As the days grow longer and nature awakens with budding and vibrant greens, we too find ourselves energized with the promise of new beginnings at Pine Tree Legal Assistance.
As we bid winter farewell, we are reminded it's a time of renewal, growth, and exciting opportunities. In this edition we are excited to share news that has us embracing the spirit of this season of new beginnings:
Announcing the creation of the
Elinor & Charles Miller Rural Justice Fellowship!
Each year, beginning in 2024, Pine Tree Legal Assistance will select one new attorney or recent law graduate to serve a two-year fellowship in either the Presque Isle or Machias office. The inaugural fellow will have the opportunity to select the Machias or Presque Isle office as their location. The fellowship will subsequently rotate between the two offices, so that there will always be one fellow based in each office. Pine Tree’s Presque Isle office serves the whole of Aroostook County, while our Machias office serves Washington and Hancock Counties.
The fellowship attorneys will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of legal issues, including areas of housing, consumer, Tribal, and family law. Fellowship attorneys will also have the opportunity to propose special projects or areas of focus for their fellowship work that are consistent with Pine Tree’s program priorities. Upon completion of their two-year fellowships, Miller Fellows are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities at Pine Tree Legal Assistance to continue their careers in public service.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance will provide fellows with outstanding training and mentorship. This will be accomplished by connecting fellows to program-wide opportunities and communities via experienced staff, supervising attorneys, and practice group leaders. Each fellow’s training and mentorship will ensure our clients receive excellent legal services and that fellows learn and grow quickly as new lawyers. In October 2024, Pine Tree will begin an exciting collaboration with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and fellows with have the opportunity to participate in an intensive trial skills training.
We are pleased to name this fellowship after Ellie and Charlie Miller. Ellie served several decades as a Pine Tree staff member, including as Assistant Director during some of the organization’s most challenging times. She currently serves on our Board of Directors and has served as Board officer for over a decade. Charlie, who passed away in August 2023, was a pillar in Maine's legal community. Charlie was accomplished for his expertise in real estate and business law with a client loyalty that spanned decades. Over many years, Charlie was recognized in national, prestigious lawyer rankings including Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America, and rated AV by Martindale Hubbel. In addition to his legal acumen, Charlie gave his expertise, leadership, and wisdom to Pine Tree Legal Assistance and many other charitable organizations. While it took the efforts of many people to build Pine Tree into the strong force for equal access to justice it is today, Ellie and Charlie Miller, are among the few who have made it a significant part of their life’s work. Dedication to equal access to justice in Maine is one of the hallmarks of their work and legacy and Pine Tree is proud that the Miller Fellows will carry this mission of service forward for years to come.
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