LSA recently welcomed Staff Attorney Charles Turnipseed to its Montgomery Legal Staff on March 30, 2020. A native of Briar Hill (Pike County), AL, Turnipseed earned a J.D. from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science from Troy University. 

Turnipseed spent 10 years in private practice, worked as Editor for the Savannah Morning News, and as a journalist for the Troy Messenger.  

 He believes his broad background helps in his relatability to the clients he serves. “I am familiar with the clients we have at LSA. I’ve gained exposure to dilemmas people in poverty face on a daily basis.”  Turnipseed also attributes his lower-to-middle class beginnings to being able to relate even more to his clients, “I grew up on a farm, and my mother was handicapped and suffered a debilitating disease. We were a one income family and my father did tremendously in providing support for us. It was challenging.” 

 According to Turnipseed, his professional experience with clients as well as colleagues has garnered him a positive reputation.“I bring with me courtroom experience, and over the course of my private practice, I’ve gained a working familiarity with core personnel in most of our area that includes clerks, prosecutors and judges. I have an established reputation – one of reliability and truthfulness, and my communication skills are also effective.” 

Turnipseed said acquiring food, shelter, and clothing are just some of the challenges poor people face day-to-day that many people take for granted.  “Poverty is a vicious cycle. For those who are not in poverty, obstacles come up in life and they are able to have the resources to address them,” he said. “When you’re in poverty, it becomes an insurmountable wall that people don’t understand, unless they’ve been in poverty themselves. We have an obligation to take care of the poor, (and) they deserve our compassion.” 

 Turnipseed also served in the U.S. Army National Guard and the Alabama Air National Guard [232nd Combat Communication Squadron]. His unit provided communications and support for the 10th Mountain Division’s combat team.“My job was network infrastructure. I was deployed twice to Iraq it was a fascinating, sobering adventure. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Turnipseed said. “It [the experience] made me greatly appreciate combat troops who are out there putting their lives on the line – some lost their lives. I had the privilege of working with some of the most ambitious, capable, and competent people of any age.”  

While at LSA, Turnipseed hopes to continue to provide solutions for the River Region’s poor, letting them know they have “someone on their side.”“ It is so rewarding to talk to a client who has a dilemma they don’t see an answer to and to help them find a successful resolution,” he said. Reassurance and solid representation are two things Turnipseed said his clients are sure to receive.“When they get off the phone [with me], they know they have gotten substantial assistance — they have a solid legal opinion and/or advice, or court representation from LSA and its licensed attorneys. [Our clients] are so relieved and appreciative of the assistance.” 

 Turnipseed currently serves on the Alabama State Bar’s Indigent Defense Committee and enjoys spending time with his fiancé, a music instructor in South Carolina. 

For more information about Turnipseed or our advocates, please visit: www.legalservicesalabama.org.

LSA welcomed Pascagoula, MS native Marisa Green to its Mobile office on Feb. 10.

Holding a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), Green states she has an interest in community organizing in the South. Seeing an opportunity to be of service in the community is what drew Green to LSA. Green has volunteered for Planned Parenthood Southeast and oversees a Social Media account for Mississippi Rising Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps to mobilize Mississippians for social justice and civil rights.

“I had ties and family down south and wanted to make sure I was a part of community organizing. I was ready to get back into the nonprofit world – the legal sector specifically,” Green said. “When you come from the south, you understand a bit about how hard the system is on people that are low-income … I am passionate about the idea that I can be of service. Living paycheck to paycheck is not unfamiliar to me, as I’ve supported myself throughout my life with jobs waiting tables, bartending, and in retail.

“I struggle with the amount of discrimination, racism, and bigotry that exists, and I work daily to become a better advocate and ally,” Green said. “Helping someone to navigate the system … getting justice, helping people, collaborating with people. My goal is to just do the best job that I can here for our clients.”

While at LSA, Green hopes to learn as much as she can from staff and relate to clients.

