This commentary is by Hannah King of Burlington. She is executive director of the Vermont Bar Foundation and a former Burlington city councilor.
Justice should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. In Vermont, the gap between legal needs and available resources continues to grow, leaving too many individuals and families without meaningful access to the justice system. This is not just a legal issue — it is a fundamental challenge to the fairness and integrity of our community.
The Vermont Bar Foundation is committed to bridging this gap. As the primary funding source for civil legal aid in the state, the Foundation supports organizations that provide critical legal services to low-income Vermonters. From housing and employment disputes to domestic
violence protection and family law matters, these services are often the last line of defense for our most vulnerable neighbors. Yet, funding for legal aid remains insufficient to meet the growing need.
The 2024 Vermont statewide legal needs assessment paints a stark picture. Thousands of Vermonters face legal challenges without representation, often navigating complex legal systems alone. The Access to Justice Coalition, a collaboration of legal service providers, advocates and non-profit leaders, has worked tirelessly to increase visibility and support for these issues. But without long term, sustainable funding, even the most dedicated efforts cannot fully address the crisis.
Investing in access to justice is not only the right thing to do — it is also fiscally responsible. In the economic impacts of civil legal assistance programs study commissioned by the VBF, it was reported that for every one dollar invested, there is an 11-dollar return to the Vermont economy.
This shows that every dollar spent on civil legal aid generates significant returns, reducing the burden on courts, social services and emergency systems. Preventing unlawful evictions, securing fair wages and ensuring protection for survivors of domestic violence all lead to more stable communities and a stronger, more just Vermont.
As the Vermont Legislature considers budget priorities, it is imperative that funding for civil legal aid be recognized as an essential investment in our state’s future. Justice should not depend on income level, and the Vermont Bar Foundation stands ready to partner with lawmakers, businesses and community leaders to ensure that no one is denied their legal rights due to financial hardship.
We urge all Vermonters to support this cause — whether by advocating for increased funding, donating to organizations that provide legal services, or simply raising awareness of this critical issue. Access to justice is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Vermont cannot afford to underfund it any longer.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Hannah King: The growing justice gap in Vermont .