Champions of Change

On October 13, 2011 Attorney General Eric Holder attended "Champions of Change," an event to honor and recognize the work of legal leaders who are dedicate their professional lives to closing the justice gap in America.  

Attorney General Eric Holder joined Senior Counselor for Access to Justice Mark Childress at the White House to honor and recognize the work of 16 legal leaders from communities large and small who are dedicating their professional lives to closing the justice gap in America. The event, co-sponsored by the White House Office of Public Engagement and the Department of Justice Access to Justice Initiative.

Attorney General speaks about the recipients of the White House's "Champions of Change" honors. "€œIt'€™s a privilege to be among so many remarkable individuals who - because of their commitment to progress."

Attorney General Holder joined the panel to recognize the honor recipients and discuss pressing issues facing disadvantaged members of society.  

Students, professors, clinicians, pro bono directors and law librarians from 118 law schools nationwide submitted discussion questions and viewed the event via live-stream on the Internet.  

Senior Counselor for Access to Justice Mark Childress also spoke on the panel.The Access to Justice Initiative was launched by the Department of Justice in March 2010.The initiative seeks to ensure that the justice system is fair and accessible to all.

The discussion included conversations on issues such as how to pursue a career in public interest law; how best to assist disadvantaged members of society through legal knowledge and skills; and how to help specific segments of the population.