Hallowell, ME – 2020 put a spotlight on Maine’s legal community.
As record unemployment, business closures, and isolation hit economically vulnerable Mainers, their need for legal aid skyrocketed. Members of the Maine Bar responded.
The Campaign for Justice raised over $621,000 for needy Mainers last year, representing a five percent increase in revenue over 2019. Over 1,550 members of the Maine Bar contributed – an amazing four percent increase from the previous year.
“Maine lawyers all know the difference legal representation can make in people’s lives and can take pride in their support for civil legal aid,” said Campaign Co-Chair, David Pierson. “Their overwhelming support makes the Campaign for Justice an example for others to follow.”
Since 2004, the Campaign for Justice has worked collaboratively with Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Legal Services for the Elderly, Maine Equal Justice, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, and Volunteer Lawyers Project to raise money from the Maine Bar in support of civil legal aid. The 2020 Campaign for Justice result is the second highest in its history.
These legal aid providers serve over 30,000 people every year—Mainers who need, but are not able afford, help for life-changing issues like protection from abuse and harassment, divorce, eviction, immigration, or loss of government benefits.