“There’s no doubt in my mind that the imbalance in our legal system is great and it’s only getting greater. It is imperative that, as a society, we continue to think deeply about this issue and work toward equal access to justice.” – Mia Friedman, Vice President, Lawyers Clearinghouse Board of Directors
Public interest work was always Mia Friedman’s goal.
After spending time in legal aid and clinical positions while studying at Suffolk University Law School and working in private practice for a few years, Mia returned to her alma mater in 2010 as the Director of Public Interest and Pro Bono Programs. While there, Mia led the law school’s efforts to educate students about the professional obligation to give back through pro bono service and to engage students in meaningful volunteer opportunities that benefited underserved communities.
Mia joined the Lawyers Clearinghouse staff in 2014, drawn to its mission of improving the lives of clients through pro bono service. Working on the Access to Justice Fellows Program and the Legal Clinic for the Homeless, Mia oversaw the expansion of both programs, managing a range of pro bono work benefitting Massachusetts individuals and families as well as entities in the nonprofit and state sectors.
In 2019, Mia stepped into a national role at Fish & Richardson, where she remains today as the firm’s first Director of Pro Bono & Social Responsibility, setting the strategic direction for and overseeing all aspects of the firm’s pro bono and social responsibility programs.
In 2021, Mia returned to the Clearinghouse, this time as a board member. She was thrilled to still be able to have a positive impact on the organization. Now, as Vice President of the board, she works with Board President Tonysha Taylor, Treasurer Melanie Todman, and other members of the Executive Committee to assist with board governance, recruitment, and strategic planning.
“As a Board member, I feel lucky to help oversee the Clearinghouse’s mission, strategy, and financial decisions, in partnership with Susan Gedrick [Executive Director]. It is a privilege to continue to be part of the Lawyers Clearinghouse.”
As far as pro bono work, to Mia, it’s an ethical obligation. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the imbalance in our legal system is great and it’s only getting greater,” she said. “It is imperative that, as a society, we continue to think deeply about this issue and work toward equal access to justice.”
