Access to Justice Awards Luncheon
Thursday, March 6
JFK Library and Museum, Boston
To purchase your ticket or sponsor a table, click here.
The 2008 MBA Access to Justice Awards Luncheon took place on March 6 and was dedicated to legal services luminary Nancy King, the executive director of the South Middlesex Legal Services in Framingham, who lost a 20-year battle with breast cancer on Dec. 18 at the age of 59.
State Rep. Byron Rushing (D-Boston) delivered the keynote speech at the luncheon, which is being held at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston. Rushing, who was first elected in 1982, is second assistant majority leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. His legislative priorities include human and civil rights, the advancement of democracy, economic and housing development and providing housing and health care for all.
The event honored King by presenting her with the 2008 MBA Access to Justice Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously. In addition, the 2008 Access to Justice Awards were presented to the following recipients at the luncheon:
Legal Services Award
Faye Rachlin, Legal Assistance Corp. (Worcester) is a legal advocate for the indigent who assists tenants struggling with mental illness and addiction in gaining access to clinicians and other social services.
Pro Bono Award for Law Firms
Heisler, Feldman, McCormick and Garrow PC (Springfield), a firm known for its innovative compensation model, relies on state fee-shifting statutes and has no expectation of client payment upon engagement.
Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP (Boston) has dedicated its time to representing lawful immigrants whose access to justice would otherwise be limited.
Pro Bono Publico Award
Thomas A. Manning (Worcester) established the “Lawyer for the Day” program in the Worcester Probate and Family Court to provide assistance to pro se parties.
Defender Award
Erica E. Cushna, CPCS (Springfield) is a specialist in juvenile defense work and has zealously advocated for juvenile rights before the Supreme Judicial Court.
Prosecutor Award
J. Thomas Kirkman, District Attorney's Office (Barnstable) has spent much of his career as an advocate for victims of domestic violence, in both private practice and as an assistant district attorney.
Click the links below to read Lawyers Journal coverage of the event:
By Kate O’Toole