Fiscal Year 2011

In the only initiative of its kind in the country, some of the most prominent representatives of the Massachusetts legal community are joining together to urge Governor Patrick and the legislature to maintain funding for civil legal aid in the Commonwealth’s FY11 budget.

Managing Partners Letter

On January 26, 2010, the managing partners of 44 Massachusetts law firms delivered a letter to Governor Patrick urging him to maintain level funding for civil legal aid. Identical letters were sent to the Speaker of the House, Senate President, and Chairs of the House and Senate Ways and Means Committees. CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. A similar letter was sent to Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Steven Panagiotakos, and House Ways and Means Committee Chair Charles Murphy.

Corporate Counsel Letter

On February 26, 2010, general counsel from 99 corporations and institutions doing business in Massachusetts delivered their letter. This initiative began in 2000 with 15 signatories. CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to Speaker DeLeo. A similar letter was sent to Governor Patrick and Senate President Murray.

Retired Judges Letter

On March 26, 2010, 14 retired judges, including former Chief Justice Herbert Wilkins of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, delivered their letter. CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to Senate President Murray. A similar letter was sent to Speaker DeLeo and Governor Patrick.

Law School Deans Letter

On April 22, 2010, deans from eight Massachusetts law schools delivered their letter. Boston College Law School, Boston University School of Law, Harvard Law School, New England Law | Boston, Northeastern University School of Law, Southern New England School of Law, Suffolk University Law School and Western New England College School of Law deans signed the letter. CLICK HERE to read the letter sent to Senate President Murray. A similar letter was sent to Governor Patrick, Speaker DeLeo, Ways and Means Chairmen Panagiotakos and Murphy, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Stone Creem, and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Eugene O’Flaherty