Last year, the Access to Justice Commission started a first of its kind program in the state that pairs senior lawyers, retired and nearly retired, with legal services providers and non-profit organizations to provide assistance to underserved populations. Since the program worked so well last year, the commission just announced that they have increased the number of Pro Bono Fellows from seven to twelve. SJC Justice Ralph D. Gants said, "The success of this program on pairing attorneys transitioning into retirement with important pro bono projects has made it a national model, which will likely be replicated in other states."
From September 2013 to June 2014, each Fellow will provide between 10 to 20 hours per week to individual pro bono projects. "The kinds of projects include: establishing a volunteer attorneys program; mentoring and training young lawyers; working with nonprofits on corporate governance; representing asylum seekers; expanding financial literacy; assisting with real estate matters; working to facilitate adoption of abused and neglected children; assisting the poor in preparing wills and health care proxies; and expanding urban agricultural opportunities."
To see the newly named Access to Justice Fellows and for additional information, see press release.
