Through Snow and Storms, Advocates Rally for Civil Legal Aid at Walk to the Hill 2026

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BOSTON, MA, January 28, 2026 – On Wednesday, January 28, approximately 600 attorneys, law students and justice advocates from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House for Walk to the Hill 2026: the 27th annual lobby day supporting increased funding for civil legal aid. Despite snow and difficult winter weather conditions that complicated travel throughout the Commonwealth, participants turned out in strong numbers, underscoring our legal community’s deep commitment to equal access to justice.

The halls of the State House buzzed with energy as people connected with colleagues and prepared to meet with their legislators.

Walk to the Hill is organized each year by the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC), a partnership of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC). The Coalition’s mission is to advocate for state funding for civil legal aid through MLAC’s budget line item—the largest source of funding for civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts.

Civil legal aid organizations provide legal representation, advice, and resources to individuals and families facing critical legal challenges related to housing stability, family safety, access to healthcare, education, economic security, and more. Eligibility for MLAC-funded services is limited to households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level: in real, 2026 dollars, that is $41,250 annually for a family of four or $19,950 for an individual.

Civil legal aid can be the difference between remaining housed or facing homelessness, achieving financial stability or falling deeper into debt, and living in safety or remaining trapped in dangerous situations.

Walk to the Hill 2026 began with a speaking program that underscored both the urgency of the need and the real-world impact of civil legal aid. EJC Chair Louis Tompros opened the program by emphasizing the unique position legal professionals have to speak on this issue. Next, Boston Bar Association President Suma Nair and Massachusetts Bar Association President Michael H. Hayden each shared their perspectives on the day’s resonance and the urgency of the moment.

The highlight of the speaking portion of the Walk, however, was a powerful testimonial from Jen Fowler, a legal aid client whose son had been denied special education services and spent two school years without the opportunity to learn in a classroom with peers. Jen says connecting with the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts felt like “winning the lottery.”

“My son is now in a special education school. He is thriving, and after two years of not being able to celebrate his birthday with peers, this October he celebrated his 13th birthday with his peers and his friends,” Jen said.

“My son has a bright future ahead of him again because of this help, a future he was and is entitled to.”

Jen’s remarks offered a compelling reminder of what is at stake when legal services are available—and when they are not.

Lynne M. Parker, Executive Director of MLAC, next spoke about the continued demand for civil legal aid services and the importance of sustained public investment to meet that need. Chair Tompros closed the program with a call to action, providing attendees with guidance and pointing them to materials for their legislative visits.

After the speaking program, the real work began: attendees met with their legislators to stress the importance of fully funding MLAC in the upcoming budget. They urged support for a $53 million funding request for FY27, following a $51 million appropriation in FY26. While everyone was in their meetings and navigating the labyrinthian State House halls, Governor Maura Healey’s budget proposal for FY27 was announced. It included $52 million for MLAC’s line item.

MLAC is grateful to the Governor, the legislature, and everyone who attended Walk to the Hill for supporting civil legal aid. This year’s event once again demonstrated the strength of our community’s collective voice—and its unwavering commitment to justice for all.

MLAC Responds to Governor Healey’s FY27 Budget

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BOSTON, January 29, 2026 – Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey issued her FY27 state budget recommendations, which included $52 million for civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600. This represents a $1 million increase for civil legal aid services over the current funding level of $51 million. 

“We are grateful to Governor Healey for increasing the state’s investment in the MLAC line item in her FY27 budget recommendation,” said Lynne Parker, Executive Director of MLAC. “This funding will help civil legal aid organizations across Massachusetts, which serve as a lifeline for people with low incomes who are facing challenges related to housing, domestic safety, health care access, education equity, consumer protection, and more. MLAC is the single largest funder of these organizations, which provide critical representation and resources to Massachusetts residents in crisis.”   

To qualify for legal assistance, people and families must have incomes at or below 125% of the poverty level—$41,250 for a family of four or $19,950 for an individual in 2026.   

In addition to stabilizing individuals and families, the state’s annual investment in civil legal aid brings significant cost savings to the Commonwealth as a whole. In FY25, according to MLAC data, legal aid organizations secured an estimated $113.5 million in economic benefits for the Commonwealth and its residents, an increase of $4.5 million over FY24 ($109 million).  

MLAC-funded legal aid organizations handled more than 46,890 cases in FY25, impacting more than  98,900 people across the Commonwealth, with 94% of cities and towns having at least one person with a case handled by a legal aid organization.  

