Dear Commissioners and friends of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission:
Apologies for getting this newsletter out a bit late this month – there’s been lots going on and I am excited to tell you all about it!
Leadership Transition
It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to Commission Co-Chair Marijane Benner Browne who has served as Co-Chair for 4 years and as Commissioner for 13 years! While we will miss Marijane’s cheery demeanor and unwavering commitment to equal justice for all, she has assured us that she will look for ways to remain involved in the Commission’s mission and its work. In exciting news, last week, the Supreme Judicial Court announced that Lisa C. Goodheart, Esq., will be the Commission’s new Co-Chair. LIsa, who is a partner at Fitch Law Partners, LLP,. has been deeply engaged throughout her career in bar association activities and efforts to support the judiciary, including service as President of the Boston Bar Association and President of the Boston Bar Foundation, She has also been a member of the Access to Justice Commission since 2020 and currently serves as Co-Chair of its Racial Equity and Justice Committee. I’m excited to work with both Lisa and Co-Chair, Judge Valerie Yarashus, in the Commission’s next term, which runs from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026.
The ATJC receives President’s Award from Boston Bar Association at its annual Law Day Celebration!
The Access to Justice Commission was thrilled and honored to be recognized by both the BBA and the Red Sox at the BBA’s annual Law Day celebration which took place at Fenway Park this year! BBA President McTygue honored the Commission with a Special Presidential Citation and praised the Commission for its 20 years of support for legal aid and pro bono services and its advocacy for racial equity in the civil justice system. Upon receiving the award, several Commissioners (including Commission Co-Chairs, Hon. Valarie Yarashus and Marijane Benner Browne, and 20th Anniversary Task Force Co-Chairs, Hon. Julie Bernard, Lisa Goodheart, and J.D. Smeallie) raced down to the field where they joined SJC Justice Bessie Dewar and former Commission Director, Carolyn Goodwin (along with Red Sox mascots Wally and Tessie) to be honored by the Red Sox on the field. It was great to have the Commission’s accomplishments over the past 20 years recognized and the Commission is grateful for the opportunity to spread the word about our work to the legal community and Red Sox Nation. As I said at the BBA’s event, the Commission is more committed than ever to continuing its mission of expanding access to justice for all for the next 20 years and beyond.
May 19th Commission Meeting Recap
Thanks so much to everyone who came out to Lowell for our in person meeting on May 19th. The meeting featured remarks from the Honorable Heidi E. Brieger, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Commissioner Sheriece Perry, Director of Court Services and Law Libraries, also gave a whirlwind presentation on what’s new in the state’s court service centers and law libraries and Commissioner Rachel Biscardi, Supervising Attorney at Northeast Legal Aid, gave a run down of some of the most pressing legal issues facing residents of the northeast region.
Many attendees also visited the Lowell Court Service Center and Law Library before the meeting and folks in attendance also got to see the new 20th Anniversary posters that highlight many of the Commission’s accomplishments over the course of its 20 year history.
The SJC is seeking nominations for the 2025 Adams Pro Bono Publico Awards.
Named for attorneys John Adams and John Quincy Adams, the Adams Awards honor Massachusetts lawyers, law students, law firms, and legal organizations that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to providing pro bono services for the benefit of individuals of limited means. Recipients may be honored for exceptional pro bono service during the year prior to the award ceremony or over a longer period, including service performed across multiple pro bono cases or activities. Service worthy of an Adams Award may include, but is not limited to:
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The creation of or participation in an activity or pro bono program that expands legal services to underserved segments of the population or fills a previously unmet need;
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Significant work on litigation, the outcome of which benefits persons of limited means; or
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Significant work on the adoption of legislation or policies that benefit individuals of limited means.
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The Committee encourages the submission of nominations that reflect the diversity of the Commonwealth’s residents.
More information about award criteria and nomination guidelines can be found on the Adams Pro Bono Publico Awards webpage. The deadline for nominations is Monday, June 30, 2025.
Warm regards,
Deb