The Legal Access Services for Reunified Families (LASRF) program, provides legal information and advice to class members and qualifying additional family members of the Ms. L., et al. v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, et al., 18-cv-00428-DMS-AHG (S.D. Cal. Oct. 16, 2023) (“Ms. L Settlement Agreement”).  The Ms. L. Settlement Agreement tasks EOIR with ensuring legal access and orientation to Ms. L. Settlement Class members.  To carry out this settlement mandate, the EOIR’s Office of Legal Access Programs contracted with Acacia to create the LASRF program. Through a network of legal service providers, the LASRF program provides legal consultations, information, and advice to Ms. L.  class members, and assists them in preparing for hearings and submitted immigration-related applications. The LASRF program also serves as a crucial gateway for connecting Class members and qualifying additional family members with pro bono attorneys (to the extent available). Although not a substitute for counsel, the LASRF program educates Class members about how to navigate the immigration case process  pro se. 

• Individualized consultations and counseling sessions are one-on-one sessions with unrepresented individuals where providers conduct individual consultations for individuals, give legal advice about the person’s immigration circumstances, and help the individual complete necessary motions and forms. 
• Pro bono placement occurs where a subcontractor refers a case to a pro bono (i.e., at no cost) attorney organization, firm, law school, or other partner for representation and receives confirmation that an engagement letter was signed between the attorney or accredited representative and client. LASRF providers also provide training and mentorship to pro bono attorneys who take on class members for representation.