Ruth Deleon

Micronesian Legal Services Corporation

MLSC is a non-profit organization which provides free legal services throughout Micronesia; we have offices in Majuro and in Ebeye, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, Saipan, and Palau. At MLSC, we believe in a Micronesia where all people are treated fairly and with respect; where government and institutions are accountable even to the most vulnerable among us; where those who need legal services the most get the highest quality assistance to better their lives; where justice and fairness for all, even the poor, is the standard not only in our courts but in every community; and where communities thrive under democratic principles. Our mission is to promote equal access to justice and to provide high quality civil legal assistance to low income people. MLSC improves the lives of the people of Micronesia by helping them solve important legal problems; and strengthens communities through advocacy. We have a total staff of 42, including secretaries, trial counselors, paralegals, attorneys, and our administrative staff. MLSC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, governed by a 9-member board of directors, with at least one director representing each of the regions in which we have offices. MLSC never charges for our services to the community. All our services are always free. MLSC is supported by by several sources, including each of the governments in which we have offices, the U.S. Legal Services Corporation, other institutional and government grants, and by individual donations. Our Board sets priorities for use of MLSC resources each year. The primary strategies MLSC uses for implementing these priorities include provision of direct legal services to low income persons, free of charge; collaboration with agencies and institutions; and outreach and community education.