Tag Archive for: Volunteer Lawyers Project

Volunteer Lawyers Project: Expanding Access to Justice, One Case at a Time

When Leah* first walked through the doors of the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), she was carrying more than anyone should have to bear. She was the primary caretaker for her young son with cognitive disabilities, her niece and nephew who had just lost their father, and her mother who had recently been diagnosed with dementia. On top of it all, she faced a legal system she didn’t understand and a guardianship process that threatened her son’s access to vital medication. Alone, the system seemed impossible. With VLP, she found hope. 

A VLP volunteer attorney guided Leah step by step, drafting guardianship documents, completing the service of process, and securing temporary and ultimately permanent guardianship. That legal support meant Leah’s son could continue his treatment, and Leah could focus on her family without fear for his health or future. 

Stories like Leah’s embody what VLP has done for more than four decades: ensuring that no one is denied justice simply because they cannot afford an attorney. From housing and family law to guardianship and consumer debt, VLP’s staff and pro bono attorneys stand with low-income residents of Massachusetts in their most vulnerable moments. 

“When you volunteer with VLP, you can use your legal skills and expertise to make a difference in our community, all while gaining hands-on experience. Whether it be volunteering at a clinic or taking on a full representation case, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients. Volunteering with VLP is a rewarding experience that allows low-income members of our community to have the access to justice that they deserve.” –  Ellaina Sivo, Volunteer Lawyers Project  

A Place for Learning and Growth 

For lawyers, volunteering with VLP is more than just service, it’s also an opportunity to grow. Volunteers gain courtroom experience, mentorship, and specialized training. For example, attending a VLP housing training equips attorneys to step into eviction defense cases with confidence, protecting families from displacement and preserving their right to safe housing. 

One VLP volunteer explained: 

“Clients are very grateful for the help of volunteers because otherwise the legal system can seem quite daunting and complex to them. Not only do I help clients with their legal woes, but being a newly admitted attorney, I get to take on interesting cases, receive training and mentorship from senior lawyers, interact with and represent clients, and be challenged every day in every way.” 

Why Access to Justice Matters 

Access to justice is not a luxury, it’s a lifeline. It means the difference between a family staying housed or being evicted, a child continuing treatment or losing care, and a person facing the legal system alone or with an advocate by their side. VLP bridges this justice gap every day, reminding us that the law belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford it. 

Get Involved 

The need is great, but so is the opportunity to make an impact. Lawyers of all backgrounds can play a role in advancing justice by taking on a pro bono case, attending a training, or staffing a legal clinic. The BBA has already hosted a housing training early this month with VLP, and there is another one scheduled for later in the month that we encourage all members to get involved in:  

Housing Advocacy for Tenants: Summary Process Eviction Defense Training (10/16) 

Interested in other opportunities with VLP? Check out their website here. Together, we can ensure access to justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for all members of our community. 

*Client names have been changed to protect privacy 

 Staff Attorney – Housing & Appeals

POSITION: Staff Attorney – Housing & Appeals

DAYS/HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM with one unpaid hour for lunch

REPORTS TO: Lisa Marshall, Supervising Attorney

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Boston, MA *Hybrid

STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

SALARY: Starting at $70,000-$80,000, Commensurate with experience.

* Position is hybrid necessitating 2 in-person days each week, which includes weekly in-person court clinics in the Boston area

Click here to apply!


This application will remain open until the position has been filled.


SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

The Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney will represent clients in housing cases and single-justice civil appeals cases (though the representation in appeals should be minimal as the purpose of the Civil Appeals unit is to be a pro bono unit where private attorneys take the cases), in various courts, mentor pro bono attorneys, supervise interns and a housing and appeals paralegal who supports the housing & appeals unit, identify appropriate referrals, co-manage the virtual Answer and Discovery clinic including the prep and post clinic work, as well as staff and supervise volunteers at the weekly Lawyer for the Day and Answer & Discovery clinics. The Staff Attorney will conduct trainings, answer substantive questions from volunteers, supervise interns, identify appropriate referrals as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Law degree from an accredited law school
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar
  • Experience in Landlord/Tenant law and Summary Process and Appellate law

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Experience with LegalServer case management software
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and serving low-income populations and communities
  • Supervision experience
  • Bilingual

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to absorb and retain new information quickly
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to excel working independently and within a team
  • Ability to learn and navigate computer, case management software, and phone systems
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt to various client situations and changes in program procedures
  • Strong data entry and typing skills
  • Ability to manage stress and identify self-care as needed
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to analyze and problem solve quickly
  • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate over the phone, by computer, and in person
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Represent clients in housing cases in various courts.
  • Represent clients in single justice appeals cases and mentor pro bono attorneys (shared with staff attorney and single-justice work is not frequent where the primary goal of the clinic is to utilize pro bono volunteers).
  • Staff VLP housing and appeal clinics.
  • Identify appropriate cases for referral to pro bono attorneys.
  • Recruit, train, and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys in housing cases
  • Other program duties as assigned.

