Francis William "Bill"

McCalpin

"Bill McCalpin, a trailblazer in civil legal aid, left an indelible mark on the landscape of justice advocacy. As one of the pioneering figures in the Legal Services 
Corporation (LSC), McCalpin played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of civil legal aid in the United States. Serving as one of the inaugural chairmen of the LSC's Board of Directors, his tenure spanned a remarkable 13 years, marked by strategic leadership and tireless advocacy. From his induction onto the Board in 1979 to his chairmanship from 1980 to 1981, and his subsequent decade-long service from 1993 to 2003, McCalpin's dedication to the fight for equal justice remained unwavering.

McCalpin's influence extended far beyond his formal roles within the LSC. In the summer of 1964, a decade prior to the establishment of the Corporation, McCalpin's pivotal involvement in efforts to include a legal services component in President Lyndon Johnson's ""War on Poverty"" laid the groundwork for the federal legal services program. His ability to garner support from the private bar was instrumental in securing crucial backing for this initiative, underscoring his foresight and tenacity in championing the cause of access to justice.

Throughout his prestigious career, McCalpin remained an unwavering advocate for civil legal aid at both the national and local levels. His leadership roles, including chairman of numerous American Bar Association committees and president of esteemed institutions such as the American Bar Foundation and the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, exemplify his profound impact on the legal profession. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, McCalpin was honored with the American Bar Association Medal in 1988, cementing his status as one of America's legal legends.

McCalpin's commitment to equal justice earned him widespread admiration and respect from colleagues and peers alike. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who served alongside him on the LSC Board, hailed him as a hero of the legal services movement, acknowledging his pivotal role in ensuring that legal services always had a voice in the corridors of power. McCalpin's modesty and dedication to public service were evident in his own statements, characterized by a steadfast commitment to placing the public good above all else.

In honoring McCalpin's enduring legacy, the Legal Services Corporation dedicated its Conference Center to his memory, recognizing his pivotal role in laying the foundation for the pursuit of equal access to justice for all Americans. McCalpin's vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and equality continue to inspire generations of legal advocates, ensuring that his legacy remains etched in the annals of American legal history."