Charles J. DiMare, Esq., director of the Student Legal
Services Office
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst,
Massachusetts
MBF Fellow since 1995
Attorney Charles DiMare has been the director of the student
legal services office at UMass Amherst since 1980. In this
capacity, as well as in his private practice Antonino & DiMare,
Attorney DiMare has developed an expertise in a wide range of
topics including labor and employment law, civil rights, personal
injury, property rights, family law, and higher education. He has
also been a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
since 1980, teaching courses on Law and Higher Education. DiMare
has also lectured at many other colleges and universities and
co-authored a chapter on intentional torts for the American
Association for Justice'sLitigating Tort Casesseries. In
addition to DiMare's extensive litigation experience, he is also a
skilled mediator and ADR trainer.
Why did you decide to become a
fellow?
When I was nominated to be a Massachusetts Bar Foundation Fellow
in the 1990s, I reviewed the organization's mission statement. I
was primarily motivated by the MBF's commitment to improving the
administration of justice and ensuring equal access to the legal
system, especially for those who are most underprivileged due to
lack of financial resources. I have continued to be impressed by
the MBF Fellows' strong commitment to reversing the trend of
increasing unmet civil legal need. I also welcomed the opportunity
to give back to the community in a way that allows me to help
people and help the profession at the same time.
What would you say to members of the legal community who
are concerned that the MBF is a statewide organization in name
only?
I would suggest that they talk with any of the more than 125
Fellows who each year participate in reviewing grant applications
to ensure that grant funds are distributed effectively and
judiciously to programs throughout Massachusetts. These attorney
volunteers help the bar connect with pro bono and other civic
organizations and also enable multiple programs to provide critical
assistance to those who do not have sufficient resources to address
legal issues, including domestic violence, housing, immigration
status, child advocacy, elder law, family law and health care.
What has been your favorite part about being involved
with the MBF?
Almost every year since 2001, I have participated in the grant
review process (with dozens of other MBF Fellows) by reviewing and
assessing the many organizations that apply to the MBF for grants.
This has been a very rewarding experience. I have also participated
in other MBF events including the Annual Meeting, Grantee
Receptions, and other networking opportunities that have been
offered. The opportunity to network with many outstanding MBF
attorneys has also been a favorite part of my involvement with the
MBF.
Is there anything else you would like to say about the
MBF?
Since I believe that MBF Fellows set the highest standard among
their peers, I would strongly encourage members of the
Massachusetts Bar to consider becoming a Fellow of the MBF. Since
the MBF is a charitable, nonprofit organization under IRS code
501(c)3, all contributions are tax-deductible, in accordance with
federal and Massachusetts state law. Working with other MBF Fellows
has been very satisfying and rewarding.