The Superior Court and the Massachusetts Bar Association
(MBA) are delighted to announce the creation of a major pro bono initiative to
provide legal representation at no cost in cases that are brought in Middlesex
Superior Court under M.G.L. c. 30A by parties who are not able to hire a lawyer
on their own. This program will also be assisted by the Health Law Clinic of
Suffolk University Law School.
Cases filed under M.G.L. c. 30A involve judicial review of agency decisions.
The types of cases are varied, but may include denial of some public benefits,
including those from MassHealth or the Department of Transitional Assistance
(DTA); motor vehicle surcharge appeals (which can make auto insurance
unaffordable to low-income people, restricting their ability to get a job);
educational law appeals; appeals related to fines for disabled individuals who
have elevators in their homes but forget to have periodic
maintenance/certification; appeals from certain decisions by the Department of
Children and Families; and numerous other types of cases.
The need for these pro bono services was apparent even before COVID-19, and
the need is expected to grow significantly as a result of the pandemic. This
project is one of the key initiatives to come under the umbrella of the COVID-19
Task Force of the Access to Justice Commission.
The MBA’s Leadership Academy will play a leading role in this pro bono
program, along with the Health Law Clinic of Suffolk University Law School. Many
additional volunteer lawyers will be needed.
Join the MBA for this FREE virtual training. Panelists include David
Kerrigan, Esq., Kenney & Sams PC, chair; Chief Justice Judith Fabricant;
Hon. Kenneth Salinger; and Hon. Valerie Yarashus.
This training will be hosted using Zoom. Registration is required by
noon on Monday, Dec. 14, to participate in this program. After you
register with the MBA, please look for an email from MassBar
Education with the Webinar ID and Password. The email will be sent
after noon on Dec. 14.