For more information on civil legal aid, MLAC, and the organizations it funds, visit www.mlac.org. 

*This press release was originally published at https://mlac.org/mlac-responds-to-governor-healeys-fy27-budget/*

UMass Law students advocate for civil legal aid at MA State House

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UMass Dartmouth sent a group of law students to the EJC’s Walk to the Hill event on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Below is the text of an article detailing the event from the UMass Law School website.

Read the original story here.

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Sixty UMass Law students visited the Massachusetts State House last week to advocate for increased funding for civil legal aid during the annual “Walk the Hill” event, continuing the school’s tradition of championing access to justice.

During the visit, students met with legislators and staff to discuss the importance of legal aid funding in ensuring fair representation for low-income residents, sharing stories of clients who benefitted from these services and highlighting the societal impact of accessible legal support.

“As Massachusetts’s only public law school, I think it’s imperative of our students to advocate for those in underprivileged communities in circumstances where they may not be able to afford counsel to represent themselves,” said SBA President and 3L Megan Hueras.

“Personally, I enjoy family law and probate matters. Because these are civil cases, individuals are not appointed counsel as they would be in criminal cases. My hope is that through the initiatives we’ve undertaken, more people will have access to appropriate legal representation in these circumstances.”

Walk the Hill is an annual event put on by the Equal Justice Coalition that brings together hundreds of private attorneys, law students, and legal aid advocates to urge the Commonwealth to increase funding to provide critical services for residents with low incomes who are facing serious civil legal problems. This is the ninth consecutive year UMass Law students walked the hill to champion the cause.

“The hope is that by providing more funding, we can provide more opportunities for underprivileged people,” said 1L Joseph Manobianco. “Whether it’s through housing, legal departments, or just the ability to help people on a fundamental level who truly need it, legal aid can systematically change people’s lives for the better.”

The annual trip underscores UMass Law’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in public service and training future attorneys to pursue justice. Through participation in this annual initiative, UMass Law students gain practical advocacy experience while contributing to a vital cause.

“Seeing the Massachusetts State House packed with UMass Law students for the Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid is one of the great rewards of being the dean of this law school,” said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. “I could not be prouder of our students for walking the talk for equal and accessible justice. THIS is what being a public law school is all about.“

Coalition: Many Who Qualify Can’t Get Civil Legal Aid (SHNS)

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State House News Service covered the Equal Justice Coalition’s 26th annual Walk to the Hill event, which took place on January 23, 2025 at the Massachusetts State House. The text of the article is copied below in full.

Read the original story at statehousenews.com.

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By Alison Kuznitz

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JAN. 23, 2025…..A coalition of attorneys, law students, bar associations and activists called on Beacon Hill lawmakers Thursday to boost funding for civil legal aid to keep up with high demand and support low-income people navigate issues associated with housing, domestic violence and health care access.

The Equal Justice Coalition is seeking $54 million for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s line item in the fiscal 2026 state budget, with the aim of ensuring fewer vulnerable people are turned away when seeking urgent legal help. Gov. Maura Healey recommended level funding MLAC at $51 million in her budget.

More than 105,000 people benefitted from civil legal aid in fiscal 2024, and that support delivered $109 million in estimated cost savings to the state, MLAC said.

With expanded funding in recent budget cycles — the MLAC account was funded at $35 million in fiscal 2022 — advocates say legal aid organizations managed to serve more people and turn fewer eligible applicants away. MLAC estimates the turn-away rate is now 44%, compared to 60% a few years ago.

“To handle more cases, we need more lawyers. To have more lawyers, we need more funding,” Louis Tompros, partner at WilmerHale and coalition chair, told hundreds of lawyers and supporters gathered for the annual “Walk to the Hill” advocacy day.

“There are brilliant, qualified and dedicated lawyers ready to help,” Tompros continued. “We just need funding for them, and we know that funding for civil legal aid works both socially and economically.”

Each dollar invested in civil legal aid translates into a return of $2 to $5 for Massachusetts due to savings on public expenditures in areas like health care and housing, Tompros said. MLAC funding flows to 16 legal aid organizations across the state.

While criminal defendants are guaranteed a right to counsel, civil legal aid organizations fill a gap for low-income residents who otherwise wouldn’t receive help for civil legal matters, which also include immigration, employment, education, consumer problems and elder issues.

People and households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level — $40,187 for a family of four or $19,562 for an individual — qualify for civil legal aid.

Healey proposed to hold MLAC funding at its fiscal 2025 level. Advocates last year sought $55 million in aid, which MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker said reflected economic and budget projections.

