Alaska Legal Services Corporation Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Celebration Events Held in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau

Alaska Legal Services Corporation observed its 40th anniversary on September 15, 2006.  Staff, supporters, alumni, and friends celebrated ALSC's 40th birthday at events held in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.

Incorporated September 15, 1966, ALSC was initially funded through the Office of Equal Opportunity until 1974, when the Legal Services Corporation was created by Congress, and signed into law by President Nixon, as a private, non-profit corporation to seek equal access to justice under the law for all Americans by providing civil legal assistance to those otherwise unable to afford it.

Supported by various public and private funders, and the donation of time and expertise provided by local attorneys who volunteer through its pro bono program, ALSC provides vital civil legal assistance to low-income Alaskans who otherwise would lack access to the justice system.  Andy Harrington, Executive Director, stated “Throughout its 40-year history, ALSC has stood for the principle that justice should not be a function of wealth.  The many men and women who have worked with ALSC have helped countless Alaskans preserve family stability, secure safe and affordable housing, protect their paychecks, and gain access to the health care they need.  All those affiliated with ALSC should be proud of the contribution they have made to the pursuit of justice for Alaskans in need.”

In celebration of its 40^th anniversary, ALSC launched its statewide 2006-2007 Robert Hickerson Partners in Justice annual fundraising campaign on September 15.  The annual campaign, which will run through June 30, 2007, is named is memory of the late Robert Hickerson, who served as ALSC’s executive director from 1984 to 2001. 

Information about the campaign and other opportunities for charitable giving can be obtained from the campaign website at www.partnersinjustice.org.