providers, and the public seeking civil legal help. Your response will guide our future programs, outreach efforts, and legal services for low-income individuals and families.

"Community feedback is vital in making sure our services address the real legal challenges that people deal with every day," said Sachida Raman, Executive Director, ALSC. "This survey gives community members a chance to directly influence where scarce legal resources are spent and how access to justice is expanded across our service area."

Community members are encouraged to take the survey and share it with others. For more information about ALSC's services, visit www.la-law.org.

MarissaEvans

Marissa came to ALSC desperate to see her six‑year‑old child, whom she had been separated from for two years. She had lost custody while recovering from severe childbirth complications, postpartum depression, PTSD, and domestic abuse—but she never lost her parental rights. With the help of ALSC and armed with a psychiatrist’s letter confirming years of stability and steady employment, Marissa took the brave step of fighting to bring her child home. While the father avoided court, moved the child across state lines without permission, and was later investigated for serious abuse and neglect, Marissa never gave up. She traveled out of state for every hearing and visitation, despite financial hardship, determined to stay connected to her child. Ultimately, child protective services removed the child from the father, and Oklahoma authorities returned the child safely to Marissa. Today, mother and child are reunited, with continued oversight to ensure long‑term stability—a life‑changing outcome made possible through perseverance, legal advocacy, and Marissa’s unwavering commitment to her child.

Seeking Staff Attorneys Now!

Acadiana Legal Service Corporation seeks licensed, full-time staff attorneys to represent low-income and elderly clients with civil legal matters for offices in Shreveport, Monroe, Natchitoches, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Lafayette. Excellent salary and fringe benefits are available. A writing sample and cover letter are required. Visit www.la-law.org/careers or email careers@la-law.org to apply.

Interested in volunteering only? Great news! Grab your pro bono hours by volunteering for our pro bono program to help expand our services and help our clients receive high-quality representation. Visit www.la-law.org/volunteer to sign up today!