Dear Commissioners and friends of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission,
Our newsletter this month is full lots of exciting information and developments so make sure to read all the way through!
Updated Lawyer For The Day Info on Massachusetts Trial Court Website
Great news! The trial court’s website on Mass.gov was recently updated to include detailed information about Lawyer for the Day programs, and now contains an accurate and searchable link at the bottom of the page. SRLs seeking legal assistance will now have detailed information searchable by the specific court their case is before. The page also includes an updated explanation of what a LFD program is, who is eligible, and what to do before meeting with a lawyer participating in the program.
New Judicial Guidelines for Civil Cases with SRLs
The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has issued new Judicial Guidelines for Civil Cases with Self-Represented Litigants (2025 Edition) to assist judges in working with the many litigants who do not have an attorney to represent them.
The new Guidelines update and supersede the Judicial Guidelines for Civil Hearings Involving Self-Represented Litigants that were previously issued in 2006. The new Guidelines take into account developments since that time, including the adoption of a new 2016 Massachusetts Code of Judicial Conduct that includes specific provisions concerning accommodations for self-represented litigants; appellate decisions involving issues relating to self-representation; the emergence of nationally recognized best practices for judges in cases with self-represented litigants; the development of new technologies; and the expansion of court initiatives and resources to support the diverse and growing population that comes to court without lawyers.
The new Guidelines were developed by a committee appointed by the SJC in 2021 that consisted of judges from the Appeals Court and each of the Trial Court departments, working with the support of two retired judges who served as advisors and staff attorneys at the SJC and the Executive Office of the Trial Court.
Announcing the relaunch of MassProBono.org!
MassProBono.org, a vital online resource for lawyers, paralegals, and law students looking to contribute their time to meet the legal needs of vulnerable people across Massachusetts, has been redesigned and updated.
Volunteers can now browse more than 60 curated, up-to-date pro bono opportunities from legal aid organizations across the Commonwealth to find projects that match their skills, interests, and availability. The website also features a calendar of training sessions and events aimed at strengthening volunteers’ ability to serve those in need of legal assistance.
To volunteer or learn more, visit www.massprobono.org. Or contact Brian Reichart, breichart@mlri.org.
Mass Pro Bono is managed by the Legal Aid Websites Project at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, with financial support from the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. Other websites managed by the Websites Project include:
- MassLegalHelp.org – Practical legal information and self-help materials for Massachusetts residents with civil legal problems.
- MassLegalServices.org – A website with legal resources for advocates and attorneys.
- MassLRF.org – The Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder, which helps people find free and low cost legal help in Massachusetts.
- Mass Legal Answers Online – The Massachusetts home of the ABA Free Legal Answers Project, connecting low-income individuals with volunteer attorneys for brief legal advice.
New tool helps parents and potential caretakers understand their options when a child needs a substitute caretaker
Community Legal Aid (CLA) recently announced the launch of a new, user-friendly, web-based tool designed to assist families in navigating complex legal processes when a child needs a substituted caregiver. The tool provides comprehensive guidance and helps users complete the necessary steps and forms to establish guardianship or other caregiving arrangements and is available in both English and Spanish. The module is structured into four components, each accessible online and designed for a seamless user experience. Users can begin at Component One and proceed step-by-step or directly access the part most relevant to their needs. The four modules are:
- Updated Content on Guardianship and Caregiving
The module includes updated information on guardianship and caregiving, hosted on www.masslegalhelp.org. This resource offers detailed guidance on navigating substituted caregiving situations. - Caregivers or Guardianship: Choosing the Best Option for a Child
A new interactive charthelps families and potential caregivers understand the differences between roles like Caregiver, Temporary Agent, and Guardian. Users can select the best option for their situation and proceed directly to tools and forms. - Care Type Finder
The Care Type Finder, an interactive guided interview, assists users in selecting the appropriate type of caregiver. It also provides guidance for parents who are either in agreement with or opposed to guardianship petitions, directing them to the appropriate forms and steps. - Guided Interviews hosted by CourtFormsOnline
This final component features interactive interviews that guide users through the process of completing legal forms accurately. These tools cover up to 20 court and legal forms related to guardianship cases or substituted caregiving situations.
A2J Fellows Program Information Session
Interested in using your legal skills and experience to make a difference and advance access to justice in retirement? Head to the Lawyers Clearinghouse website to learn more about the A2J Fellows Program. The Access to Justice Fellows Program, a project of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission and Lawyers Clearinghouse, enables senior lawyers and retired judges to partner with nonprofit organizations, courts, and other public service entities to increase equal justice for all. Since 2012, 211 Fellows have provided 200,000+ hours of pro bono service to 97 Massachusetts partner organizations. On March 4th at 12PM on Zoom, the BBA Delivery of Legal Services Section will host the annual A2J Fellows Program Information Session. Please RSVP Here to attend.
What We’re Reading
In this “Volunteer Spotlight” by Jessica Landry that appeared in the Massachusetts Bar Association’s December 19, 2024 edition of the MBA E-Journal, Attorney Landry discusses her recent experiences as a “Lawyer for the Day” in Superior Court. She writes that the experience has been rewarding, meaningful, and a way to gain valuable experience and improve her skills. Specifically, she says “Volunteering for the Superior Court LFD has been nothing short of transformative—both for the litigants I’ve had the privilege to assist and my growth as a legal professional.” Read more about her experience here.
Access to Justice Commission Meeting
The next full Commission meeting will take place on February 27, 2025 at 3:00 pm via zoom. Please RSVP here by noon on February 26th for the Zoom link.
Warm regards,
Deb