Civil legal aid began as a response to urgent need. Over time, it has evolved into a cornerstone of our access to justice infrastructure. This session will examine the political and social context in which civil legal aid was founded, examine its measurable impact on low-income communities, and consider how legal aid has shaped both legal and social service systems in Connecticut and across the country. Panelists will reflect on the legal profession’s progress, identify persistent structural gaps, and discuss how the evolution of civil legal aid informs today’s conversations about equity, institutional design, and the legal profession’s responsibility in promoting and advancing justice.