“I want to understand why things are happening the way they are – I am asking a lot of questions,” Green said. “Housing is really fascinating to me, because we’re in a housing crisis. What I can [also] bring is empathy, because I do understand what it is to make your living in low-wage jobs. I am a survivor of sexual assault, and so when I’m talking to clients who are dealing with this, I want to hold space to hear and support their story in the right way. It’s critical.”

Green, who has a brother named Slayden who lives in Oakland, enjoys hiking in her spare time. She has hiked both the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail in the US (a total of 4,989 miles) and plans to run several 5K road races in 2020.

As a professional dancer and choreographer, Green spent the last 13 years in New York City before returning to the South. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from The University of Southern Mississippi and currently serves as Intake Paralegal in the Mobile Office

 “My type of dance was technical but a little different – experimental, like Alvin Ailey or Pina Bausch,” Green said. “I have a passion for dance and for the Arts. Arts education is really valuable. I think it’s wonderful for adults to engage in the Arts as a lifelong practice.”

For more information about Green or our advocates, please visit: www.legalservicesalabama.org.

Our February 2020 Advocate of the Month is Michael Letson. After working in LSA’s Florence office from 2005 until 2012, Michael rejoined LSA  in June 2017. Michael’s work focuses on housing, consumer, domestic and elder law. Michael has served on a number of community organizations such as the Inner City Council (Lawrence County), North Alabama Children’s Policy Councils, and the Board of the Jackson House Foundation.  A graduate of Miles Law School (2011), Michael currently works in the Birmingham office.

In one case in February, Michael helped an abuse victim get a divorce from a seriously abusive spouse. With LSA’s help, the client was able to move on and get a fresh start to life.

In another case, Michael helped a tenant accused of wrongdoing by her landlord. With Michael’s help, the client was able to negotiate a settlement that would allow her to move on with her life. Under the agreement, the client got time to move, and the eviction that was filed against her was dismissed.

In one final case, Michael helped a victim of sex trafficking. With Michael’s help, the client learned how to contact law enforcement to protect herself and ensure her rights were respected.

Michael also helped a large number of people with advanced directives and explained the importance of the probate system.

This month and every month, we here at LSA are very proud of the work done by Michael and the Birmingham office. Way to go Michael!

By: Michael Forton, Director of Advocacy

Felecia Z. Pettway, Development Director

Phone: +1 (334) 223-0232/Email: fpettway@alsp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2020

 MONTGOMERY – LSA and Rural Health, both statewide nonprofit agencies, have partnered with organizations across the state, region and country to offer free legal services, financial alternatives, and health and wellness screenings to the public, during the Annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma, AL February 29, 2020.

The Economic Empowerment Village and Health & Wellness Expo will take place February 29 from 10 AM to 3 PM and will include nearly 20 vendors. Participating organizations include: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Hope Credit Union, Rural Health Medical Program Inc., AIDS Alabama, YMCA, Vaughn Regional Medical Center, NAACP State Office, The Census, Alabama Hard to Count, The Black Belt Foundation, The Leadership Conference, Cricket Wireless and LSA’s Rural Economic Improvement Project (REIP). Services offered will include voting rights restoration, help with court fines and fees, wage garnishments, bankruptcies, and alternatives to payday lending for auto and mortgages. Additional activities: dance and aerobics, onsite diabetes screening, as well as No Contract Phone services.

LSA Director of Development Felecia Pettway, who spearheaded the event with Rural Health, stated the opportunity to be showcased at this year’s Jubilee will help in visibility.

 “It is very critical to the communities we serve in the Black Belt, the state of Alabama and the Country that the public is aware of the many services we offer.  Legal Services Alabama is the only law firm in the state offering free legal services in all 67 counties, yet we receive no state funding,” Pettway said. “This is the second year we have embarked upon this medical/legal partnership, and it is our hope that it is the beginning of a relationship that addresses the needs of our rural and underserved communities. Daily, we are faced with people who go to court not represented, when they could’ve been represented by Legal Services. We often see people with medical issues that could’ve gone to Rural Health to get assistance. Public awareness will make a very large impact on our service area.”

