The sudden loss of Juliet Holmes-Smith on August 14 was stunning and tragic. As an attorney at Pine Tree Legal Assistance and later the founding Executive Director of the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Juliet spent a career fighting for Maine’s vulnerable – especially for those escaping domestic abuse. Juliet possessed a perfect balance of fortitude and …
Maine Justice Foundation Announces New Executive Director
“After a national search, the Board of the Maine Justice Foundation has unanimously and enthusiastically selected Michelle Giard Draeger to serve as our new executive director,” announced Foundation President William S. Harwood. “She has the skills and abilities essential to leading the Foundation into the future and advancing our mission of ensuring access to justice …
Maine Justice Foundation honors champions of justice with new designation: Honorary Director
The Maine Justice Foundation (MJF) has named its five founders as the organization’s first-ever Honorary Directors. According to MJF Foundation President William S. Harwood, “Our foundation was established under the name “Maine Bar Foundation” back in 1983, thanks to the vision and hard work of these esteemed advocates, and we are incredibly proud to have …
Maine Law gets funding to continue Rural Lawyer Project
From October 23, 2019 – MaineBiz
The University of Maine School of Law said it has received funding to continue the Rural Lawyer Project, launched in 2017 to improve access to justice in rural communities.
Danielle Conway initiated the program during her tenure as dean, in a three-year pilot with funding from
Report shows how to fix the broken defense system for Maine’s poor
From the Portland Press Herald Editorial Board, 4/10/19:
Low-income Mainers are not being treated equally before the law.
The U.S. Constitution says every American has the right to legal counsel when the stakes are high.
In practice, however, the 80 percent of defendants who cannot afford an attorney are often left to navigate an adversarial …
Maine Law symposium will look at Maine rural lawyer shortage
From March 25, 2019, Mainebiz:
The shortage of lawyers in rural Maine will be tackled next month at a symposium hosted by the University of Maine Law School, part of the school’s ongoing effort to address the issue.
The “Ensuring Equal Access to Justice in Maine’s Rural Communities Symposium” will include attorneys, judges, doctors …
MJF selects Student Board Member
James M. Roux Legal Aid Fellow Selected; Funding from Maine Justice Foundation Supports Fellowship Program
The James M. Roux Fellow for 2018 has been awarded to Scott Dolan of South Portland. Dedicated funding from the Maine Justice Foundation will provide support for Dolan, a student at the University of Maine School of Law, while he works as a legal intern at the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic for the summer.
Dolan …
Hallowell lawyer recognized for volunteer legal aid hours
FROM THE KENNEBEC JOURNAL/MORNING SENTINEL BY BETTY ADAMS. View original story here.
James A. McKenna III and four others were honored at a Katahdin Counsel award ceremony in Augusta.
AUGUSTA — For the third year running, attorney James A. McKenna III received a special award for volunteering five mornings a week with Pine Tree …
Applications for Coffin Fellowships Open: Apply by October 12, 2018
The Coffin Family Law Fellowship provides legal representation in family law matters to clients who have qualified for pro bono assistance through the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Named after Frank M. Coffin, Senior Judge on the First Circuit Court of Appeals, the Project supports attorneys based in the Portland, Maine offices of Pine Tree Legal Assistance. …