Apply for appointment to the SJC Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) invite applications for appointment to the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services. The committee currently expects to have multiple positions open for appointment. Membership terms ordinarily run for three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term.
The justices seek volunteer applicants from diverse backgrounds across the commonwealth who are willing to devote their time and energy to improving the justice system and who have demonstrated a commitment to and experience in assisting persons unable to afford legal counsel for their essential civil legal needs. Candidates who applied in prior years may reapply.
The committee works to support and promote volunteer legal work to assist people of limited means who need legal representation. It presents the annual Adams Pro Bono Publico Awards to 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. The committee also administers the Pro Bono Honor Roll; engages with law schools, bar associations and other community organizations to promote pro bono legal work; and considers rule changes and other initiatives to facilitate pro bono practice by attorneys and law students.
Applicants should submit a resume and a letter describing their experience and interest in serving on the committee by Friday, Sept. 27, to Chip Phinney, chief counsel for judicial policy at the SJC, preferably by email to Chip.Phinney@jud.state.ma.us, or by mail to Chip Phinney, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108.
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Superior Court revises guidelines for
probation violation hearings
The Superior Court has issued revised Guidelines for Probation Violation Proceedings, effective Aug. 5, 2024.
The guidelines are available here.