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Staff Attorney – Family Law and Guardianship

POSITION: Staff Attorney – Family Law and Guardianship

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (w/ some evening trainings)

REPORTS TO: Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq., Director of Advocacy and Pro Bono

UNIT(S): Family Law and Guardianship

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02110 * Hybrid

SALARY: Starting at $70,000-$80,000, Commensurate with experience.

*This position is hybrid that also requires in person attendance to weekly Family Law and Guardianship clinics in Boston and Woburn

Click here to apply!

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys. We are seeking a full-time staff attorney with a dedicated commitment to the communities and people we serve to work in our family law and guardianship units. The Staff Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate referrals as well as participate in weekly Family Law & Guardianship clinics as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING:

  • Law degree from an accredited law school.
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar

PREFERRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE: Highly Preferred

  • Highly Preferred Bilingual Spanish
  • Experience with Legal Server case management software

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITITES/SKILLS:

  • 1-3 years in full-time family law and guardianship practice, including litigation
  • Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and with staff at outside organizations
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar to recruit, train and mentor volunteer attorneys
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day
  • Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, and by computer
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Maintain updated substantive knowledge in family law and guardianship law
  • Attend weekly unit case review meetings
  • Effectively and efficiently handle a small caseload
  • Provide substantive family law and guardianship supervision at weekly clinics, including answering questions and reviewing advice and drafts of documents and closing cases
  • Supervise and mentor interns and pro bono attorneys
  • Review cases for merit and alignment with priorities
  • Conduct training for volunteers, often during evening hours
  • Prepare cases for pro bono assignment, including reviewing memos and documents
  • Assist in placement of cases with pro bono attorneys
  • Monitor pro bono cases to ensure quality and competent representation
  • Other responsibilities as needed

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Supervising Attorney of the Economic Fairness Units

POSITION: Supervising Attorney of the Economic Fairness Units (Consumer, Bankruptcy, Employment)  

DAYS/HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm  

REPORTS TO: Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq., Executive Director 

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02110 * Hybrid 

SALARY: $100,785  

* Position is hybrid necessitating 2 in-person days each week, which includes weekly in-person court clinics in the Boston area, not including 1 in-person unit day

Click here to apply!


SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys.    

The supervising attorney will provide oversight and support in substantive law and general litigation practice. A clearly defined substantive supervisory structure will elevate the skills of the attorneys in the Economic Fairness Unit and improve the consistency, accuracy, and depth of the advice and mentoring given to both VLP staff and pro bono attorneys, to better serve our clients and community.   The supervising attorney will also rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.  


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:    

  • Law degree from an accredited law school   
  • Admission to and good standing in Massachusetts bar    
  • 2+ years in full-time in consumer and bankruptcy law, including litigation.    
  • 2+ years supervising legal work 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills  
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and with staff at outside organizations 
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar to recruit, train, and mentor volunteer attorneys 
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day 
  • Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, and by computer  
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston  

  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:  

  • Maintain expertise in consumer, bankruptcy and employment law  
  • Lead weekly unit case reviews and provide oversight on follow-through  
  • Effectively and efficiently handle a small caseload  
  • Supervise weekly consumer clinics and other clinics as needed  
  • Provide substantive law supervision at clinics and as needed to unit staff attorneys, including answering questions and reviewing advice and drafts of documents and closing cases  
  • Develop training for staff on consumer, bankruptcy and employment matters as well as general litigation  
  • Supervise staff attorneys in the Economic Fairness Unit, including reviewing and approving time for payroll, approving time-off requests, and approving training requests  
  • Supervise and mentor paralegals, interns, and pro bono attorneys  
  • Review cases for merit and alignment with priorities  
  • Recruit and maintain relationships with volunteers from the private bar  
  • Conduct trainings for volunteers, often during evening hours  
  • Prepare cases for pro bono assignment, including reviewing memos and documents  
  • Assist in placement of cases with pro bono attorneys  
  • Monitor pro bono cases to ensure quality and competent representation  
  • Participation in legal aid coalitions and collaborations  
  • Assist with grant applications and reports  
  • Other responsibilities as needed  

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.  

