In Memoriam: Juliet C. Holmes-Smith

The Campaign for Justice pays tribute, in shock and sadness, to Juliet C. Holmes-Smith, Executive Director of Volunteer Lawyers Project, who passed away on August 14. Juliet worked for many years for VLP, one of the six legal aid providers supported by the Campaign, and was its founding Executive Director.

Juliet was a tireless supporter …

16 August 2020, Posted in: Campaign for Justice

Access to Justice Day at the Legislature

The Legislature declared April 4, 2018 to be “Access to Justice Day” at the Maine Legislature.

The event included displays and presentations by Maine’s civil legal services providers in the Hall of Flags (and refreshments provided by the Maine Justice Foundation!). Many legislators stopped by to hear about the providers’ efforts to achieve full access …

4 April 2018, Posted in: JAG News

Legal Services Corporation Funding At Risk

The Maine Justice Foundation has learned from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association and the American Bar Association that there is a hit list of programs that President Trump might eliminate to trim domestic spending, including the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). Maine’s recipient of LSC funds is Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

In 2016, 24% …

22 February 2017, Posted in: Our Work

Instructions for Lawyers Opening New IOLTA Accounts

Please use new MJF Form #2 (dated December 2015), which replaces existing form “Notice to Financial Institution to Establish an IOLTA Account.” This new form includes your authorization for the financial institution to notify the Board of Overseers of the Bar of overdrafts. Please sign and provide the original form to the financial institution and …

3 August 2016, Posted in: Our Work

Michael J. Levey and Michael S. Brown Endowment Fund

Maine Justice Foundation is very pleased to announce the establishment of our newest endowment fund: The Michael J. Levey and Michael S. Brown Fund.

Designated for the operational expenses of the Maine Justice Foundation. Many thanks to Mike and his wife for their generous spirit and strong commitment to justice.…

14 June 2016, Posted in: Press Release

Special Opportunity for Giving!

Good News! On December 18, 2015, Congress passed a tax bill that made the IRA Charitable Rollover permanent. This allows people aged 70-1/2 or older to transfer up to $100,000 annually from their IRA accounts directly to a charity, like the Maine Justice Foundation.

The distribution counts as their required minimum distribution without increasing their

13 June 2016, Posted in: Our Work, Press Release