Walk to the Hill For Civil Legal Aid

For Fiscal Year 2027, the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is asking the State Legislature for increased funding to support civil legal aid organizations in the Commonwealth. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Massachusetts attorneys and law students gathered at the State House for the annual ‘Walk to the Hill,’ lobbying their legislators in support of MLAC’s budget request.

Each year, we are proud to have the participation of hundreds of legal professionals and soon-to-be professionals from firms and law schools around the state. Volunteer captains – attorneys and law students – help make this possible. Each captain’s main task is to recruit their colleagues or classmates to participate in our annual lobby day. Click here to read the EJC’s materials for captains. 

If you are interested in serving as a captain for your law firm or school for the 2027 Walk to the Hill, thank you! Email Annie Donovan, EJC Legislative Campaign Associate, at adonovan@mlac.org to join the Walk to the Hill team and receive important updates.

Keep Advocating!

Walk to the Hill is the kick-off to our budget campaign every year. The EJC does a lot of work in the weeks and months after the Walk to make sure your advocacy pays off! During this time, you can:

  • Stay active in the campaign: Your participation throughout the year is crucial!
    • Re-contact your legislators during critical points in the budget process
    • Follow us on social media and re-share EJC content
    • Inquire with the EJC team about ways you and your firm or school can assist

The EJC sends regular action alerts to provide campaign updates and let supporters know how they can help. Make sure you are subscribed to action alerts and share the subscription link with your peers.

  • Be a resource for your colleagues: Answer questions about civil legal aid and the state budget process and share EJC materials with the office. If you need additional information, reach out to EJC staff.
  • Plan ahead: Interested in being a captain for your firm or school next year? Email Annie Donovan, EJC Legislative Campaign Associate: adonovan@mlac.org.

#IWalkforJustice

There are so many reasons for you to advocate for MLAC’s budget request. Read more about why legal professionals “Walk to the Hill” every year.

Walk to the Hill 2025

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, EJC Chair Louis Tompros, bar association leaders, and a former legal aid client gathered with more than 600 Massachusetts attorneys and law students at the State House to support MLAC’s FY26 request for increased funding.

Watch videos from other past lobby days on the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation’s YouTube page.

Follow the EJC on social media and share information about Walk to the Hill. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

Questions? Contact EJC Director Laura Booth: lbooth@equaljusticecoalition.org.

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