Budget writers this winter and spring will contend with modest tax revenue growth, and Healey’s budget pares back in areas, looking to save money by laying off mental health case managers and closing two hospitals.

Parker said it’s difficult to pinpoint how many additional people could access civil legal aid if MLAC receives its full funding request.

“Sometimes with increased funding, it means that lawyers and paralegals can handle more complicated cases that take longer,” she told the News Service. “Some of that funding goes to being able to recruit and retain new staff and to continue to bring on staff that might have language needs or have cultural competence with the community that they’re serving.”

Parker, asked whether migrants qualify for civil legal aid, said it depends on their type of need and the availability of services and staffing at regional organizations.

“Without sufficient resources to meet the tremendous demand for legal aid, low-income people are left to navigate the court system on their own, which can threaten their homes, their livelihoods and their right to access to justice,” Victoria Santoro, president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, said.

The state’s housing crisis is a driver of people needing legal assistance, said Matthew McTygue, president of the Boston Bar Association.

“Legal services agencies are among the essential frontline workers helping the new arrivals to the commonwealth succeed and contribute to their communities and the broader economy,” McTygue said.

Lawyers and advocates for call for civil legal aid increases (WWLP)

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WWLP covered the Equal Justice Coalition’s 26th annual Walk to the Hill event, which took place on January 23, 2025 at the Massachusetts State House. The text of the article is copied below in full.

Read the original story and watch a video of the event at wwlp.com

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By Olivia Ray

BOSTON (WWLP) – Hundreds of lawyers, advocates, and the Massachusetts residents they represent walked to the State House today to advocate for funding for civil legal aid.

Civil legal aid organizations provide free legal services for the Bay State’s most fiscally vulnerable residents to help with employment issues, housing, domestic violence cases, and more.

Individuals and families living at or below 125% of the poverty level may be eligible, and over 105,000 people received these services in Massachusetts last year.

The group is lobbying for $54 million in the 2026 budget.

“Civil legal aid truly is the backbone of access to justice in our state… it’s really just to make sure that they have a place that’s safe to live, to protect victims of domestic violence,” said Lynne Parker, the Executive Director of Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation.

Lizbeth Valerio-Green is a domestic abuse survivor who used civil legal aid services in her divorce and while finding a home for herself and her children. She says the legal help changed her life.

“The process has been extremely difficult to do these legal battles on your own. It has taught me the immense value of having an attorney on your side,” said Valerio-Green.

Valerio-Green now works with civil legal aid providers as a Spanish interpreter to help expand the reach of the state’s free legal services for mothers like her.

After the speaking program, lawyers and advocates visited their state representatives and senators to call for funding in person.

MLAC Thanks Governor Healey for Supporting Critical Civil Legal Aid Investments in FY25 Conference Budget 

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BOSTON, July 29, 2024 – Earlier today, Governor Maura Healey announced her decision on the FY25 Budget. The budget includes $51 million for civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600. This represents a $2 million increase over the FY24 funding level. 

“I am very grateful that Governor Healey’s action today increases funding for civil legal aid organizations,” says MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker. “MLAC is proud to support these vital services, which transform lives and help people with low incomes gain stability. Demand for these vital services is considerably high and currently approximately 50 percent of people who apply for legal aid and meet income eligibility requirements are turned away due to a lack of resources.” 

Massachusetts civil legal aid organizations play a critical role in our state’s network of safety net programs, serving people with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. In 2024, that is $39,000 for a family of four and $18,825 for an individual. Legal aid is a proven intervention with far-reaching results: MLAC data shows legal aid secured an estimated $100 million in economic benefits for the Commonwealth and its residents in FY23. 

MLAC is grateful to the Legislature for their continued investment in civil legal aid and appreciates the longstanding efforts of the Equal Justice Coalition and our allies in the private bar. The Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) includes members of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association; managing partners of many of the state’s largest law firms; corporate in-house counsels; representatives from area law schools; and social services organizations across the Commonwealth. 

MLAC Thanks the Legislature for Supporting Critical Civil Legal Aid Investments in FY25 Conference Budget 

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BOSTON, July 19, 2024 – The FY25 Budget Conference Committee of the Massachusetts Legislature recommended an investment of $51 million to fund civil legal aid services through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line item 0321-1600. This represents a $2 million increase over the FY24 funding level. 

