One of the BBA’s core values is equal access to justice, and every January brings an opportunity to come together with fellow advocates for funding for civil legal aid.
The Equal Justice Coalition’s annual Walk to the Hill will give participants the opportunity to call on state lawmakers to adequately fund the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) line item in the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget. To illustrate the multifaceted reasons MLAC’s work is important, the EJC’s #IWalkForJustice social media campaign invites supporters to share the reasons why they Walk to the Hill.
For this week’s “Voices of the Bar” column, we’re reaching out to ask:
“Why do you Walk to the Hill?“
Jayne Tyrrell – Massachusetts IOLTA Committee
“I walk to the hill to support the funding of legal aid to the poor. These funds provide critically needed legal assistance in compelling matters, including evictions, foreclosures, domestic violence prevention, consumer protections, veteran benefits, employment discrimination and other issues impacting the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities.”
Catherine Rizos – Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
“I Walk to the Hill because I know that legal aid makes a profound difference in the lives of low-income people. Civil legal aid is, at its core, about fairness and justice for all, and that’s an ideal that will always be worth supporting and fighting for.”
Michael McDermott – Dain Torpy
“I walk to the Hill to ensure no one faces economic barriers to justice or the courts.”
If you would like to respond to a future Voices of the Bar, make sure you send a headshot, and contact Lauren DiTullio at lditullio@bostonbar.org.