Meet our five inspiring finalists below, and vote for your favorite
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Legal Aid Society of Story County
Since 1974, the Legal Aid Society of Story County has been dedicated to broadening access to justice for indigent residents facing civil matters in their community. Each year, their organization represents over 150 individuals and families by providing critical, judgment-free legal advice and representation that empowers their clients to make sound legal decisions that benefit their lives. With more than 20% of Story County’s population residing in poverty and 52% of their cases involving children, the services provided by the Legal Aid Society are critical to protecting an already vulnerable population. For more than 50 years, the Legal Aid Society of Story County has been a champion of equity, advocate for justice, and steadfastly committed to making legal services accessible for all
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M.O.S.A.I.C
For over 45 years, MOSAIC BC has been a leader in championing the settlement of newcomers in British Columbia, Canada. Through their Legal Advocacy Program, they have assisted over 20,000 immigrant and refugee clients in overcoming barriers to justice, including language, cost, and unfamiliarity with the Canadian legal system. The advocates, with expertise in family law, immigration, and disability rights, originally started as social workers, settlement workers, or non-lawyers, and later pursued legal studies. They continue to take pro bono clients into their practice through funding from Legal Aid BC. With a team fluent in over 35 languages, MOSAIC is recognized as the go-to organization for settlement and language support in the BC Lower Mainland, providing guidance, education, and advocacy for those establishing new lives.
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Hackett & Dabbs LLP
Lorna Hackett of Hackett & Dabbs LLP is an advocate for prisoners’ rights, particularly those affected by sentences of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP). With nearly two decades of expertise, she understands the persistent challenges facing the British criminal justice system. Introduced in 2005, the IPP sentence was an indeterminate sentence for serious offenders who didn’t warrant a life sentence. Despite its abolition in 2012, approximately 3000 individuals remain detained indefinitely due to its non-retrospective cancellation, many for relatively minor offenses. Lorna’s efforts extend well beyond legal representation. She actively drives legislative change and operates a regular forum at a local prison, providing those impacted by IPP sentences with a platform that ensures their voices are heard, and their experiences are not forgotten.
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Charleston Legal Access
Each year, thousands of people who need legal help go unrepresented. Charleston Legal Access (CLA) bridges the gap to justice in South Carolina by providing affordable and quality legal services to those who are priced out of our justice system—neither qualifying for free legal aid nor being able to afford private attorneys. They serve South Carolinians between 125% and 400% of the federal poverty line (FPL), which according to the Census Bureau, represents 46% of the population. CLA offers a fair chance through legal assistance priced at 15 to 30% less than traditional law firms, tailored to individual income and family size. Their innovative funding model combines client fees with philanthropic contributions to expand their reach and impact. CLA is dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all, regardless of income, and preserving the financial stability of their clients.
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Qualia Law CIC
52% of people in the UK know someone diagnosed with dementia. Qualia Law CIC provides specialized legal support and guidance to empower vulnerable communities, championing the rights of those with dementia, mental health challenges, brain injuries, and learning disabilities. In addition to offering direct aid, they provide free advice to families and professionals, empowering them to address capacity issues and financial vulnerability. Through proactive community engagement and educational workshops, they educate and empower social services, healthcare professionals, and charities to identify and address signs of financial vulnerability. Qualia Law actively advocates for policy reforms, aiming for a legal system and society that’s inclusive, diverse, and equitable. Their multidimensional approach sets a new standard in legal advocacy and carves a path toward a more just and supportive community for all.
