Jamie A. Sabino is currently serving as the VAWA STOP Grant
Coordinator for the Administrative Office of the Trial Court of
Massachusetts, working on how the court handles cases involving
domestic violence and sexual assault. She formerly practiced in the
law firm of Klibaner and Sabino in Cambridge. Sabino is a past
president of the Women's Bar Association and Women's Bar Foundation
of MA and remains active on both boards. She is also a past Chair
of the Planned Parenthood League of MA and currently sits on board
of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund.
Why did you decide to become a fellow of the
MBF?
As the founding president and continuing board member of the
Women's Bar Foundation, an MBF grantee, I have long been aware of
the great work of the MBF. In my professional work, I have also had
the opportunity to interact with many other MBF grantees across the
state. So when a friend nominated me to become a fellow and I
learned how, because of the different fellowship tiers, it was so
affordable, I felt it was time to put my money where my mouth was -
and support access to legal services with my dollars as well as
with advocacy.
What do you see as most important about the work of the
MBF?
One only needs to imagine a victim of domestic violence facing the
person who has been in control of her life, across a courtroom; a
father facing a housing court hearing, desperate to keep a roof
over his children's heads; an immigrant facing a hearing which will
transform his or her future for better or worse - without the
assistance of an attorney or advocate to explain the arcane and
often frightening ways of the law and to give him or her a voice -
to realize the importance of the work of the MBF.
Why is this charity a good fit for members of the legal
profession?
As lawyers we are privileged to be able to play a part in a long
tradition of legal advocacy. In essence, we hold the keys to the
courthouse. The MBF gives us a chance to make sure that others have
a chance to enter that courtroom - as advocates and as clients. Not
only does MBF makes it possible for the civil legal needs of many
of our residents to be met but it allows attorneys and advocates
dedicated to providing these legal needs to continue their critical
work. I only wish that more attorneys will realize how financially
possible becoming a fellow can be. A contribution of $150 a year -
less than $3 a week - is a small price for the reward of ensuring
that all in Massachusetts have the ability to pursue their legal
rights. Think of it as donating a large coffee a week - but instead
of giving caffeine, giving hope.
What has been your favorite part about being involved with the
MBF?
I have been lucky enough to participate in the grant making process
by reviewing grant applications. This has given me the chance to
see up close some of the amazing advocacy work being done across
the state and to work collegially with other reviewers. Even while
making tough decisions, it is a pleasure to serve on the grant
review committees with such dedicated attorneys from across the
profession.