Middle Georgia Justice

In 2017, a group of local lawyers, in recognition of the substantial justice gap in Middle Georgia, established Middle Georgia Access to Justice Council, Inc. (MGJ). MGJ collaborates with Mercer Law School, Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP), and the Macon Bar Association to offer free legal services across various civil law areas to eligible applicants based upon incomes of 300% or lower of the federal poverty guidelines. Since opening in June 2018 with a staff of two, MGJ has expanded operations to include an executive director, office manager, development director, family law and probate staff attorneys, a paralegal, and two criminal history relief staffers. MGJ is closing the justice gap, educating the community about its services and impact, reducing self-representation in court, and strengthening families through legal services assistance. MGJ focuses on family law, probate/heirs' property, and criminal history relief, striving to assist as many individuals as possible. Notable accomplishments include creating a user-friendly online system for legal service requests, building relationships with other nonprofits and local courts for referrals, and enhancing staffing to provide comprehensive legal support to the low-income community of Macon-Bibb County. Through these initiatives, MGJ is dedicated to promoting justice for all and addressing the barriers faced by those who cannot afford civil legal assistance.