PHOENIX (March 10, 2025) – The Law Library Resource Center, part of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, recognizes the invaluable contributions of the Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps members in recognition of AmeriCorps Week. Celebrated nationwide from March 9-15, AmeriCorps week provides an opportunity to highlight the crucial role AmeriCorps members play in supporting the community and enhancing access to justice.  

For the past decade, AmeriCorps members serving at the Law Library Resource Center have provided personalized help to self-represented litigants who need extra support understanding court forms and processes related to protective orders, family, civil, probate, criminal and juvenile cases. This ensures individuals can ask detailed questions and receive the time they need to fully grasp what’s required for their legal matters. This service is open to anyone who calls or visits one of the Law Library Resource Center locations or attends off-site events.  

“The goal for this 10th anniversary is that by the end of our program year, AmeriCorps members will have served more than 17,000 self-represented litigants in navigating the judicial process,” said (PACS) AmeriCorps Program Manager, Sonia Marquez. “In addition, they have provided over 280 translations for individuals who speak other languages, escorted over 300 members of the public to different areas of the courthouse and provided over 800 informational handouts.” 

Becoming an AmeriCorps member offers a unique opportunity to address crucial community needs while gaining valuable hands-on experience in assisting court customers. During onboarding, members participate in a program orientation session where they learn about the different courts in the state and the program’s expectations. Members also have the potential to apply for and secure a position within the justice system and the Judicial Branch.  

“My time at the LLRC taught me how to effectively communicate legal information to the public, assist individuals in high-stress situations, and navigate court procedures,” said AmeriCorps Alumni Erick Favela Herrera. “These skills became the foundation for my professional growth, leading to an internship with the Civil and Lower Court of Appeals Department and later a Judicial Externship with Judge Bruce Cohen. After completing my externship and graduating from GCU, I was offered a full-time position as a Courtroom Assistant in the Criminal Department. In this role, I now work directly with Judicial Officers, attorneys, and litigants, ensuring that court proceedings run smoothly.” 

Self-represented litigants face many challenges while navigating the court system, and many visit the LLRC on one of the most challenging days of their lives, seeking some form of relief from the circumstances they face. AmeriCorps members learn about all departments in the Judicial Branch, attending courtroom observations and informational tours to be able to provide helpful and detailed customer service to the public.  

Throughout their service, members receive a living allowance to support themselves as they contribute to their communities. Upon program completion, members are awarded an education grant to help further their academic or professional goals. The Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps program was created in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family 10 years ago. Since 2015, there have been over 470 positions awarded, nearly 400 members accepted, and approximately 330 members have completed the program.  

For more information about the Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps program, please visit: https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/americorps/.  

AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges.

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