Providing comprehensive, high quality primary and preventive healthcare to the medically underserved communities of Dallas Marengo, Perry, Monroe and Wilcox counties, Rural Health Medical Program Inc., serves as a beacon of hope to all residents of the Black Belt.

Rural Health CEO Keshee Dozier Smith stated:

“Collaboration across nonprofits whether civic direct service and/or healthcare are essential to the overall health and sustainability of every community,” she said. “As nonprofit organizations coming together for the common goals of displaying our services in a common area better positions each of us to reach the individuals that need our services most in our communities.”

Elizabeth A. Hollie, Managing Attorney in LSA’s Selma Office, stated the event is important to Selma and all who attend the Jubilee.

“The Jubilee celebration brings visitors from other counties and other states to learn about Selma’s heritage and progress.  The Expo itself gives visibility to numerous organizations in one spot.   Those attending the Jubilee can receive information from healthcare providers to learn about their services and how to become healthier,” Hollie said. “This event is especially important for the Legal Services Alabama Selma Office. We have an opportunity to reach a greater number of potential clients by giving them information on what services we provide at no cost to those who qualify.  This will also be a chance to speak to an attorney at the event.  We will have attorneys from LSA’s Selma and Montgomery offices assisting. It is important that we empower individuals by providing them the information and the tools needed to become stable economically.”

The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to the George Evans Convention Center, located at 2 Lawrence Street in Selma. For more information about the Village and Expo, please contact Felecia Pettway at: fpettway@alsp.org.

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LSA welcomed Chesapeake, VA native Kevin Boston to its Montgomery Office in January 2020. With a background in legal aid, Boston has experience in social security benefits, divorces, mortgage foreclosures, Landlord-tenant, disability, personal injury and expunctions.

Boston earned a B.A. in Political Science from Hampton University and a J.D. from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law. Since the age of five, Boston stated he always wanted to be a lawyer and help the disadvantaged.

“It has always been a passion of mine,” Boston said, who started with LSA on Jan. 21. “I interned with Legal Aid of North Carolina since my 1L year, so I’ve always done legal services for the underrepresented. I started doing housing cases, but my main focus was expunctions.”

For Boston, helping society’s most vulnerable, is of utmost importance.

“The smiles that I see on other people’s faces when they are able to stay in their homes or get rid of a creditor, are the reasons I do what I do – I’ve always wanted to be an advocate for the underrepresented,” Boston said. “In my kindergarten graduation speech, I said I wanted to be an attorney and help out those who couldn’t afford an attorney.”

Boston cites the hard work of his parents, U.S. Army National Guard veterans, as the driving force behind his success. His mother Linda – a Registered Nurse, and father Henry – a Traffic Engineer, worked multiple jobs during Boston’s youth to pay for his educational pursuits. Boston hopes to bring the same dedication, new strategies and tactics learned as well as a fresh perspective, to his current caseload.

“As the laws changes, ideas change and even Judges’ ideologies change,” Boston said. “The clients I have here are very similar to the clients I had in North Carolina. I want to be the best attorney that I can be – gaining the experience and connections, and just serving my clients to the best of my ability.”

Being open-minded, sympathetic to clients and not being afraid to fight cases, Boston believes, is key to his future achievements at LSA.

“You have to understand the clients – put yourself in their shoes and have patience,” he said. “The number one thing is making them feel comfortable and then making them feel like you are actually here for them … Once we get that rapport [established], the result good or bad, I can always be of service. Many of my former clients still call me just to say ‘hello.’”

Boston enjoys playing music, exercising, and visiting museums when not practicing. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is the youngest of three.

For more information about Boston or our advocates, please visit: www.legalservicesalabama.org.

