MLAC Congratulates Recipients of 2013 Top Women of Law Awards

 

BOSTON (October 31, 2013) – The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation is pleased to congratulate five civil legal aid attorneys who received the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly “Top Women of Law” award at a reception held today.

Three attorneys from MLAC-funded civil legal aid organizations were recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as “Top Women of the Law:” Monica Halas of Greater Boston Legal Services, Linda Landry of Disability Law Center and Barbara Mitchell of Community Legal Services and Counseling Center. Nnena E. J. Odim of Harvard Law School’s Legal Services Center and Veronica Serrato of the Volunteer Lawyers Project were also honored. The lawyers were selected for their inspiring contributions to social justice and advocacy.

The honorees and their civil legal aid colleagues across Massachusetts help low-income clients who come to them with critical problems like eviction, child custody conflicts and domestic violence. There has been increased demand for legal services from the poor in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. More than 970,000 Massachusetts residents now earn less than 125 percent of the federal poverty level and are eligible for free civil legal aid, an increase of almost 170,000 since 2008.

“MLAC applauds Monica, Linda, Barbara, Nnena and Veronica for receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Lonnie Powers, MLAC’s executive director. “Being recognized as top women in law is a testament to their hard work and dedication to ensuring that everyone has equal access to justice at a time when the need has never been greater.”

For a complete list of the 2013 Top Women of Law, visit www.masslawyersweekly.com/top-women-of-law.

ABOUT MLAC

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation was established by the legislature 30 years ago to ensure that low-income people with critical, non-criminal legal problems would have access to legal information, advice and representation. It is the largest funding source for civil legal aid programs in Massachusetts.