The Frank M. Coffin Family Law Fellowship provides legal representation in family law matters to clients who have qualified for pro bono assistance through the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Named after Frank M. Coffin, Senior Judge on the First Circuit Court of Appeals, the Project supports attorneys based in the Portland, Maine offices of Pine Tree…Read More
Maine Justice Foundation Announces New Executive Director
“After a national search, the Board of the Maine Justice Foundation has unanimously and enthusiastically selected Michelle Giard Draeger to serve as our new executive director,” announced Foundation President William S. Harwood. “She has the skills and abilities essential to leading the Foundation into the future and advancing our mission of ensuring access to justice…Read More
Legal Aid Providers Respond to COVID-19
The need for civil legal aid is increasing, and under difficult conditions Maine’s legal aid providers are responding to COVID-19. Evictions: Imagine, in the disruption and uncertainty of the last two weeks, being evicted and needing to find a new apartment in just a few days. Residents of an Augusta rental property say they were…Read More
Maine Justice Foundation honors champions of justice with new designation: Honorary Director
According to MJF Foundation President William S. Harwood, “Our foundation was established under the name “Maine Bar Foundation” back in 1983, thanks to the vision and hard work of these esteemed advocates, and we are incredibly proud to have them as our first-ever Honorary Directors.…Read More
Maine Justice Foundation welcomes growing bank support for legal aid
From Mainebiz, 4/18/19, by Renee Cordes: The Maine Justice Foundation said Sanford-based SIS Bank has signed on as a prime partner in a program to fund six providers of legal aid in the state. Since Maine’s Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts program was set up in the mid-1980s, it has generated more than $27 million. Under the…Read More
Legislature Should Fully Fund Commission on Indigent Legal Services
Legislature should fully fund Commission on Indigent Legal Services. The independent state agency is out of money, and it’s the poor of Maine who will ultimately suffer.
BY WILLIAM ROBITZEK, SPECIAL TO THE PRESS HERALD…Read More
Applications Now Open for 2018 and 2019 Maine Civil Legal Services Fund
Maine Civil Legal Services Fund Commission:
Announcement of Applications for 2018 and 2019 and Notice of Public Meeting
The Maine Civil Legal Services Fund Commission will make funding determinations for eligible civil legal service providers for 2018 and 2019 on the basis of written applications. …Read More
Coffin Family Law Fellowship Applications Are Open:
The Coffin Family Law Fellowship provides legal representation in family law matters to clients who have qualified for pro bono assistance through the Volunteer Lawyers Project.…Read More
Civil Legal Aid in Danger
The Trump Administration proposed to eliminate the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and zero out federal funding for civil legal aid. If this cut is implemented, Pine Tree Legal Assistance no longer will be able to help thousands of Mainers who cannot afford the legal help they need when faced with a life-changing situation……Read More
Trump plan to gut civil legal aid would have devastating impact on Mainers
Low-income families, elders and veterans all benefit from the federal Legal Services Corp.…Read More