Legal Services Corporation Turns 50
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), a major funder of VLP for decades, has reached a major milestone! As LSC celebrates its 50th anniversary this April, we are proud to be one of its grantees, working together to promote equal access to justice for all. LSC is the single largest funder of free civil legal aid in the nation. Its mission to provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans has been instrumental in our ability to continue our work, and we couldn't be more grateful for this partnership. Thanks to LSC's support in the form of Basic Field Grants, Technology Initiative Grants, and Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grants, we have been able to make a significant impact in the greater Boston community and help those who need it most. We are excited to continue our work together and make a difference in the lives of many more. Thank you, LSC, for 50 years of promoting access to justice throughout the country!
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Pro Bono Attorney Julius Halstead Goes Above and Beyond for Clients
Pro Bono Attorney Julius Halstead, associate at Goulston and Storrs, representing a low-income tenant in a nonpayment of rent eviction case, has been exceptional. Attorney Halstead raised significant counterclaims and defenses against the eviction relating to the condition of the client's apartment. His ability to develop an excellent rapport with clients and navigate difficult cases is remarkable, and the kindness he has shown clients makes it "such a pleasure working with him," says Housing and Appeals Supervising Attorney Rochelle Jones. "We are proud to have him as part of the Pro Bono team." Attorney Halstead and Attorney Jones amplified the client's voice to ensure it was heard. Access to justice isn't only about winning; it is also about having your voice heard in the court of law. Julius Halstead made that happen with Supervising Attorney Rochelle Jones as Co-Council in a jury trial in the Eastern Housing Court.
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Clinic Signups
At VLP, we remain committed to providing flexible services for our clients and volunteers. Whether you prefer in-person or remote volunteering, we have clinics available in a variety of units, including Housing, Landlord Advocacy, Wage Theft, Family Law and Guardianship, Appeals, and Consumer and Bankruptcy. Join us for an upcoming clinic and gain valuable experience through volunteering or shadowing.
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Staff Attorney Rochelle Jones Sets VLP’s Instagram Abuzz
Rochelle Jones, VLP’s Housing and Appeals Supervising Staff Attorney, who was recently promoted to Supervising Attorney, has made a name for herself in the Pro Bono world with her exceptional mentoring skills. Her feature interview on VLP’s Instagram during National Mentoring Month created a buzz. At VLP, we knew Rochelle was amazing, but the overwhelming response to her spotlight confirms it. Rochelle’s mentoring skills, honed during her two-and-a-half-year tenure at VLP, make her a true superstar on our staff. We are happy to have her on our roster of Mentors!
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Serving Our Community Through Grant Support
VLP is happy to announce that we have been awarded grants from the Berkshire Bank Foundation, M&T Bank Charitable Foundation, and the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation. These grants will play a crucial role in supporting our mission of providing vital legal aid to the community, allowing us to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. We are grateful to these foundations for their generous support.
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A Warm Welcome to our Newest VLPies
Introducing three new VLP staff members: Abigail McCourt, Family Law and Guardianship Attorney; Briana Saint Pierre, Intake Specialist; and Amari Bruno, Pro Bono Assistant. We are excited to have all three of our new VLPies on board!
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Abigail is a 2023 law graduate from New England Law Boston with a master's degree in clinical social work from Boston College. Abigail brings a unique set of skills to our team. She also holds a bachelor's degree in social work and political science from Providence College. Abigail is a passionate advocate dedicated to increasing access to justice for all. Her commitment to helping those in need is inspiring, and we cannot wait to see her in action as part of the VLP legal team!
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Briana graduated from Framingham State University in 2020 and is pursuing a paralegal certificate at Bunker Hill Community College. Having served as a resident assistant and peer mentor during her college years and more recently as a paralegal in a small law firm, she brings a unique blend of skills to her position at VLP. Her passion for social justice, dedication to addressing the homelessness crisis, and understanding of housing and the law make her a valuable addition to our team.
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Amari graduated from Eastern University with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and minors in Pre-Law and Political Science in 2023. They bring a wealth of experience in public service legal support, having worked at organizations such as FreeFrom, A Breeze of Hope Foundation, and The Boston Project Ministries. Amari is passionate about economic justice and its role in the fight against gender-based violence.
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VLP Summer 2024 Internship Application Now Open
If you’re a student looking to gain hands-on experience in the legal field, look no further than the VLP Summer 2024 Internship. Our internship program offers students the chance to work in all our units including Family Law, Wills, Guardianship, Housing Landlord-Tenant, Consumer, Employment, and Bankruptcy. The deadline is fast approaching, so don’t wait!
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John & Abigail Adams Benefit Ball 2024 Benefitting the Boston Bar Association at the Museum of Fine Arts
Join the Boston Bar Association on April 6, 2024 for an unforgettable night of glamour and sophistication. Guests will enjoy open bars, gourmet dinner stations, live entertainment, and dancing.
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MCLE Honors the late Judge Edward M. Ginsburg with its Program on Resolving Family Disputes
Judge Ginsburg, who passed away last summer, founded Senior Partners for Justice at VLP in 2002 and inspired hundreds of attorneys to take on pro bono work on behalf of clients in need for the next twenty years. A brilliant and innovative judge, he emphasized the importance of settling family law cases to avoid the potentially devastating impact on children and families. He was instrumental in establishing the Settlement and Early Resolution Volunteers (SERV), a pro bono conciliation program in the Probate and Family Court. It was fitting that Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) held the program on Resolving Family Disputes in Judge Ginsburg’s honor. The program presented methods for settling disputes while advocating for the client’s best interests, minimizing future litigation, and recognizing family dynamics and finances. We want to thank both in-person and digital attendees. Your participation helped honor Judge Ginsburg’s legacy of promoting peaceful resolutions and access to justice.
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We are grateful to MCLE for supporting pro bono by offering training discounts to VLP/Senior Partners; if you want to attend an upcoming MCLE training and would like a voucher, contact eandres@vlpnet.org. | |
Highlights from 2023 DotHouse Medical Legal Partnership End-of-Year Report | |
October '23 - February '24 Community Impact | |
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