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Law Books

About Us

In 2017, Georgia’s Justice for All Working Group identified a pressing need to make civil legal services more accessible, leading to the development of a Strategic Action Plan aimed at bridging gaps for legal consumers across geography, institutions, and income levels. A key component of this plan involved establishing Law Libraries as Self-Help Resource Centers to empower individuals with essential resources.​The following year, Dougherty County, Georgia, became the first pilot location for this initiative, launching the Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center. The Center provides civil litigants with a range of support options, from self-representation resources to referrals for legal aid, limited-scope attorney services, or pro bono assistance—all through a lawyer-supervised referral network.​Since its inception, the Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center has assisted over 38,000 individuals from both Georgia and beyond, evolving into a state model and influencing similar projects across Georgia and nationwide.​

Staff

Director and Legal Expert

Dr. Nai'ja Bridges

Legal Navigator II, Supervisor

Mrs. Traci Kelley

Legal Navigator I

Vacant

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Mission

Vision

The Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center is committed to providing and expanding Access to Justice throughout the Southwest Georgia area by providing legal information and resources throughout the State of Georgia and the continental United States.

As the model project for the State of Georgia, our goal is to expand and provide Access to Justice in the communities throughout the State of Georgia in collaboration with our legal communities and community partners to reduce or eliminate legal barriers to self- sufficiency thus helping to contribute to a healthy positive economic base for the individuals and the communities regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, or disability.

Our Major Donors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our remarkable sponsors for their steadfast support of the Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center. Your generous contributions enable us to continue providing essential legal resources to our community. We are deeply appreciative of your commitment to our mission of ensuring free and equal access to justice. Thank you for standing with us—the entire Southwest Georgia Legal Self-Help Center team is truly grateful for your ongoing partnership!

BOARD MEMBERS

Hon. Willie E. Lockette Esq. - Dougherty County Judicial Chief Circuit

Angel Bradford - Board Chairperson and Captain Albany Police Department

Bill Moorhead III, Esq. - Secretary of the Board and Attorney 

Hon. Kenneth B. Hodges, Esq. - Georgia Court of Appeals Judge

Hon. John Stephenson, Esq. - Dougherty Judicial Circuit State Court Judge

Hon. Leisa Blount, Esq. - Dougherty Judicial Circuit Probate Judge


Greg Edwards, Esq. - Dougherty County District Attorney

Evonne Mull - Dougherty County Clerk of Court

Thomas Duck III, Esq. - Attorney

Thomas Ledford, Esq. - Attorney

Pete Donaldson, Esq. - Attorney

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