Marilyn M. Harp has devoted her career to providing legal assistance to low-income people and to promoting equal access to justice. In October she was appointed executive director of Kansas Legal Services, only the second in the 29 year history of the organization. Harp previously served as the interim executive director of Kansas Legal Services since Sept. 1, 2006, and the regional director of the Wichita and Southwest Kansas offices since 1996. She has practiced with Kansas Legal Services since her legal career began following her graduation from KU Law School in 1979. She says she always planned to pursue some combination of law and social welfare, but admits that she “never expected to be here 26 years.” Kansas Legal Services is a statewide non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping low-income Kansans meet their basic needs through the provision of essential legal, mediation and employment training services. served on the KBA board of governors and its executive committee. “I have enjoyed every single day of coming to work here. Part of it is the
She currently supervises the KBA’s Lawyer Referral Service and the Elder
variety – the different clients and situations I’ve been involved with. I get
Law Hotline. She was the co-founder and director responsible for the
to help people in ways that really matter – because I do a lot of family
development and implementation of the Elder Hotline. She was a key
law, in ways that matter to them and their kids. Working with other staff,
figure in the development of innovative procedures used in Sedgwick
I am involved in encouraging and inspiring them to work for equal justice
County for the fair and prompt disposition of protection from domestic
for low-income Kansans. That suits me very well.”
abuse cases. As an adjunct faculty member at Wichita State University,
Kansas Legal Services employs more than 150 lawyers, paralegals and
she teaches a course related to women’s issues in law.
support staff statewide across 15 offices. In the Wichita office, Harp
Also active in numerous community organizations, Harp serves as the
supervised a staff of six lawyers and other staff and paralegals who serve
board president for Alternative Gifts, International, a fund-raising agency
about 8,000 clients a year. In addition, the call center, where people can
that raises about $1.3 million annually for worldwide relief efforts. She
apply for legal services, takes about 36,000 calls a year. KLS handles cases
also serves on the Step Stone board of directors, an organization that
in the areas of consumer, employment, family, juvenile, health, housing,
provides transitional housing for domestic violence victims. In recognition
income maintenance and individual rights law.
of her service to the legal profession, the Kansas Bar Association honored
Harp has been active in professional legal organizations, including the
her with a 2006 Award for Distinguished Service.
Kansas Bar Association, where she currently serves on the LegalAid and Referral committee and Diversity Committee and is a past member of the Continuing Legal Education Committee. From 1994 to 2000, she
The University of Kansas
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