The American Samoa Legal Aid (ASLA) office is the recipient of a $200,000 plus grant.  The office received notice from Legal Service Corporation (LSC) president, James Sandman.

The Basic Field Grant of  $216,539 will be awarded annually for two years 2017-2018 and this is the first time LSC has been awarded this grant. ASLA Executive Director Fainu’ulelei L.P.F. Ala’ilima-Utu said that ASLA is grateful for this two year grant, which helps ASLA fulfill its mission “to empower our community to access equal justice through high quality civil legal services.”

Fainu’ulelei said that LSC funding such as the basic field grant helps to close the  “justice gap” between the great need of low income residents in American Samoa to access justice and the resources available to meet that need.

 ASLA provides free civil legal services to the low income residents of American Samoa in matters such as minor guardianship, divorce, child support, civil protection order, small estate, home foreclosure, tenant eviction defense, immigration etc. 

In  2016, ASLA opened 483 cases and closed 382 cases and its staff grew from 4 to 7 employees.  On behalf of the ASLA Board and Staff, Fainu’ulelei wishes the ASLA clients and people of American Samoa a joyous New Year!