MBA Pro Bono Opportunities
Keeping with the spirit of a national and statewide charge to
increase pro bono activity, the Massachusetts Bar Association urges
members to expand their pro bono efforts to help those who need
legal services the most.
For those of you looking for pro bono opportunities, refer to the
MBA's online Pro Bono Opportunities
Guide, which provides a list of companies in need of
volunteers. Volunteers are also always needed for the MBA's Public
and Community Services Department programs such as Serving our
Veterans in the Law, Elder Law Education, Dial-A-Lawyer and Mock
Trial.
MBA opportunities include:
Veterans Programming
In the fall of 2007, the MBA began to develop legal assistance
programming for veterans and families of veterans. In order to
offer these various services, the MBA provided specific training to
volunteer attorneys on veterans-related issues, including how to
appeal benefit decisions before the Veterans Administration.
This newly developed MBA programming includes:
Elder Law Education Program
During May, in celebration of Law Day, many MBA members
throughout the state volunteer to speak at their local senior
center or council on aging on various elder-law subjects. Topics
range from basic elder legal issues to more substantive areas. ELEP
is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Chapter of the National
Association of Elder Law Attorneys. Click here for more elder law
education information.
Monthly Dial-A-Lawyer
On the first Wednesday of each month, attorneys volunteer at the
MBA Boston headquarter by providing free basic legal information by
phone to callers between the hours of 5:30-7:30 p.m. Questions
cover a wide range of legal topics. Additionally, twice a year the
program is offered specifically to the general public in Western
Massachusetts. Click here for more Dial-A-Lawyer
information.
Mock Trial
Every year, members of the MBA serve as coaches and judges for
the Mock Trial Program, while thousands of high school students
across Massachusetts participate. Students prepare a hypothetical
case and then test their skills as lawyers and witnesses in a
simulated courtroom competition. Click here for more Mock Trial
information.