Our January 2020 Advocate of the Month (the first of the new decade) is Pamela Jackson. Pam originally joined Legal Services Alabama as part of the Anniston Office but has worked in the Huntsville Office since June of 2009 where she is the Lead Attorney. Pam is one of LSA’s hardest working and most accomplished attorneys, and in January, she demonstrated the important difference a lawyer can make in the life of a low-income person.

In January, Pam helped a client when they were threatened with eviction once their utilities were shut off. With Pam’s help, these individuals were able to reach an agreement with their landlord and deal with a very difficult time in their lives.

In another case, Pam helped a woman with two children who was being evicted from her family home. With Pam’s help, the client was able to negotiate for a fair amount of time to move and have the eviction against her dismissed.

Last month, Pam also helped a client work out a payment arrangement for medical services. With Pam’s help, the client’s overall debt was cut in half and the client was able to make reasonable payments that the client could afford.

In a final case, Pam helped a man with a family protect his paycheck by having a garnishment against him dismissed. Pam helped the client file the paperwork to assert his constitutional right to protect his wages. With Pam’s help, this low-income wage-earner was able to protect his meager income and continue to support his family.

In January, Pam illustrated exactly how big the difference LSA can make in the lives of the people we serve, and she made us all proud doing so! Congratulations Pam and keep up the good work!

By: Michael Forton, Director of Advocacy

Legal Services Alabama welcomed Selma native and Staff Attorney Kameisha Logan to its Selma office on Dec. 16, 2019. With a passion for serving the disadvantaged, Logan hopes to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

“I want to be a voice for people who aren’t in a position to defend themselves,” Logan said. We [at LSA] are able to serve people who are voiceless and keep others from taking advantage of them.”

After a ninth-grade class field trip to Montgomery’s Equal Justice Initiative, Logan immediately became intrigued with the idea of going to law school.

“We watched documentaries of people who were in prison and what they go through,” Logan said of the visceral experience. “Just hearing those stories and knowing the impact prison has on their lives, made me want to do something. Some people were [in prison] for no reason, but they had someone who stood up and had the courage to fight for them.”

A graduate of Selma High School, Logan earned an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science from Wallace Community College-Selma, a B.S. in Criminal Justice (concentration in Juvenile Justice) from Alabama State University (ASU), a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Troy University, and a J.D. and Master of Laws in Advocacy and Dispute Resolution from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.

Before joining LSA, Logan taught college classes. Additionally, Logan is a trained mediator, and believes her background will aid in knowing how to deal with clients and approaching various situations.

“We deal with a lot of clients and a lot of issues,” Logan said. “The good thing about having the skill [of mediation] you know the different techniques to use in order to be an effective mediator. Every case is different, and it all depends on your case and the facts of the case.”

While at LSA, Logan hopes to learn as much as she can while also being a true advocate.

“I love what I do, and I treat every client like it’s me or my family,” Logan said. “I want my clients to know that they have someone to fight for them. Sometimes, everything does not go in our favor, but if they know that I fought for them, it makes all the difference.”

Logan is a Board Member of the Montgomery Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation and a member of the Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. When not practicing, she enjoys traveling and going to the movies.

For more information about Logan or our advocates, please visit: www.legalservicesalabama.org.

Legal Services Alabama is excited to announce a major victory for consumers across Alabama in the case of Renter’s Realty v. Smith. On January 10, 2020, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals confirmed the right of low-income Alabamians to protect their wages. This right was brought into question by a law passed in 2015 by the Alabama Legislature. The decision, confirming the right to protect up to $1,000 in wages, marks the conclusion of a five-year battle for Legal Services Alabama and Southern Poverty Law Center (who also represented Ms. Smith in the appeal).

The primary issue on appeal involved a section of the Alabama Constitution which allows individuals to protect up to $1,000 of “personal property.” The question concerned whether or the not the Legislature had overstepped its authority in attempting to remove wages as property that could be protected (to the detriment of over a million low-income Alabamians). The Court of Appeals, relying on over a hundred years of law, struck down the statute and stated that the purpose of exemption laws is to prevent people from becoming destitute or public charges. The Court also noted that such changes to the Constitution can only be achieved by a constitutional amendment.