“We are grateful to the Conference Committee for recommending increased funding for civil legal aid at a time when demand for these vital services is considerably high,” says MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker. “Currently approximately 50 percent of people who apply for legal aid and meet income eligibility requirements are turned away due to a lack of resources. The Conference Committee’s recommendation and the Legislature’s longstanding support is appreciated and will help direct more resources to meet the rising demand for legal aid services.” 

Massachusetts civil legal aid organizations play a critical role in our state’s network of safety net programs, serving people with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. In 2024, that is $39,000 for a family of four and $18,825 for an individual. Legal aid is a proven intervention with far-reaching results: MLAC data shows legal aid secured an estimated $100 million in economic benefits for the Commonwealth and its residents in FY23. 

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About MLAC  

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is the largest funding source for civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth established MLAC in 1983 to ensure that people with low incomes who are facing critical non-criminal legal issues have access to legal information, advice, and representation. For more info, visit mlac.org.

Hundreds of lawyers “Walk to the Hill” in support of increased civil legal aid funding

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BOSTON, MA, January 26 – On Thursday, January 25, more than 600 attorneys and law students from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House to lobby their legislators for increased funding for civil legal aid.

Attendees at Walk to the Hill

Excitement filled the air as people mingled and caught up with colleagues they had not seen in quite some time. This year marked the return of an in-person “Walk to the Hill,” as the COVID-19 pandemic led to three years of virtual events. 

Walk to the Hill is an annual lobby day organized by the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC). The EJC is a partnership of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC). Its mission is to advocate for civil legal aid funding at the state level through the budget line item for MLAC, which is the largest funder of civil legal aid organizations in the Commonwealth.  

Civil legal aid provides free representation, guidance, and resources to people who are facing legal barriers to accessing basic needs and cannot afford an attorney. Households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($39,000 per year for a family of four and $18,825 for an individual) qualify for civil legal aid.  

Boston Bar Association President Hannah Kilson

For people with low incomes, access to a civil legal aid attorney can mean the difference between housing and homelessness; economic security and overwhelming financial burden; personal safety and domestic violence. 

Walk to the Hill 2024 began with a speaking program that included Attorney General Andrea Campbell; Louis Tompros, Chair of the Equal Justice Coalition; Massachusetts Bar Association President Damian Turco; Boston Bar Association President Hannah Kilson; Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation Executive Director Lynne Parker; and Ms. Livia Gonzalez, a Worcester resident who recently received life-changing help from her local civil legal aid organization. 

Ms. Gonzalez had the crowd on their feet when she finished her story.  

As the primary caretaker for her adult son who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is a terminal illness, Ms. Gonzalez had secured a rental home that was handicap accessible. Her son is so frail that moving him at this point could be fatal. Still, a new landlord pressured her to leave the unit, even though she paid rent on time month after month and took great care of the property. 

Livia Gonzalez, a former legal aid client

“I could not have won my case without legal aid,” says Livia, whose attorney helped her obtain a settlement that allows her and her son to remain in the apartment and provides adequate time to find a new home after her son passes. “The system was stacked against my family. But with my attorney, I had faith – and we prevailed.” 

After the speaking program, attendees met with their legislators to emphasize the importance of fully funding MLAC’s request for $55 million in FY25. Governor Maura Healey released her FY25 budget proposal on Wednesday, January 24. It included $50.5 million for MLAC’s line item. 

Notably, increased investments over the past few years have resulted in a sizable decrease in the number of eligible residents being turned away, but still only about 50% of qualified applicants receive legal representation. While progress is admirable, it is clear that significant need for civil legal services remains. 

“Ensuring justice is accessible to all will take sustained and significant investment,” says MLAC’s Lynne Parker. “With continued support from the state legislature, our legal aid organizations will expand and enhance their programs to serve more people in need.” 

58 General Counsels and In-House Lawyers at Massachusetts Businesses Sign Letter Supporting $55 Million for Civil Legal Aid Programs in FY25 State Budget

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BOSTON, January 17 – As the Commonwealth awaits release of Governor Healey’s FY’25 state budget later this month, 58 attorneys who are General Counsels or In-House Lawyers at Massachusetts-based corporations signed a letter to the Governor supporting the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) FY’25 budget line-item request for civil legal aid services.

MLAC is the largest funder of civil legal aid in the Commonwealth. Civil legal aid is a lifeline for Massachusetts residents at or below 125% of the poverty level who need legal assistance to solve problems related to safety, housing, and economic security. Financially eligible clients can receive free representation from a legal aid attorney in a wide variety of legal issue areas, including family law, workers’ rights, tenant protections and more.

