The subprime mortage crisis has impacted the Legal Services of NJ, the group who represents indigent litigants. Most of their revenues come from the interest on the trust accounts all lawyers in NJ are required to have. Trust accounts are used to hold client’s money for various transactions such as real estate closings. In the second quarter of 2008, this source of funds has shrunk by 48%. This had led to the closure of Legal Services offices along with the layoff of attorneys.
You can read more in the Philly Inquirer.