Legal Aid to the Poor Takes a Hit Under Trump Administration

"The services provided by a Department of Justice office established to help low-income people obtain legal representation are reportedly being quietly rolled back.

Sources close to the situation told The New York Times that the Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), established under former President Barack Obama, has gone “dark” after seeing cuts to its already small staff size, though its website does remain live.

The office, which according to the website aims to “improve the justice delivery systems that serve people who are unable to afford lawyers,” was established under former Attorney General Eric Holder in 2010. He called the disparities in legal services available to the rich and poor a “crisis,” and he made the office a priority during his tenure..."

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