About MLAC
The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) was established by the Commonwealth in 1983 to ensure that low-income people with critical non-criminal legal problems would have access to legal information, advice and representation.
MLAC is the largest funding source for civil legal aid programs in Massachusetts.
AG Healey, Chief Justice Budd, Michael Curry and Bar Leaders Advocate for Civil Legal Aid
/in Blog, Press Release - Archives, Press Release - Current /by mlacHundreds of attorneys and law students will urge legislators to support $35 million in state funding for civil legal aid at Talk to the Hill virtual lobby day on Jan. 27 Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, President & CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers […]
Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission Announces Seven New Members
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacThe Supreme Judicial Court announced the appointments of seven new members to the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission, on December 23. First established by the Supreme Judicial Court in 2005, the Access to Justice Commission seeks to improve access to justice for people who are unable to afford an attorney for essential civil legal needs, […]
Legal Project Scaling Up to Help Prevent Evictions
/in Blog, News Coverage - Archives, News Coverage - Current /by mlacA legal assistance project started by the Baker administration as a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures was set to end is looking to ramp up services and bring on a host of new attorneys as eviction cases for failure to pay rent are on the rise in the state. The project, run by a group of regional […]
For Legislators: A Guide to CELHP
/in Blog, News Coverage - Archives, News Coverage - Current, Uncategorized /by mlacOn December 21, legislators gathered virtually for a briefing on the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project, which provides urgently needed legal assistance in pandemic-related eviction cases. The CELH Project expands the capacity of existing legal aid organizations to provide essential help to income-eligible tenants facing eviction due to COVID-19 and to landlords who are income-eligible […]
Online training for attorneys to help domestic violence survivors launches at crucial moment
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacBy Jamie Sabino, Rochelle Hahn and Brian Reichart, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute The COVID-19 crisis has caused another crisis for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. While many of us are “safer at home,” for those who live with their abusive partners, staying at home may pose physical danger. Accessing the courts to obtain restraining […]
Civil Legal Aid for Veterans in a Time of COVID
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacVeterans Legal Services, located in Boston, recently hosted a virtual discussion with Harvard Law School Professor Martha Minow about the civil justice gap in Massachusetts, specifically in connection to low-income military veterans. VLS Chief Counsel and co-Executive Director Anna Richardson and Minow covered a wide range of issues, most notably how the COVID-19 pandemic has […]
Evictions are hitting hard in parts of Mass. where people are most vulnerable
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacTanya DiStefano gave birth to a baby boy on Halloween. She returned home from the hospital to find an eviction notice on her doorstep. “Rent in arrears,” it read in part. “Total $800.” It’s been a tough year for DiStefano. She has a state subsidy to help pay the $1,250 monthly rent on a three-bedroom […]
Gov. Baker Approves $29M for Civil Legal Aid Funding
/in Blog, News Coverage - Archives, News Coverage - Current /by mlac$5M increase boosts aid for people harmed in COVID’s wake Governor Charlie Baker has signed the FY21 Budget of the Commonwealth, allocating $29 million for civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation – a $5 million increase over the prior fiscal year. “I applaud and thank Governor Baker for recognizing the urgent need […]