create a climate in this country in which access to justice is viewed on par with other priorities. Today, issues and challenges that low- income people face are rarely in the conversation. Our country is strengthened and enhanced when the least of us are able to achieve the American dream, something that so many of us enjoy.
Judge Brown: What is the economic and social benefit that MALS provides for the community?
McIver: When we are successful in keeping people in their homes, extricating women, children and the elderly from domestic abuse and violence, assisting the most vulnerable to obtain public benefits to which they are entitled, putting food on their tables and affording access to health care, we bring both economic and social stability to our community. We reduce blight, loss of tax revenue, and crime - all of which, improve the social and economic fabric of our community.
Judge Brown: Is the organization fully embraced by the judiciary?
McIver: I believe the judiciary fully understands and values what we do. Unrepresented (pro se) litigants in many instances present certain challenges for the courts. Te courts have to be neutral and fair. We established the Courthouse Advice Clinic to better prepare litigants to navigate General Sessions court. In addition, we enjoy the fact that a number of judges at all levels, are MALS alumni, including you.
Judge Brown: Is there any resistance to legal services within the private legal community?
McIver: Unfortunately, there are a small minority who do not necessarily support government funded legal services. We can speculate what it would mean if MALS and other legal aid firms did not exist. Because of the extraordinary unmet need, some states have imposed mandatory pro bono. Low-income individuals need to have an avenue to address or seek redress of their compelling legal issues.
Judge Brown: If you had to ask yourself a question, what would that question be? What would you like to share?
McIver: Why have I dedicated my life to this work when there were other opportunities? Although we weren’t poor, I witnessed poverty first hand and during my youth, we lived in a segregated environment. It had an effect on me. I was presented other opportunities that were economically more beneficial; however I recognized, as a product of my parents who believed in giving back to the community, my life’s purpose was predestined for me to do something meaningful. Tat’s the reason why I have stayed the course. t
(Ret.) Judge George H. Brown, Jr. is a Rule 31 Mediator and a Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators, affiliated with Resolute Systems, LLC.
Harrison D. McIver, III, Executive Director/CEO of Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc. a nonprofit law firm chartered in 1970. Its mission is to provide excellence in legal advocacy for those in need.
experience, Knowledge, integrity…
John Cannon and Reed Malkin are highly effective mediators who have helped parties resolve hundreds of civil matters through the mediation process. Both employ a combination of facilitative and evaluative mediation styles. Each has completed state certified 40- hour mediation and advanced mediation training courses, and are approved Rule 31 mediators. Their background, experience and skill make them very successful mediators with a proven track record for resolving cases.
John R. Cannon, Esq. Reed L. Malkin, Esq.
To schedule a case with John Cannon or Reed Malkin, call Lori Nixon at 901-523-2930 or email at
Lnixon@resolutesystems.com
Resolute Systems, LLC Mediation, aRbitRation & adR ConSuLting 20 1-901-523-2930 • Fax: 1-901-523-2931
50 Peabody Place, Suite 365, Memphis, tn 38103
www.MemphisMediators.com
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