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Reflections From Our
Executive Director

 
 

In 2003 we continued in our mission to provide free legal aid in civil cases to low-income individuals and families who could not afford legal representation on their own. We believe our work is fundamental to the system of justice that has made our nation great, and it is a commitment we undertake each and every day with a sense of pride and responsibility to the communities we call home.

In our annual report you will see an overview of the number and type of client issues we handled last year. While it is always important to view the “bigger picture” when assessing the work of a non-profit organization, I ask that you recognize each case as being a local story about an individual or family in need. Whether we offer direct representation or legal counsel in a landlord/tenant dispute, a disabled person applying for Social Security benefits, a parent seeking child support from a ex-spouse, or a woman trying to escape from domestic violence, our cases are about real people who need our help. Our efforts on their behalf are grounded in the belief that everyone, regardless of how poor they may be, deserves the same degree of access to our legal system.

It is also important to recognize that it takes a team effort to bring legal aid to the people we serve. While our dedicated staff of attorneys and paralegals provides the direct representation and counsel to clients, they could not function without support staff, technical staff, administrative staff, community education professionals, and a board of directors who are actively involved in the goals of our organization. I am proud of the people who work with me at Northwestern Legal Services, and the commitment we all bring to our mission.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the important work we do. I hope you find the information in this report both illuminating and interesting.


Robert A. Oakely, Esq.
NWLS Executive Director