A to J Commission announces four new members and release of report on
COVID-19 lessons
The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) this week announced the appointments of four new members to the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission and the recent release of the commission's report on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report, “Creating a More Equitable System: Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” was released in September of 2022. The report compiles feedback from a range of access to justice stakeholders and reflects on lessons learned during the pandemic and opportunities to take advantage of Trial Court adaptations and innovations to improve access to justice for all court users.
First established by the SJC in 2005, the Access to Justice Commission seeks to improve access to justice for people who are unable to afford an attorney for essential civil legal needs, such as cases involving housing, consumer debt and family law.
The new Access to Justice Commission members are:
- Justine A. Dunlap is a professor at the University of Massachusetts School of Law, where she teaches courses on access to justice, family law and practice, and civil procedure.
- Colin Harnsgate is a senior staff attorney in the Bankruptcy and Consumer units at the Volunteer Lawyers Project.
- Danielle Johnson is the deputy director of the Mayor's Office of Housing Stability in Boston.
- Lisa Owens is the executive director of the Hyams Foundation, which funds organizations and networks working toward racial and economic justice in Greater Boston and Massachusetts.
Among other activities, the Access to Justice Commission coordinates with civil legal aid organizations to support their activities and develop new initiatives to address unmet needs. The commission also works to increase the number of attorneys able to provide pro bono or limited assistance civil legal services and coordinates with the court system on initiatives that assist individuals to better understand and navigate civil legal proceedings. The commission's members include representatives from the court system, legal aid organizations, social service organizations, bar associations, law schools, businesses, and other stakeholders in the access to justice community.
More information about the commission and its work is available on the commission’s website.
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Opening on the Board of Bar Examiners
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) invite interested attorneys to apply for appointment to the Board of Bar Examiners for one available five-year term pursuant to G.L. c. 221, §§ 35-36.
The Board of Bar Examiners is charged with evaluating the qualifications of persons seeking admission to the bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its activities are governed by SJC Rule 3:01 and the Rules of the Board of Bar Examiners.
Applicants should be experienced attorneys who have been members of the Massachusetts bar in good standing for a substantial number of years. The justices strongly encourage attorneys with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Anna Rachel Dray-Siegel at anna.dray-siegel@jud.state.ma.us by Dec. 2. Please note that this deadline has been extended. If you previously applied, there is no need to resubmit your application. If you have questions about the application process or the position, contact Dray-Siegel.
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Opening on SJC Advisory Committee
on the Rules of Civil Procedure
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) invite nominations and applications for appointment to the court's Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure for one available three-year term.
Applicants should be experienced legal aid attorneys. The justices strongly encourage attorneys with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
This committee advises the court on all issues and proposals relating to the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure, and reports to the SJC Rules Committee. Committee members are expected to attend all meetings, the scheduling of which varies with the committee's work. Members also may be assigned to subcommittees that meet more frequently than does the full committee. Outside of meetings, members may conduct research and draft materials in support of the committee's work.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter and one-page resume to Anna Rachel Dray-Siegel at anna.dray-siegel@jud.state.ma.us by Dec. 2. If you have questions about the application process or the position, contact Dray-Siegel.
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U.S. Bankruptcy Court announces 2022 Honor Roll
On Oct. 12, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts held its Ninth Annual Pro Bono and Public Service Awards Ceremony to acknowledge and thank those individual attorneys and law students who have demonstrated a commitment to pro bono legal work and public service from Sept. 1, 2020, to Sept. 1, 2022.
The Pro Bono Honor Roll can be found here.
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Brandeis University seeks judges for Mock
Trial Invitational
Interested in mock trial? Brandeis University is hosting its annual Louis Brandeis Invitational on Nov. 12 and 13, and would like to invite you to judge.
As a judge, your job will be to objectively score the performance of two competing teams, possibly preside over the trial, hear objections and, most significantly, provide teams with feedback on their strategies and performances. Your experience and input are extremely valuable to competing teams, all of whom benefit from your advice, expertise and suggestions as they prepare for upcoming Regional and National rounds of competition next spring.
No previous experience as a judge or trial attorney is needed. Rounds are roughly three hours, and food will be provided to anyone volunteering to judge.
If interested, contact Zach Mayer.