As part of its strategy to increase understanding of the legal needs of low-income people concerned about environmental and land use problems, the Committee on Access to Justice helped convene a panel discussion at the Environmental Summit 2001, sponsored by the Florida Coastal School of Law (FCLS).Held on November 15, 2001 in Jacksonville, Florida, the panel was entitled “Access to Justice: Community and Private Sector Environmental Justice Response”. The abstract of the panel provided:

While significant problems remain in eliminating the disproportionate burden of disease and pollution borne by low-income people and communities of color, progress is being made through the joint efforts of interested stakeholders. This panel will provide an overview of the environmental justice issue as it relates to access to justice, present a case study which highlights both achievements and challenges encountered with redevelopment of the Jacksonville Ash sites, discuss opportunities to leverage support from private sector interests, and describe the perspective of the people who live the reality of environmental injustice.

The panel was moderated by Suzi Ruhl, Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation. Speakers were Margaret Williams, Citizens Against Toxic Exposure; Deborah Schroth, Florida Legal Services; Paul Roecker, Greenburg, Traurig ; Paul Hendrick, Professor, FCLS; and, Donald Jones, Assistant Dean FCLS.

     The Committee on Access to Justice intends to continue its collaboration with the FCLS in ongoing efforts to increase access to the legal system by low-income people.  For more information on the CAJ and its activities, please contact Suzi Ruhl at sruhl@leaf-envirolaw.org.