Two Philadelphia Nonprofits Benefit from Unique Ace Legal Charitable Program

NEW YORK, May 18, 2009 — Two Philadelphia nonprofit organizations that support the legal needs of women and low-income residents have received $35,000 in grants from the ACE Rule of Law Fund, a unique charitable program that leverages donations from ACE Group attorneys with matching contributions from partner law firms and ACE.

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (CLS) recently received a $20,000 grant from the fund that will enable its housing unit to assist low-income tenants in dealing with problems associated with private, public and subsidized housing. CLS helps 17,000 low-income Philadelphia residents each year in obtaining equal access to justice by providing them with advice and representation in civil legal matters; advocating for their legal rights; and conducting community education about the legal issues that affect them.

"As many traditional funders of legal services have less to donate this year, the ACE Rule of Law Fund contribution is a great boost," said CLS Executive Director Cathy Carr. "This is the first time we have heard of a corporate law office raising funds for legal services, and it speaks to the commitment of the ACE lawyers to helping those in need. The economy has turned the constant flow of low-income clients into a flood of people needing legal services."

The Women's Law Project (WLP) received a $15,000 grant from the fund to support its efforts with Philadelphia police and prosecutors to improve investigations and enforcement of domestic violence and sex crimes against women. The WLP is a national leader in women's rights and a local resource for Pennsylvania women, with a successful record of advocating for women on a wide range of family, violent crime and discrimination issues.

"The Philadelphia Police Department and the District Attorney's Office have become true partners with advocacy organizations in recognizing the severity of domestic and sexual violence and in responding appropriately," said Carol Tracy, Executive Director of the Women's Law Project. "The ACE grant will help continue the momentum with our collaborative efforts, which are proving to be very effective in improving and coordinating law enforcement's response to violence against women."