The letter’s signatories represent a diverse array of attorneys from the Massachusetts business community. All of them agree that civil legal aid is a critical investment that uplifts the individuals and families that receive services, and entire communities as well. Soaring housing costs, inflation, and the lingering effects of the pandemic have disproportionately impacted people and families with low incomes.

“It is my opinion that it is crucial we uphold the promise that our justice system is fair and open to everyone,” says Bill Gabovitch, General Counsel of Primark US and long-time supporter of increased civil legal aid. “Massachusetts has an impressive and impactful network of legal aid organizations that are changing lives every day. Having access to a legal aid attorney can mean the difference between housing and homelessness, or financial stability and extreme poverty.”

The letter arrived at the Governor’s desk just weeks before the Equal Justice Coalition’s annual “Walk to the Hill” event, which many of the signers will attend on January 25. “Walk to the Hill” (now in its 25th year) is an annual tradition that brings private bar attorneys, law students, and advocates for justice from across the state to the Massachusetts State House to lobby their legislators for increased funding for civil legal aid. The Equal Justice Coalition sponsors the event every year as part of its mission to expand access to civil legal aid for Massachusetts residents with low incomes.

You can read the general counsels’ letter in its entirety at equaljusticecoalition.org/letter-campaign. The January 25 event is free and open to the public. Media are welcome and encouraged to attend. Speakers will include Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, leaders from the Massachusetts and Boston Bar Associations, and a client who benefited from civil legal aid last year.

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About the EJC

The Equal Justice Coalition is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, Boston Bar Association, and Massachusetts Bar Association working to increase state funding for civil legal aid.

www.equaljusticecoalition.org
@equaljusticema

#IWalkforJustice

Captains’ Breakfast 2024: Celebration and Motivation!

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On Thursday, January 4th, the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) hosted its annual Captains’ Breakfast at WilmerHale’s downtown Boston office. The event celebrated the dedication and contributions of law firms and law schools that had exceptional participation during the EJC’s FY24 campaign for increased state funding for civil legal aid in Massachusetts.

Specifically, attendees were thanked for exceeding expectations in their participation in the EJC’s annual lobbying day, “Walk to the Hill.” (“Walk to the Hill” became “Talk to the Hill” when in-person events were moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the event will be back in person this year). Every participating law firm and law school has a designated “team captain” who corrals their peers to join them at the EJC event. At “Talk to the Hill” last January, more than 1,000 people logged on to urge their legislators to support civil legal aid by fully funding the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s (MLAC) line-item request for $49 million. Over the summer, the Governor signed a final FY24 budget that included this full amount.

Louis Tompros, distinguished Partner at WilmerHale, esteemed Chair of the EJC (and one of the stars of MLAC’s new Walk to the Hill Promo Video), graciously hosted this year’s event. While guests tucked into a hot breakfast spread fit for a five-star hotel, Louis remarked on the challenges and opportunities for growth within Massachusetts’ civil legal aid community.

“By being back in person, we have the opportunity to again show our legislators and their staff just how big and just how loud the support for civil legal aid is in Massachusetts.” – Louis

Next, MLAC Executive Director Lynne Parker expressed her gratitude for the group’s unbounded efforts and impact in support of civil legal aid, and Mary Ann Mulligan from Governmental Strategies briefed everyone on the legislative process and timeline ahead.

The event’s Keynote Speaker was former Massachusetts Senator Eric Lesser, Senior Counsel at WilmerHale, who served in the Obama White House as the Director of Strategic Planning at the Council of Economic Advisers.

At the Captains’ Breakfast, Senator Lesser shared his insights on effective legal aid advocacy, emphasizing the importance of engaging with legislators beyond the Walk to the Hill program. He encouraged advocates to have informal conversations and establish an emotive connection when discussing the impact of civil legal aid. Drawing from personal experience, Senator Lesser stressed the significance of leading with the authenticity of your expertise on the subject matter and aligning support for civil legal aid with the legislators’ priorities.

Louis rounded us out with the presentation of several awards from the FY24 virtual “Talk to the Hill” event and their respective winners:

  • Highest participation: Ropes & Gray
  • Exceptional support award: Goodwin Procter
  • Nancy King award: Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow
  • Highest participation from a law school: UMass Law School
  • Team Advocacy award: Ropes & Gray
  • Social Media Advocacy award: Davis Malm

Everyone left with full bellies and a renewed feeling of enthusiasm for this year’s Walk to the Hill, which will surely be memorable after three years of virtual events!

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