As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of service, equality and justice for all. In the spirit of his advocacy for social change, we are reminded of the ongoing need for access to justice — especially for those who face legal challenges without the means to afford an attorney. For many, navigating the legal system can feel like an insurmountable task, but this MLK Day, help is available.
On Jan. 20, the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Free Legal Clinics will take place across Alaska, offering free legal consultations to those in need. The MLK Day Free Legal Clinics are open to individuals across the state and cover a wide range of legal topics, including family law (child support, custody, divorce, guardianship), housing (eviction, foreclosure), public benefits (Medicaid and Medicare), employment, personal injury, probate, estate planning, and Native allotments. Alaskans can have a free 20-minute consultation with an attorney at clinics in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Bethel. No pre-registration is required.
The Fairbanks clinic will again be located at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College, 604 Barnette St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Times and locations in other cities will vary by community. For more information visit www.alaskabar.org/mlk.
For those with low or moderate incomes who are unable to attend one of the in-person clinics, the Alaska Free Legal Answers platform at alaska.freelegalanswers.org is always available for submitting legal questions. This online resource is open year-round, but extra staffing will be available on MLK Day to ensure those seeking assistance receive the help they need.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Free Legal Clinics are hosted by the Alaska Bar Association in partnership with the Tanana Valley Bar Association, the Alaska Court System and the Alaska Legal Services Corporation. These organizations come together each year to honor Dr. King’s message of service and commitment to justice by offering legal assistance to thousands of Alaskans who might otherwise go without.
Through these clinics, attorneys across the state donate thousands of hours of pro bono service, helping to level the playing field for individuals who might not have the resources to hire a lawyer. Since its inception, this program has served more than 4,000 Alaskans, providing crucial legal guidance on everything from child custody disputes to landlord-tenant conflicts.
As we honor Dr. King’s memory and legacy, the MLK Day Free Legal Clinics are a reminder that justice is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right for all. If you need legal help, don’t face it alone — there are resources available, and this MLK Day offers an important opportunity to get started.
Join us on Jan. 20 to make Dr. King’s vision of equality and access to justice a reality for all Alaskans.
Rachel Delehanty is with the Alaska Legal Services Corporation.
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