EJC Announces New Director Deborah Silva

BOSTON, December 6, 2012 – The Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) today announced the appointment of Deborah Silva as the EJC’s director effective December 10. Deborah brings more than five years of legislative advocacy experience to her new role, having previously served as public policy director of AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Deborah replaces Pattye Comfort, who left the EJC last year to become executive director of the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts.

“We welcome Deborah’s experience and leadership to the EJC community,” said EJC Chairman Sandy Moskowitz. “Her collaboration skills and ability to think strategically will play a pivotal role in expanding our efforts to unite the Massachusetts legal community in support of legal aid funding.”

“I am excited to be a part of the EJC, which continues to be one of the most influential advocacy organizations in Massachusetts,” Deborah said. “Over the past five years, the EJC has secured stable or increased state funding for civil legal aid programs. With the number of low-income residents eligible for legal aid continuing to grow, the EJC’s work is even more critical to ensuring that everyone has equal access to justice.”

Deborah has experience in leading legislative advocacy campaigns. Prior to AIDS Action, she served as legislative director for the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. Deborah earned a law degree from Boston College Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University.

About the Equal Justice Coalition

The Equal Justice Coalition is a collaboration of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), Massachusetts Bar Association and Boston Bar Association. It advocates increasing the state appropriation to MLAC for civil legal aid. The appropriation funds programs throughout the state that provide legal advice and representation to low-income Massachusetts residents facing civil legal problems.