Fellows and friends of the MBF celebrated its 2012 grantees,
Legal Intern Fellows, and President's Award recipients at two
Grantee Receptions this fall, one in Boston and one in
Springfield.
At both receptions, MBF President Jerry Cohen
began the night by applauding all in attendance for their role in
increasing access to justice in the commonwealth and highlighting
the crucial work of MBF grantee organizations. In Boston, he
invited 2012 MBF Legal Intern Fellow Rachel Smit,
a student at Boston University Law School, to share her experience
as an intern with Greater Boston Legal Services' Employment Unit
this summer. In addition to thanking the Fellows in attendance,
whose contributions made her summer experience possible, she spoke
compellingly of GBLS's critical work assisting those who are
mistreated, abused, and marginalized in the workplace. In
Springfield, he invited Faye B. Rachlin, Deputy
Director of Community Legal Aid, to speak about CLA's work
providing civil legal services to the poor of the five western
counties of the state. MBF funds support CLA's core work in housing
and domestic violence/family law.
MBF Vice President Robert J. Ambrogi introduced
the 2012 President's Award recipient in Boston, Lu Ann
Reeb, founder and president of Boston Media Group and
Legal Talk Network, LLC. Attorney Archer Battista,
who is of counsel at Lyon & Fitzpatrick LLP in Holyoke,
received the award at the Springfield reception and was introduced
by MBF Trustee Judge Anne M. Geoffrion.
The MBF President's Award is given to individuals who have
demonstrated exemplary service to the Massachusetts Bar Foundation,
as well as the Massachusetts legal community, through their
leadership and commitment to increasing the availability of legal
services for low-income citizens of the state.
MBA President Robert L. Holloway, Jr. closed out
the program with congratulations for the attendees and appreciation
for the MBF's constituents' efforts to increase access to justice
for all in the Commonwealth. Attendees enjoyed the rest of the
evening catching up with friends and colleagues over
refreshments.
Please visit www.MassBarFoundation.org to view photos of the
events and find a list of the 2012/2013 MBF grants awards.