The State Bar of Michigan's Access to Justice Campaign reached a milestone in its fundraising efforts last year by amassing nearly $850,000 in cash and pledges and achieving the best results in the Campaign's brief history. This amount is more than 40 percent higher than the previous year. Since it's inception in 1998, The Access to Justice [ATJ] Campaign has raised over $2.4 million for the purpose of improving avenues to justice for low-income people with civil legal needs in Michigan.

"This is an extremely significant stage for the Campaign," said Bar President Bruce W. Neckers. "The generosity of Michigan lawyers has made it possible for our partners at the Michigan State Bar Foundation to distribute over $300,000 in designated ATJ operating funds to our legal aid programs during 2001, and over $50,000 of other ATJ funds to programs that applied for much needed funding. More importantly, the Access to Justice Fund has nearly a million dollars growing in endowment funds. We are making a difference in the quality of justice that Michigan citizens will receive."

Neckers also announced that State Bar Vice President Scott Brinkmeyer and Secretary Nancy Diehl would co-chair this year's statewide Access to Justice Campaign. President-Elect Reginald Turner remains involved as Campaign Cabinet Chair, and will work with this year's Access to Justice Task Force Chairperson Charlotte Johnson to support Brinkmeyer and Diehl in the Campaign.

The State Bar of Michigan will formally thank and acknowledge the generosity of ATJ donors at its Annual Meeting in September. For more information about the Access to Justice Campaign or to view a list of the 2001 Giving Clubs, please visit the State Bar web site at www.michbar.org.

State Bar of Michigan Vice-President Scott Brinkmeyer, co-chair Access to Justice Campaign

State Bar of Michigan Secretary Nancy Diehl, co-chair Access to Justice Campaign

Charlotte Johnson, Access to Justice Task Force Chairperson