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Volunteer Opportunities |
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*Programs made possible through a generous grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation |
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Probate & Family Court Lawyer for the Day Program* Volunteers are needed in the Salem and Lawrence Probate & Family Courts. A coordinator is present to qualify clients and assist with filling out forms, but we also need attorneys to provide more extensive guidance. Hours are Monday—Thursday, 9:00 a.m.— 1:00 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, as little or as much as you would like, contact: Attorney Kathleen Solazzo at 978.921.0660 or ksulsol@yahoo.com for the Salem Court; and Attorney Dick Consoli at 978.682.9643 for the Lawrence Court. |
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Lawyer Referral Service Reduced Fee Panel As practicing attorneys, each of you is aware of the impact of pro-se litigants on the court system, and the critical need for the disadvantaged to obtain legal representation. In an attempt to expand its outreach to those who are underrepresented in the courts, the Essex County Bar Association has undertaken an effort to expand its Reduced Fee Panel. As the name indicates, members are not required to perform pro bono services, but agree to accept qualified reduced fee applicants for a fee not to exceed $75 per hour. A set of financial guidelines will be provided. There is no cost to belong to the Reduced Fee Panel, but you must be a member of the Lawyer Referral Service. |
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Mentors Needed! The ECBA membership continues to grow, especially with members who are new to the Massachusetts bar. Naturally, they could use a little guidance, and we are hoping that some of our seasoned members will step up to the plate and volunteer to act as a mentor to our new attorneys as they register for the program. Although the Mentor Program covers all areas of law, there are several new lawyers who continue to wait for a mentor in the areas of Family Law, Probate Law, Employment Law, and Immigration Law. It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare a little time and provide some guidance to one of our new members. If you are interested, please contact Pam Surette at the ECBA, 978.741.7888. |
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Pro Bono Conciliation/Pretrial Programs* The SJC has published requirements for neutrals in all Alternative Dispute Resolution Services (ADR), including Conciliation. To qualify for the Probate and District Courts, you must be a practicing attorney in Massachusetts for a minimum of three years, (ten years for Superior Court), have received a minimum of eight hours of ADR training, and be a member in good standing. If you are interested in volunteering your services as an ECBA pro bono conciliator, kindly call the ECBA office at 978.741.7888, and speak with Kathleen Feener. |
