The Massachusetts Bar Association annually recognizes attorneys
and law firms' significant efforts to enhance access to justice
through the Access to Justice Awards, which will be presented at
the MBA's Access to Justice Awards Luncheon.
To nominate and recognize an unsung hero of the legal
profession, or a law firm that has made a significant difference
for low income litigants dealing with the justice system, submit
your nomination by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, to:
Massachusetts Bar Association
Access to Justice Awards
20 West St.
Boston, MA 02110
We encourage nominations from local/affiliated bar associations,
government agencies and legal services organizations.
Legal Services Award
An attorney employed by a public or nonprofit agency to provide
civil legal services to low-income clients, and who has made a
particularly significant or meaningful contribution to the
provision of low-income legal services, above and beyond the
requirements of his or her position.
Pro Bono Award for Law Firms
Recipient must be a law firm of two or more attorneys with one
or more offices in the commonwealth, whose pro bono activities are
particularly noteworthy in relation to the firm's size and which
has performed significant or meaningful pro bono activity or has
been
particularly instrumental in developing, implementing and/or
supporting a pro bono program or pro bono services within
Massachusetts.
Pro Bono
Publico Award
An individual who has been instrumental in developing,
implementing and supporting pro bono programs for the MBA or a
county bar association, or a pro bono program of a law firm, or has
developed a pro bono program sponsored by or organized through an
agency in the commonwealth, or has performed significant or
meaningful pro bono activity.
Defender Award
An attorney who is employed or retained by a public or nonprofit
agency to provide criminal legal services to low-income clients,
and who has made a particularly significant or meaningful
contribution to the provision of low-income legal services above
and beyond the requirements of his or her position.
Prosecutor Award
A state or federal prosecutor who has distinguished himself or
herself in public service and whose commitment to justice and
serving the community where he or she lives or works is
particularly praiseworthy.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Access to
Justice Section Council Chair Charles Vander Linden or MBA Section
Administrator Jean Stevens.