About Us

Mission & Governance

The William E. Morris Institute for Justice is a private non-profit agency established in 1996 to provide services to the legal services community, to other community-based agency advocates, and to select low-income clients in Arizona. In 1997, the Institute added an attorney who provides Legal-Services-Corporation precluded legal representation to low-income clients on a variety of issues.

The Institute conducts research, advocacy and training activities to enhance legal services provided to low-income households in Arizona.

The Institute's current priorities include:

• Training and Training Assistance
• Communication Coordination
• Resource Development
• Legislative and Administrative Services
• Technical Assistance
• Poverty Law Litigation

Training
The Institute sponsors training events which focus on increasing knowledge of the law and developing skills for the staff of the Arizona legal services programs and other community-based agencies. Training manuals and materials are developed for each event. In addition, the Institute provides training on an individual basis to community-based organizations on legislation affecting low-income populations.

Communication
A semi-annual newsletter is published by the Institute. Articles on current legal issues, summaries of judicial and administrative decisions, a training calendar and other information relevant to serving the needs of low-income clients are included in the newsletter.

Task forces in domestic relations, public benefits and health, housing and consumer law are coordinated by the Institute. Case handlers are given an opportunity to share information, problem-solve, strategize, and participate in mini-seminars on public policy changes.

Resource Development
The Institute publishes the two-volume Arizona Legal Services Practice Manual which provides a concise explanation of eleven areas of law. It is a practical tool for staff and pro bono practitioners when representing low-income people.

Legislative and Administrative Services
The Institute monitors and analyses pending legislation which affects legal services clients, and provides testimony and other information to legislators, staff, and state agencies. It also serves as the liaison between community-based agencies and the state legislature by advocating for the populations that these agencies serve.

Technical Assistance
The Institute responds to numerous other requests for technical assistance and services. Requests include legal research, referrals, working with programs to develop community education materials, providing data or information, and other appropriate requests. .

Litigation
Finally, the William E. Morris Institute for Justice is also involved in litigation directly affecting low-income populations. It advocates in this manner for those affected by welfare time limits, sanctions, and other areas of poverty law.

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William E. Morris Institute for Justice
202 E. McDowell Rd., Suite 257, Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 252-3432 / Fax: (602) 257-8138
ajinstitu@qwest.net