TO: All Family Law Practitioners
Our volunteer programs tend to grow a bit thin during the summer months and need to get a shot in the arm this time of the year….hopefully you can help.
Fortunately, through a partnership with the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court Department and the various Bar Associations of the Commonwealth, we have developed an effective Lawyer for the Day Program to assist the Court in providing access to justice for our pro se litigants. I am writing in an effort to see if you have some time during the coming months to give us a hand in boosting our program.
The Lawyer of the Day volunteers one day of his or her time, on an annual rotating basis. Of course, we would gladly accept multiple dates during the year if you so choose! Participating lawyers are asked to appear at the Court at 8:30 a.m. and to remain available until 3:00 p.m., assisting pro se litigants with the various (predominantly) domestic relations and probate matters that they bring to the court. It is always understood that you may have to arrive late or leave early.
Norfolk’s First Justice John Casey and I hope to recruit 50 new volunteers before the end of 2015!
We are currently scheduling dates throughout September, October and November and are wide open for suggested dates.
If interested, please provide at least 3 available dates from which we can select ONE by emailing to PATRICK.MCDERMOTT@JUD.STATE.MA.US (preferred), by calling 781-830-1271 and leaving a message, or by faxing your selections to 781-830-4310.
** Also, if you have a new associate in your firm or a friend just starting their family law practice, we are pleased to announce the formation of a training program for practitioners in exchange for their signing up for the Norfolk LOD Program. First Assistant Register Jack Harney will introduce the participating attorney to the procedures and practices of the Norfolk Probate Court with one-on-one coaching…A great way for a new attorney to meet court staff and judges. Email me to set up a training schedule.***
The Norfolk Division has always been proud of its ability to provide outstanding service to the Bar and to the public. We are focused on maintaining that reputation with your assistance.
I appreciate your consideration of this request. If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.