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 …

11 April 2019, Posted in: Uncategorized

SIS invests in Maine Justice Foundation

FROM SEACOASTONLINE.COM, 4/6/19

SANFORD — SIS Bank has become a Prime Partner in Maine’s “Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts” Program, an initiative that generates an ongoing source of funds to provide civil legal services for individuals and families who cannot afford it.

“The Maine Justice Foundation welcomes SIS Bank as one of our Prime Partners,” …

9 April 2019, Posted in: Press Release

Civil Legal Services Legislative Funding Initiative under Way

The Maine Justice Action Group and Maine civil legal services providers have commenced a major legislative effort to secure funding for civil legal services in Maine. The initiative has been years in planning and preparation. With the guidance of JAG’s legislative advisory committee, and the support of Representative Barbara Cardone of Bangor, a bill (LD …

27 March 2019, Posted in: JAG News

Maine Civil Legal Service Providers to Attend Implicit Bias Conference

October 2018

The Maine civil legal services providers, staff and attorneys, acting in cooperation and collaboration with each other (as they consistently do), will be attending an educational program on implicit bias in October. The training will enhance the quality and efficiency of their work with Maine’s neediest populations.…

27 August 2018, Posted in: JAG News