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.
Warning: Debt collection tsunami coming
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacBy Jacquelynne Bowman and Richard Dubois in CommonWealth Magazine There’s a second COVID-related wave about to hit families in the Commonwealth: a tsunami of debt collection activity that threatens our economic recovery. Even before the COVID-19 crisis, 20 percent of folks in Massachusetts had a debt in collection–rising to an eye popping 39 percent in […]
MLAC to oversee statewide COVID Eviction Legal Help Project
/in Blog, News Coverage - Current, Press Release - Archives, Press Release - Current /by mlacLegal services network to aid eligible low-income tenants and landlords The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation will manage a new COVID Eviction Legal Help Project to provide urgently needed legal assistance in pandemic-related eviction cases. The CELH Project will expand the capacity of existing legal aid organizations to provide essential help to income-eligible tenants facing eviction […]
MLAC applauds $29M for Civil Legal Aid in House Ways and Means Budget
/in Blog, News Coverage - Current, Press Release - Archives, Press Release - Current /by mlacIn COVID’s wake, grateful for funding needed more than ever, says Lynne Parker BOSTON, November 5, 2020 — Today the House Ways and Means Committee presented its Fiscal Year 2021 budget, including $29 million to fund civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation 0321-1600 – a $5 million increase over FY 20. Lynne […]
Single mom, others kicked off unemployment and told to repay money prompts lawsuit against Mass. Department of Unemployment Assistance
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacCommunity Legal Aid has sued the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance after the department halted weekly benefits for five workers and demanded repayment, officials said. The lawsuit alleges that the department’s conduct violates state and federal laws, including the Fourteenth Amendment’s due process clause, as workers who claim benefits have the right to receive notice, […]
Tenants and landlord in Mattapan reach a long-term contract on rents
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacThis summer, when Lester White heard the Mattapan apartment building he has called home for 20 years was going up for sale, he figured, well, that was that. “I thought, ‘I”ve got to get ready to move. The neighborhood’s changing over,’” he said. “I was ready to go to Home Depot and pick up some […]
SJC Rules Unidentified IOLTA Funds Must Be Transferred to IOLTA Committee
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacThe Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that unidentified IOLTA funds do not fall under the state’s abandoned property statute and must be transferred to the IOLTA Committee for disposition. The decision, in the Matter of Gregory M. Olchowski, clarifies for attorneys what had been a disputed area: whether to remit unidentified funds to the […]
MAC Attorney Liza Hirsch pens Op-Ed in CommonWealth Magazine
/in Blog, Program News - Archives, Program News - Current /by mlacCommonWealth Magazine published an op-ed by Massachusetts Advocates for Children attorney Liza Hirsch. Hirsch underscores the disproportionate rate that police arrest students of color and urges schools in Massachusetts to “institute bold and dramatic changes to counter practices built upon and perpetuating racism”…Read more.
MLAC statement on the passing of Chief Justice Gants
/in Blog, News Coverage - Archives, News Coverage - Current, Press Release - Archives, Press Release - Current /by mlacWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants. He was a true champion of civil rights and equal access to justice for all people, and his untimely death is a devastating loss for the Massachusetts legal community. Chief Justice Gants spoke annually at the Walk to the Hill for Civil […]