Deputy Director

POSITION: Deputy Director 

DAYS/HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm  

REPORTS TO: Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq., Executive Director 

LOCATION: 7 Winthrop Square, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02110 * Hybrid 

SALARY: Starting at $125,000-135,000 Commensurate with experience. 


* In-person time includes weekly court clinics in the Boston area and may also include additional in-office days as needed for training, meetings, and special events.

Click here to apply!


SUMMARY OF POSITION:  

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys.  

 

The Deputy Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of all legal service delivery at VLP. This role supervises the organization’s legal units and pro bono program to ensure that VLP’s services are responsive to emerging client needs, aligned with community priorities, and carried out in collaboration with courts, community partners, and the private bar.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:    

  • Law degree from an accredited law school   
  • Admission to and good standing in the Massachusetts bar    
  • 4+ years of supervision experience, including litigation 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills  
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and with staff at outside organizations 
  • Ability to effectively engage with the private bar to recruit, train, and mentor volunteer attorneys 
  • Ability to use a computer several hours per day 
  • Ability to communicate in person, by telephone, and by computer  
  • Ability to travel to courthouses and other clinic locations in Greater Boston  

  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:  

Legal Units Oversight 

  • Provide direct supervision to Supervising Attorneys across all VLP legal units. 
  • Ensure legal units are responsive to evolving client needs and deliver high-quality, culturally competent legal services. 
  • Monitor performance, identify trends, and adjust programming to maximize client impact. 

Pro Bono Program Leadership 

  • Directly supervise the Pro Bono Manager and oversee the Pro Bono Unit. 
  • Guide recruitment, training, and retention of volunteer attorneys and law students. 
  • Strengthen relationships with law firms, corporate partners, and the private bar to expand volunteer engagement. 
  • Maintain current partnerships while cultivating new collaborations to sustain a robust pro bono pipeline. 

Community & Court Partnerships 

  • Serve as a liaison to courts to ensure VLP’s visibility and collaboration on initiatives that address client needs. 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations to ensure services reflect community priorities. 
  • Represent VLP at stakeholder meetings, committees, and public forums. 

Organizational Leadership 

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and senior leadership team on strategic planning and program development. 
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to Supervising Attorneys and pro bono staff. 
  • Ensure compliance with funding requirements and contribute to grant reporting as needed. 

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.  

Staff Attorney, Family Law & Guardianship – VLP

Staff Attorney- Family Law & Guardianship

VLP is seeking a full-time staff attorney with a dedicated commitment to the communities and people we serve to work in our family law and guardianship units. The Staff Attorney will conduct training, answer substantive questions from volunteers, identify appropriate referrals as well as participate in weekly Family Law & Guardianship clinics as well as rotate as an on-call attorney at our call center.

Click here to apply!

Housing & Appeals Paralegal – VLP

Click here to view the complete job description for all available positions.

VLP is seeking a Paralegal in the Housing and Appeals unit to support our busy team working on multiple legal projects, including legal clinics and Call Center support. The paralegals will manage both legal and administrative functions of these units, including meeting and following up with staff and clients, communicating with other members of the team internally and externally, providing support to the call center on a rotating basis, and other duties as necessary to carry out the mission of the organization.

Click here to apply!

Grants Manager – VLP

POSITION: Grants Manager

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one unpaid hour for lunch (35 hours)

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance and Operations

STATUS: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Hybrid/7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA, 02110*

SALARY: $75,190

*This position is hybrid

Click here to apply!
This application will remain open until the position has been filled. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization which provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys. VLP is seeking a Grants Manager to oversee all aspects of grant fundraising, collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop compelling proposals, government grants, manage relationships with private and public foundations, as well as work with the Executive Director to create a development strategy. The Grants Manager also collaborates with program management on data oversight and related outcomes. This role includes managing the grant application process from research and proposal writing to post award reporting.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite including SharePoint

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Experience with Legal Services Corporation or Uniform Guidance 2 CFR part 200
  • Four years of experience working within development, including grant writing and related government grants management

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
  • Strong organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently, prioritizing work and managing multiple projects while meeting deadlines
  • Ability to interface with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to work with minimal amount of supervision
  • Strong project management abilities
  • Knowledge of government grants, compliance requirements and financial reporting
  • Demonstrated success in stakeholder management and interdepartmental collaboration

