Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and White House Counsel Ed Siskel led a meeting of the Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable (LAIR) to announce the release of the 2024 LAIR Report. The Department’s Office for Access to Justice (ATJ), which oversees LAIR, facilitated the event. In 2025, LAIR plans to focus on expanding access to justice for victims and survivors of crimes.
The report emphasizes data's role in understanding people's ability to access justice and resolve legal issues. It highlights how improved data collection can benefit various stakeholders, including governments, courts, and advocacy organizations. "Every day, millions of Americans face problems that are legal in nature," said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. He noted that federal agencies could use data to help resolve or prevent these issues.
ATJ Director Rachel Rossi praised LAIR's growth and its work addressing societal issues by seeking solutions across federal agencies. She stated that in 2025, LAIR would concentrate on supporting victims and survivors of crime as part of its mission to advance access to justice.
At the convening, remarks were given by Attorney General Garland, Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Mizer, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, and White House Counsel Ed Siskel. They highlighted recent accomplishments using data and research to tackle access-to-justice challenges. Agency leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts for developing solutions.
Founded in 2012 under the leadership of the White House Domestic Policy Council and the Justice Department, LAIR is co-chaired by the Attorney General and White House Counsel. It includes 28 federal agencies aiming to improve coordination among programs and increase meaningful access to justice for all individuals regardless of wealth or status.