Updates 2020-2021

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – JANUARY 14, 2021

Greetings:

Hope you are all well in the new year. Please join us this month for the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission meeting and please see information below on the annual lobby day for civil legal aid.

Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission Meeting, January 28^th 2021

Please join us for our upcoming Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission meeting on January 28^th from 3-5 pm.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – DECEMBER 29, 2020

Highlights from the December 17^th Meeting of the MA ATJ Commission

Thank you to the Commissioners and guests who joined us for the most recent meeting of the MA ATJ Commission on Thursday, December 17, 2020. Highlights and key takeaways from the meeting include:

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – DECEMBER 10, 2020

Greetings:
Just a quick reminder of the December 17^th Commission Meeting and a note to share the announcement of two new initiatives.

Join us for the December 17, 2020 MA ATJ Commission Meeting

The next Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission meeting is scheduled for December 17th from 3-5 pm. RSVP here. We will forward a zoom link in advance of the meeting.

Pro Bono Initiative and December 15^th Training for 30A Cases in Middlesex Superior Court

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. You can read more and sign-up for a virtual training here.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – DECEMBER 1, 2020

Despite these challenging times, we hope you had the opportunity to relax and connect with family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Please see below for announcements and upcoming events.

Announcements:

Announcing the Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants Access to Justice Fund

As we continue to mourn the loss of our Co-Chair and friend, Chief Justice Ralph Gants, we know that his legacy will continue. We are pleased to share the news of the Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants Access to Justice Fund. This Fund will support initiatives to advance access to justice, racial equity and criminal justice reform in the legal system.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – OCTOBER 22, 2020

We write to share several access to justice related events happening next week as well as a new online training for attorneys to assist domestic violence survivors. Hope all are well.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 26, 2020 Commission Meeting

The next Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission meeting is scheduled for October 26^th from 3-5 pm. We will begin with a tribute to the memory of Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants, Commission Co-Chair. Meeting discussions will focus on the eviction moratorium and recent Commission activities. We look forward to seeing you there. RSVP here by 10/23. We will forward a zoom link in advance of the meeting.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – OCTOBER 19, 2020

OCTOBER 26, 2020 MA ATJ COMMISSION MEETING – REMINDER AND RSVP

The next Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission meeting is scheduled for October 26^th from 3-5 pm. RSVP here. We will forward a zoom link in advance of the meeting.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – OCTOBER 16, 2020

We are so pleased to share the below press release announcing this year’s recipients of the Adams Pro Bono Awards. We are particularly excited to share the wonderful news that Susan Finegan, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission, is the recipient of the inaugural Ralph D. Gants Award for Extraordinary Leadership in Pro Bono Service. Please join us in congratulating Sue, and all the award recipients, at the Awards Ceremony held on October 28^th from 4-5:30 (details below).

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – OCTOBER 12, 2020

OCTOBER 26, 2020 COMMISSION MEETING

The next Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission meeting is scheduled for October 26^th from 3-5 pm. RSVP here. We will forward a zoom link in advance of the meeting.

BREAKING NEWS ON EVICTION MORATORIUM: ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN ACTION!

We are pleased to share a press release issued by Governor Baker’s Office today announcing an initiative designed to preserve tenancies and support landlords once the Commonwealth’s moratorium on evictions expires on October 17, 2020.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – OCTOBER 6, 2020

Thanks to so many of you who expressed condolences on the tragic passing of Chief Justice Gants. We will remember him for his dedication to access to justice, here and beyond. We continue to mourn the loss of Chief Justice Gants as we move forward collectively with the work that was so important to him.

We share some news and provide updates below.

MASSACHUSETTS ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

With profound sadness and a deep sense of loss, we write about the passing of our Commission Co-Chair, our leader, and our friend, Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants.

Chief Justice Gants’ contributions to the law, to society, and to humanity are broad-reaching and manifold. Focusing on his work with the Commission, we share examples of his vision, his collaborative spirit, and his work ethic in tribute to the profound impact his life’s work has had and, we hope, will continue to have on the quest for a legal system and a community that provide access to justice for all.