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Pre-award

  • Work with program units in the development and submission of compliant grant applications
  • Write persuasive grant proposals, demonstrating strong writing skills and a clear articulation of VLP’s mission and impact
  • Collaborate with internal teams to gather information for the development of accurate budgets for proposals
  • Review grant applications for completeness and accuracy
  • Serve as liaison with external sponsors on grant related issues throughout the proposal submission and award acceptance
  • Partner with finance staff to ensure compliance with donor guidelines and accurate grant documentation

Post-award

  • Review terms and conditions of awards for acceptability and compliance with policies and guidelines
  • Prepare and negotiate subcontract agreements, and/or Memorandum of Understanding Agreements
  • Manage the review and timely submission of progress reports
  • Work with units to ensure continued compliance with grant agreements
  • Tracks and monitors funding contracts and prepares reimbursement requests

Administrative

  • Input and maintain grant data in SharePoint and LegalServer to produce and track performance metrics
  • Assist with Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, Annual Appeal fundraising effort
  • Maintain positive, collaborative relationships with external funders
  • Other duties as needed

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Communications Coordinator – VLP

POSITION: Communications Coordinator

DAYS/HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, with one unpaid hour for lunch

REPORTS TO: Pro Bono Manager, Emelia Andres

LOCATION: Hybrid/7 Winthrop Square, Floor 2, Boston, MA 02110

STATUS: Full-time, non-exempt

SALARY: $60,000

Click here to apply!

This application will remain open until the position has been filled.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) is a non-profit legal services organization which provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys and through our call center (aka Eastern Region Legal Intake).  The Communications Coordinator will work with the Pro Bono Manager on VLP communications, managing the organization’s website, and creation of materials for the units.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Experience using visual design software (Canva, WordPress, Vimeo, Constant Contact, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar software)
  • Experience using Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience creating content for and managing organization-wide social media

PREFERRED

  • Knowledge of recruitment and outreach best practices
  • Prior experience serving low-income populations and communities
  • Comfortable with public speaking
  • Video editing, graphic design, and photography experience

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES/SKILLS:

  • Heavy use of phone, computer, case management software and web-based applications
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to travel to multiple locations in the Boston area
  • Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills
  • Technology and social media savvy with experience creating infographics for social media and other electronic communications
  • Ability to be flexible with a sense of initiative
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong organization skills
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Ability to learn and use various software platforms

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Keep the Volunteer Lawyers Project website updated
  • Assist Pro Bono Manager in mass communication to volunteers
  • Creation and coordination of social media posts
  • Assist in development and distribution of VLP publications
  • Attend statewide Legal Server Marketing Meetings
  • Produce stories on legal aid clients for use on the VLP website and other promotional materials
  • Work with Pro Bono Manager in development and distribution of VLP publications (I.e. Quarterly Newsletter)
  • Co-lead Social Media committee with Pro Bono Manager
  • Create promotional online visual media (I.e. photos, ads, and videos)
  • Edit recorded substantive law unit trainings and upload them to Vimeo
  • Ensure VLP staff are adhering to VLP branding guidelines
  • Assist Pro Bono Manager in coordinating student internship program
  • Assist Pro Bono Manager with coordination of the interpreter program
  • Assist Pro Manager with Senior Partners for Justice program, including coordinating luncheons
  • Other duties as needed

Volunteer Lawyers Project is committed to a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our ideal candidates are respectful of an inclusive work environment. VLP strives to ensure that those working in our organization reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. VLP encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Assistance available to low-income landlords (The Standard Times)

In a February 16 article, The Standard Times highlighted the Volunteer Lawyers Project’s (VLP) Landlord Advocacy program, which is providing free legal assistance to landlords with low incomes in Massachusestts. An excerpt from the article is below.

–

His tenant had not paid rent for close to a year, and the landlord filed an eviction action based on nonpayment of rent.

On the day of trial, with the help of housing court mediation, and the presence of the Wayfinders group, the landlord and tenant were able to enter into an agreement requiring the tenant to immediately apply for RAFT/financial assistance to cover the full rental arrearage and the case was continued to allow for the tenant to file.

The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association represented the landlord for his next two court dates.

This case study is one example of the support landlords can receive if they are struggling to collect rent and make mortgage payments.

The statewide advocacy program focusing on the financial well-being of small, low-income landlords who are often elderly, non-native English speakers and/or people of color aims to take the pressure off.

–

Read the full story in The Standard Times/ South Coast Today.