The seven members of the Macomb County law firm of Thomas, Garvey, Garvey and Sciotti, PC have contributed over $50,000 to the Access to Justice Fund, making it the largest single gift from a law firm that size so far.

The Access to Justice Fund supports programs that provide civil legal services to low income people. The money for these programs is raised solely from within the legal profession.

Firm member Robert Garvey said Michigan lawyers must get the message that a justice system that functions only for the privileged cannot survive. "Very few lawyers see the types of everyday problems that are monumental for somebody living below the poverty level. The lawyers that perform this service have been working in our communities' unseen and on inadequate budgets. These are the lawyers who hold the keys to the courthouse for poor people with civil legal problems."

The Access to Justice Fund was established in 1998 through a partnership of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan State Bar Foundation and legal aid programs throughout the state. The Access to Justice Campaign helps to increase private financial support for legal aid programs and to consolidate them into one fund that supports many interests.

Thomas Ryan, State Bar of Michigan President praised the Macomb firm for its generosity. "We've had strong participation from individuals and support from many large Michigan firms, but the Thomas, Garvey, Garvey and Sciotti gift is especially appreciated because it represents large gifts from all seven firm members that total over $50,000," Ryan said.

For more information about the Access to Justice Fund, please contact Candace Crowley at the State Bar of Michigan at 1-800-968-1442.