New Supreme Court rules have cleared the way for money left over from class-action lawsuits to be used to provide legal services for low-income Pennsylvanians. The funds remain from lawsuits after the plaintiffs, attorney fees and expenses have been paid. The rule is designed to increase access to the civil courts for low- and moderate-income Pennsylvanians.

“The legal needs of many Pennsylvanians have risen with the level of uncertainty in the nation’s economy,” Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille said. “But many legal aid organizations can only do so much. These new rules will provide underlying support for a new revenue stream while also standardizing the practice of disposing of leftover funds.”  More...