LSA Attorney Pam Jackson commented, “This is a huge win for Legal Services Alabama and for the working poor of Alabama.” LSA has litigated hundreds of cases across Alabama on this issue for nearly five years.  

LSA Attorney Farah Majid elaborated, “In declaring the statute unconstitutional, the Court today is helping to protect the wages of Alabama’s poorest citizens. Without this protection, they would be subject to losing a quarter of every paycheck. This win will ensure they can feed their families, pay for rent, transportation, childcare, and other necessary expenses.”

LSA and SPLC collaborated on the case for Ms. Eisha Smith, whose downward spiral was kicked off by a wage garnishment for money owed to an old landlord. Upon hearing the news of this decision, Ms. Smith said, “I just want to thank Legal Services Alabama for all that you have done to help me with this, and I am so glad that I did not give up before it was over.  It is such a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and knowing that we are helping other people too, so maybe they do not have to go through what I did, that is so great.”

LSA’s team includes former Consumer Lead Attorney (and current Rural Coordinating Attorney) Farah Majid and Huntsville Lead Attorney Pam Jackson. SPLC’s team is led by Senior Supervising Attorney Sara Zampierin. Many others at both organizations have assisted with this battle over the years, including LSA’s current Director of Advocacy Michael Forton, former Director of Advocacy Larry Gardella, former Consumer Law Director Tom Keith, as well as many other attorneys and support staff at both SPLC and LSA.

An amicus brief written by Mobile consumer attorney Judson Crump was submitted on behalf of Ms. Smith’s position, that was supported by Alabama Appleseed, Alabama Arise, and the National Association of Consumer Advocate. The collaboration of national agencies across several states, helped the position of Alabama’s working poor achieve success.

Legal Services Alabama welcomed student volunteer and Selma native Nia’ja Whitt to its Selma Office in December 2019 and extern Sara Carter to its Birmingham Office in January 2020.

A 2016 graduate of Selma High School, Whitt will graduate from Huntsville’s Alabama A&M University in May 2020 with a degree in Political Science. Whitt stated he has enjoyed learning the ins-and-outs of LSA.

“I love the environment and my coworkers,” Whitt said. “I love to help people and I love to help my community. LSA is a great opportunity to help those of low-income with [legal] problems they may have and give them the justice they need.”

Carter, who graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Government and Politics, comes to LSA as an extern through Harvard Law School. After completing a summer 2019 externship with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Georgia, the Baltimore native and 2L currently works as a student attorney in Harvard’s Prison Legal Assistance Project. Carter has an interest in public interest law and Civil Rights litigation.

“I wanted to perform a research project on Civil Rights, and a great place is Birmingham,” Carter said, who returns to Cambridge, MA at the end of January. “I will be at the national ACLU office this summer. I’ve worked in the impact litigation field of public interest. I wanted to have exposure to learn what it’s like to meet with clients/be in direct services. I’ve really enjoyed my time here [at LSA] so far.”

After graduation, Whitt plans to pursue an MBA at Georgetown University and later attend Law School at Loyola University Chicago.  Law School, Whitt stated, has always been an interest.

“I always wanted to be an attorney. I desire to work with the government as a political consultant,” Whitt said. “I want to expand my knowledge of law. Being an intern at a law firm has helped me to gain more insight and even more of an interest in law.”

Whitt also stated working for LSA has encouraged him to be more thorough and detail-oriented.

“Being here at LSA, I am able to see what lawyers have to deal with regarding filing and cases,” Whitt said. “You have to make sure you have everything you need, pay attention to the details of your files, and listen carefully to the problems our clients have. It’s been a great experience.”

Selma Managing Attorney Elizabeth Hollie stated that since his tenure, Whitt has shown drive in learning how LSA helps the community.

