Legal aid worried about aftermath of coronavirus

Legal aid providers in Indiana are still serving clients as the coronavirus storm gathers strength, but they are worried about the surge they anticipate will come after the outbreak has passed.

Indianapolis Legal Aid Society and Indiana Legal Services remain open, with their intake systems continuing to take calls and connecting individuals and families with attorneys. Attorneys at both agencies have the option of working remotely and meeting with clients over the phone rather than in person.

Adam Mueller, director of advocacy at ILS, said the work for legal aid attorneys may slow as state and federal courts continue taking steps to delay or reschedule all nonessential hearings and allow attorneys to appear remotely. However, as the virus subsides and life begins to return to normal, the economic fallout could create a wave of new clients.

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