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Pro Bono Opportunity: Attend a training and provide representation for c. 30A cases in Middlesex

Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020
The FREE virtual training will be on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m.
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The Superior Court and the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) are delighted to announce the creation of a major pro bono initiative to provide legal representation at no cost in cases that are brought in Middlesex Superior Court under M.G.L. c. 30A by parties who are not able to hire a lawyer on their own. This program will also be assisted by the Health Law Clinic of Suffolk University Law School.

Cases filed under M.G.L. c. 30A involve judicial review of agency decisions. The types of cases are varied, but may include denial of some public benefits, including those from MassHealth or the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA); motor vehicle surcharge appeals (which can make auto insurance unaffordable to low-income people, restricting their ability to get a job); educational law appeals; appeals related to fines for disabled individuals who have elevators in their homes but forget to have periodic maintenance/certification; appeals from certain decisions by the Department of Children and Families; and numerous other types of cases.

The need for these pro bono services was apparent even before COVID-19, and the need is expected to grow significantly as a result of the pandemic. This project is one of the key initiatives to come under the umbrella of the COVID-19 Task Force of the Access to Justice Commission.

The MBA’s Leadership Academy will play a leading role in this pro bono program, along with the Health Law Clinic of Suffolk University Law School. Many additional volunteer lawyers will be needed.

Click here to join the MBA for this FREE virtual training on Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Training panelists include David Kerrigan, Esq., Kenney & Sams PC, chair; Chief Justice Judith Fabricant; Hon. Kenneth Salinger; Hon. Valerie Yarashus; Julie E. Green, Esq.; and John R. Hitt, Esq.

Questions about volunteering? Contact 30A@massbar.org. This training will be hosted using Zoom. Registration is required by noon on Monday, Dec. 14, to participate in this program. After you register with the MBA, please look for an email from MassBar Education with the Webinar ID and Password. The email will be sent after noon on Dec. 14.