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.

As a practicing attorney, 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 effort 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.

The SJC has published requirements for neutrals in all  Alternative Dispute Resolution Services (ADR), including Conciliation.  To qualify, you must be a practicing attorney in Massachusetts for a minimum of three years and have received a minimum of eight hours of ADR training.  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.