Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007
MBA applauds release of the Access to Justice Commission Report
The MBA applauds the release of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission Report, titled "Barriers to Access to Justice in Massachusetts: A Report, with Recommendations, To the Supreme Judicial Court". The report includes 45 recommendations to improve the quality of justice for low-income residents.
“The Access to Justice Commission has done a remarkable job of identifying impediments to justice which unfortunately still persist in our legal system. This report clearly documents so many of the problems facing unrepresented litigants. The report is valuable because it makes clear recommendations on long-needed reforms,” said MBA President David W. White Jr.
Among its recommendations, the commission asks that advocates who are not attorneys be allowed tospeak in court on behalf of low-income individuals in eviction and domestic violence cases.
“The Massachusetts Bar Association looks forward to working with the Access to Justice Commission, the courts and the Legislature. We will continue our advocacy for increased funding to provide legal assistance for citizens who cannot afford a lawyer,” White said.
Click here to download the MBA press release.
The MBA also acknowledges the efforts of the MBA member Commission members:
Hon. Peter W. Agnes, Jr.
Superior Court, Boston
Hon. Herbert P. Wilkins (ret.)
Boston College Law School, Newton
Hon. Dina E. Fein
Western Housing Court, Springfield
Maxa S. Berid, Esq.
Berid & Schutzbank LLC, Lowell
Jacquelynne J. Bowman, Esq.
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
P. Keyeburn Hollister, Esq.
Gobel & Hollister, Pittsfield
Bettina M. Holton, Esq.
Bettina M. Holton PC, Brockton
Nancy King, Esq.
Southern Middlesex Legal Services Inc., Framingham
Robert W. Lavoie, Esq.
Devine, Millimet & Branch, Andover
David W. Rosenberg, Esq.
Rosenberg & Schapiro PC, Boston
Richard Soden, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston
James T. Van Buren, Esq.
James T. Van Buren, Attorney at Law, Fitchburg
Toni G. Wolfman, Esq.
Bentley College, Waltham
Antone G. Singsen III, Esq.
Commission consultant, Singsen & Tyrell Associates, Watertown