SJC issues new judicial guidelines for civil cases with self-represented litigants
The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) on Wednesday issued new Judicial Guidelines for Civil Cases with Self-Represented Litigants (2025 Edition) to assist judges in working with the many litigants who do not have an attorney to represent them.
In contrast with criminal cases, in most civil cases, litigants who cannot afford an attorney do not have a right to appointed counsel. While some of these litigants may be able to obtain representation from legal aid attorneys or pro bono counsel, many must represent themselves. Consequently, in certain civil case types, 80% or more of the cases involve at least one self-represented litigant.
The new guidelines update and supersede the Judicial Guidelines for Civil Hearings Involving Self-Represented Litigants that were previously issued in 2006. The new guidelines take into account developments since that time, including the adoption of a new 2016 Massachusetts Code of Judicial Conduct that includes specific provisions concerning accommodations for self-represented litigants; appellate decisions involving issues relating to self-representation; the emergence of nationally recognized best practices for judges in cases with self-represented litigants; the development of new technologies; and the expansion of court initiatives and resources to support the diverse and growing population that comes to court without lawyers.
The new guidelines were developed by a committee appointed by the SJC in 2021 that consisted of judges from the Appeals Court and each of the Trial Court departments, working with the support of two retired judges who served as advisors and staff attorneys at the SJC and the Executive Office of the Trial Court.
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MassProBono.org relaunches to connect Mass. lawyers with those in need
MassProBono.org, a vital online resource for lawyers, paralegals and law students looking to contribute their time to meet the legal needs of vulnerable people across Massachusetts, has been redesigned and updated. Volunteers can now browse more than 60 curated, up-to-date pro bono opportunities from legal aid organizations across the commonwealth to find projects that match their skills, interests and availability. The website also features a calendar of training sessions and events aimed at strengthening volunteers' ability to serve those in need of legal assistance. Mass Pro Bono is managed by the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project, at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI).
“Many lawyers are eager to help, but often the hardest part is figuring out where to start. Mass Pro Bono simplifies this process, helping legal professionals quickly find opportunities that align with their expertise and passion for service,” said Brian Reichart, attorney with the Websites Project. “We are excited to offer a platform that connects volunteers with opportunities on a range of issues from housing to immigration to family law and more that make a real difference for individuals and families across the state.”
“Access to legal assistance is crucial for many low-income individuals and families,” said Ilana Gelfman, chair of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono Services. “Mass Pro Bono provides an essential bridge between dedicated volunteers and those in urgent need of help.”
The new opportunity guide is powered by Paladin, a platform that streamlines pro bono engagement by connecting legal teams with impactful projects. Paladin currently supports 13 statewide pro bono portals, including Mass Pro Bono. “Massachusetts has a strong pro bono culture, and MLRI is a true leader in advancing access to justice. It is an honor to be partnering with them to expand pro bono volunteerism across the state,” said Kristen Sonday, Paladin’s CEO.
Get Involved
Mass Pro Bono streamlines the experience for both Massachusetts-based legal services organizations and volunteer attorneys, offering a wide range of pro bono matters and an easy-to-navigate interface. To volunteer or learn more, visit www.massprobono.org.
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Job opening
Judicial case manager for Bristol Probate Court
The Massachusetts Trial Court is seeking to hire a judicial case manager for the Bristol Probate and Family Court.
This position involves a high level of professional legal and case management work of complex difficulty with supervisory responsibilities. The employees in this position assist the first justice and associate justices in performing their legal and administrative duties as set forth in state statutes, court rules, standing orders and court policies. This employee is appointed for a term of three years by the first justice of the division, pursuant to G.L. Chapter 217, Section 23C, with the approval of the chief justice of the Probate and Family Court Department.
Click here for more information and to apply.