We are very grateful to Richard Soden, Esq. of Goodwin Procter for volunteering at the Clearinghouse this past year through the Access to Justice Fellows Program. Even though his “term” as a fellow has ended, Richard will continue to be involved and assist us in the future. Thank you to Richard and the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission for allowing us to participate in the Pro Bono Fellows inaugural year.
The Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission launched the first of-its-kind Pro Bono Fellows Program last fall to partner senior lawyers with nonprofit and legal service organizations to provide critical legal assistance to underserved populations. Richard was one of seven distinguished, experienced, retired or transitioning into retirement lawyers who participated in the statewide pilot project to help expand legal services to persons of limited means.
Richard worked with Clearinghouse staff on a new program at the time which offers a preventive “Legal Checkup” where lawyers review and evaluate the corporate governance of nonprofit organizations to ensure that the organization meets legal requirements and follows best practices in business conduct. He educated and informed nonprofit organizations and their boards of the importance of good governance and the benefits derived from having a legal assessment. With his vast amount of experience relating to corporate governance and his service on the boards of numerous charitable and civic organizations, he was able to act as an ambassador and encourage participation in the program.
