Nearly two-thirds of eligible people seeking civil legal aid in Massachusetts are turned away due to a lack of resources. Without representation, many of them lose their homes, are unable to receive benefits, struggle through child custody or domestic violence cases, or face other life-altering repercussions.
On January 28, Clearinghouse staff joined hundreds of attorneys, legal aid advocates, and other nonprofit organizations for the 17th annual Walk to the Hill. Organized by the Equal Justice Coalition and co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Boston Bar Association, Walk to the Hill brings people together to meet with their representatives and ask them to advocate for increased civil legal aid funding for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), which funds legal aid organizations throughout the state. This year, legislators were asked to support $27 million in funding for 2017, which would increase the amount currently allotted to MLAC by $10 million.
Attendees also heard from a number of speakers, including Attorney General Maura Healey, Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants, Massachusetts Bar Association President Robert Harnais, Boston Bar Association President Lisa Arrowood, and a legal aid client named Lisa, who says attorneys from Greater Boston Legal Services saved her son’s life when they helped him keep his MassHealth coverage. The message was clear: Justice should be a right for all, not a privilege granted only to those who can afford it.
Take a look at some of our event photos below.