“Nai’ja Whitt is a pleasant young man,” Hollie said. “Mr. Whitt assists all three attorneys in organizing our files and learning how we practice law.  He plans to attend court with the attorneys on January 13^th to see our practice in action.“

Carter plans to work a federal clerkship and/or in public interest law through the ACLU or in legal aid.

“My interest in law started in an interest in democracy—voting rights, which sparked my interest in the Civil Rights Movement,” Carter said. “This summer, I will be working with ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, working on increasing access to the vote. I’m interested in making it easier for low-income people and people of color to have access to the polls.”

Birmingham Managing Attorney Barbara Luckett stated the office is “thankful” to have Carter on board.

“We began this process about four months ago. When she described her project and goals, I immediately agreed to supervise her efforts,” Luckett said. “It is admirable that she removes herself from her comfort zone in an effort to be geographically and culturally diverse in service to her future clients and community. We are so pleased that she chose our organization, state, city, and office for her independent study.”

For more information about LSA or volunteer opportunities, please visit our website: www.legalservicesalabama.org.

 

LSA welcomed Lakeshia Parks, Staff Attorney, to its Montgomery Office on Dec. 16, 2019. A recent graduate of the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, the Birmingham native is excited about the opportunity to serve the state’s most underserved.

Parks believes working for Legal Services is an opportunity to serve the community, especially those of low-income.

“Legal Services (Alabama) has always been on my list – I have a passion for the work we do and I fully support the mission of LSA,” Parks said, who did an externship with the One Place Family Justice Center while in Law School. “Everything that I’ve done, even in law school, has been geared toward disadvantaged/low income people. I have always envisioned myself as being an advocate and resource for people.”

Having survived a childhood plagued by poverty, Parks and her twin sister Iyeshia, are first-generation college graduates. The experience encouraged Parks to further her education in law, advocating for the “underdog.”

“I had a pretty interesting upbringing. I remember evictions. I remember desperately needing resources and not knowing where to find them,” Parks said. “Whether it’s someone who can’t afford a private attorney or someone who needs to know about the resources that are available to them, I want to be an asset in their corner.”  

Parks earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The University of Alabama (2015) and a J.D. and Master of Laws in Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Parks believes her experience as a mediator is helpful overall.  “You have more favorable outcomes in mediation versus in the courtroom,” Parks said. “In mediation you can come to a mutual agreement. This teaches you how to deal with people, be a resource, and facilitate conversations. Being an attorney, you have to do that with opposing counsel all the time.”

Parks believes her worth ethic, ability to relate to the community she serves, and her background give her an advantage.

“You need to have trust to win your clients,” Parks said. “Trust is needed from the beginning of representation until the end. Clients need to know their interests are just as important to their attorney as it is to them. They need to be assured their attorney is in their corner throughout the entire process. When I look at the clients, I see my family members or the people I grew up with. I will do all I can [to help them] and do my best for them.”

An Army Veteran, Parks is a member of the Capital City Bar Association, James W. Wright Leadership Development Institute, Gear Up Alabama (mentor for Carver High School), and former Youth Court Coordinator with RESET Diversion Program, which offers a second-chance and rehabilitative services to juvenile delinquents.

With a passion for helping underserved youth, Parks has been mentoring students at Carver High School since 2016.

“I have been mentoring at Carver since my first year of law school,” Parks said. “The students do not know people like me exist. I was a child with behavioral problems, but for them to know that someone can go through that and make it out, it’s eye-opening. I love to connect with them on that level. Being there with them – it’s important to me.”

When not practicing, Parks enjoys traveling, being active outdoors, as well as spending time with her mother Re’Chelle, older brother Lorenzo, twin sister Iyeshia, and baby sister De’Avion. Parks hopes to one day go into private practice with her twin sister, who is also an attorney.

For more information about Parks or our advocates, please visit: www.legalservicesalabama.org.