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 of civil legal aid and a champion for victims of domestic abuse. She began her work in this area as a lawyer at Pine Tree Legal Assistance, later helping VLP become the independent group it is today. Those who knew her personally and professionally will tell you that Juliet was a passionate fighter for the less fortunate, always advocating for those who were vulnerable. Her work brought her into contact daily with people in great suffering, yet she faced this work with grace and made it her life’s mission.
The Maine Bar will feel the loss of Juliet keenly, including her colleagues in the legal aid community and the many volunteer leaders here at the Campaign for Justice. The staff at the Campaign and the Maine Justice Foundation join them in mourning a valued and caring colleague. The best thing we can do to honor her memory is continue the work she cared so deeply about. Farewell, Juliet.
For more information on Juliet and the Volunteer Lawyers Project, please click here.