Pro Bono Attorneys from Goodwin Proctor Win Appeal Saving Family from Eviction

A team of Pro Bono Attorneys from Goodwin Proctor successfully appealed a final judgment for possession and damages in an eviction case for a couple living in the North Shore with their children. The family came to VLP facing an eviction for nonpayment and fault and were barred by the judge from raising counterclaims at trial. VLP referred the case to Goodwin, where the team submitted a brief and went to the Appeals Court in October 2024, arguing that the couple should have been able to raise important counterclaims, and that M.G.L. Ch. 239 sec 8A does not bar tenants from asserting counterclaims in fault cases. The Appeals Court agreed, and the judge reversed the judgment and entered a new final judgment, granting possession to our client with no damages owed. Thanks to these hardworking pro bono attorneys from Goodwin Proctor this family is safe to remain in their home.

Staff Attorney Lisa Marshall is Shining Bright!

The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts has selected Lisa Marshall, Staff Attorney in our Housing and Appeaks units, to participate in the 2024-2025 Women’s Leadership Initiative, a program that provides mentoring and leadership development for women attorneys in Massachusetts who have been identified as the rising stars of the profession. WBA President Alexandra Mitropoulos said, “The WBA is so pleased that Lisa Marshall will join as a member of the new class of the WBA’s Mary K. Ryan Women’s Leadership Initiative. The program is directly aligned with the WBA’s goal of advancing women in the profession and we are certain that Lisa will be a beacon for that important work. We are thrilled to have such a promising class, led by accomplished mentors committed to developing the next generation of women leaders.”

This is a great honor for Lisa and a reflection of her hard work and talent. We are so proud of you, Lisa!

Happy Retirement!

It is with bittersweet sentiment that we announce that our valued team member Barbara Siegel will be retiring at the end of March 2025. Barbara began her legal career in 1989 with a clerkship at the Massachusetts Appeals Court and an associate position in a law firm, she began her journey in legal aid in 1992 and never looked back. Barbara has been at VLP for almost 20 years and has become an integral member of our team, serving as the Director of Compliance and Technology and Senior Partners for Justice Manager. Over the years, she has worn many hats- staff members describe her as consistent, supportive, and reliable. Barbara has always made herself open to offer a helping hand, lend her guidance, and contribute wherever she can. Her commitment and passion for VLP’s mission has been an invaluable asset to our work and has made a lasting difference in the lives of our clients and our staff. Barbara is looking forward to practicing banjo, cooking for her wife, volunteering, and traveling to see friends and family around the country. Barbara shares, “I’m proud to have been part of the legal aid community since 1992 and grateful that I discovered my inner techie along the way”. The VLP team wishes Barbara health, happiness and relaxation in the years ahead, though she will be greatly missed!

A Warm Welcome to our Newest VLPie

Amana Hill

Amana joined VLP in January 2025 as a paralegal in the Landlord Advocacy Unit. She graduated from Dartmouth College in 2023 with a major in government, after which she served a volunteer service year with the AmeriCorps Legal Advocates of Massachusetts, deepening her passion for law and equal access. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing about 19th century Boston. We're thrilled to Welcome Amana to VLP!

VLP Staff Update

Help us congratulate Olivia Cella of the Family Law and Guardianship unit on her promotion to Senior Paralegal. The Senior paralegal serves as the lead paralegal and is responsible for collaborating with and assisting other paralegals. Thank you, Olivia, for your hard work and dedication to VLP, we are so excited to see what you accomplish in this next chapter!

If you, or someone you know, are interested in joining the VLP team, you can check out our open positions here.

Family Law Advocacy Guest Speakers

Last month our Senior Staff Attorney Abbie McCourt and Pro Bono Attorneys Morgan Rhodes Logan and Gopika Mesrobian from

Wilson and Sonsini joined 1L’s at

Northeastern Law School to speak about their experience working with pro se litigants in the Probate and Family Court. Students asked questions about the challenges they see pro se litigants facing at court. The discussion revolved around Language Access within the court, and the resources needed to increase access to justice for pro se litigants. We highlighted the importance of support from pro bono attorneys and legal service organizations and the need VLP sees in the Probate and Family Court. We loved being able to share the work that we do with aspiring law students and getting them excited about pro bono work once they become licensed attorneys.

2024 Community Impact

Join Us for an Upcoming Clinic

Family Law & Guardianship

Housing Lawyer for the Day

Consumer Debt

Suffolk Guardianship Clinic

Housing Answer & Discovery

Wage Theft

VLP is Seeking Interpreters

Are you or someone you know fluent in Cape Verdean Creole, Somali, Portuguese or Portuguese Creole? VLP is seeking contract interpreters for these languages, learn more about this paid per diem opportunity here.

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Join Us for an Upcoming Training

Family Law 104

Guardianship of Minors

Guardianship of Incapacitated Persons

Discounted MCLE Vouchers for our Volunteers

We offer discounted training vouchers to those who volunteer with us, reducing the cost of MCLE trainings to $35. Contact Pro Bono Manager, Emelia Andres to request your voucher today.

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