VALDOSTA — On Monday, community members, legal professionals, and local officials gathered at the historic courthouse to celebrate the return of the Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP) to Valdosta after a 12-year absence. 

Founded in 1971, GLSP is a nonprofit law firm that helps provide free legal services to low-income Georgians. The reopening of the Valdosta office adds to the organization’s regional network, which includes offices in Atlanta, Albany, Augusta, Brunswick, and other cities across the state.

The reopening marks a major step forward in increasing access to civil legal aid for residents of Lowndes County and surrounding rural areas. The event featured remarks from Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs of the Supreme Court of Georgia, Valdosta Mayor Scott Matheson, GLSP Executive Director Susan Coppedge, and former GLSP Board Member William “Bert” Gregory.

Boggs discussed access to justice, its causes, and consequences. He described some areas in Georgia as legal deserts, where access to legal services is so sparse or nonexistent that it can create legal issues. He described times when legal deserts could cause people to file legal documents incorrectly and jam up the legal process.

“Having access to justice denied is having justice denied,” said Boggs, who has long aimed to close Georgia’s justice gap. “The judicial branch is charged with the obligation and duty to ensure justice for all and to ensure access to justice.”

Boggs guided attendees on addressing legal deserts and the lack of justice. He mentioned that funding is a significant obstacle, but demonstrating a “return on investment” and the program’s impact can help generate additional revenue. Boggs concluded by urging lawyers to engage in pro bono work and actively advocate for ongoing and future reform efforts in Georgia.

Emily Schools was appointed as the senior staff attorney based in Valdosta. The Virginia-based lawyer moved to Valdosta and now looks to help serve and help those clients in need.