28
May
2021
|
06:20 AM
America/Chicago

Missouri legal nonprofits, courts invited to apply for COVID-19 relief-related tech grants

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the legal community in a variety of ways, including access to justice and the nonprofit arena.

In March, The Missouri Bar’s COVID-19 Response Task Force recommended that the Supreme Court encourage circuits to continue using remote proceedings, even after the pandemic has ended, for purposes such as non-evidentiary hearings, pretrial discovery, or alternative dispute resolution.

To support these efforts as well as other technological pandemic-related access to justice challenges, The Missouri Bar Board of Governors established a grant program, funded by a portion of pro hac vice fees received, for COVID-19 relief-related technology projects. These limited funds are available to assist courts and non-Legal Services Corporation funded legal services nonprofit providers in Missouri.

Courts and organizations across the state have already demonstrated their ability to adapt through the pandemic and ensure that access to justice continues for all Missourians. This includes staging computer kiosks at courthouses for the public to use for virtual proceedings, satellite courtrooms, and more.

Consideration for these grants will be given to a variety of geographic areas with significant need. Grant opportunities will continue to be available until the program funding is depleted.. Access the application here.