Through Snow and Storms, Advocates Rally for Civil Legal Aid at Walk to the Hill 2026

BOSTON, MA, January 28, 2026 – On Wednesday, January 28, approximately 600 attorneys, law students and justice advocates from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House for Walk to the Hill 2026: the 27th annual lobby day supporting increased funding for civil legal aid. Despite snow and difficult winter weather conditions that complicated travel throughout the Commonwealth, participants turned out in strong numbers, underscoring our legal community’s deep commitment to equal access to justice.

The halls of the State House buzzed with energy as people connected with colleagues and prepared to meet with their legislators.

Walk to the Hill is organized each year by the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC), a partnership of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC). The Coalition’s mission is to advocate for state funding for civil legal aid through MLAC’s budget line item—the largest source of funding for civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts.

Civil legal aid organizations provide legal representation, advice, and resources to individuals and families facing critical legal challenges related to housing stability, family safety, access to healthcare, education, economic security, and more. Eligibility for MLAC-funded services is limited to households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level: in real, 2026 dollars, that is $41,250 annually for a family of four or $19,950 for an individual.

Civil legal aid can be the difference between remaining housed or facing homelessness, achieving financial stability or falling deeper into debt, and living in safety or remaining trapped in dangerous situations.

Walk to the Hill 2026 began with a speaking program that underscored both the urgency of the need and the real-world impact of civil legal aid. EJC Chair Louis Tompros opened the program by emphasizing the unique position legal professionals have to speak on this issue. Next, Boston Bar Association President Suma Nair and Massachusetts Bar Association President Michael H. Hayden each shared their perspectives on the day’s resonance and the urgency of the moment.

The highlight of the speaking portion of the Walk, however, was a powerful testimonial from Jen Fowler, a legal aid client whose son had been denied special education services and spent two school years without the opportunity to learn in a classroom with peers. Jen says connecting with the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts felt like “winning the lottery.”

“My son is now in a special education school. He is thriving, and after two years of not being able to celebrate his birthday with peers, this October he celebrated his 13th birthday with his peers and his friends,” Jen said.

“My son has a bright future ahead of him again because of this help, a future he was and is entitled to.”

Jen’s remarks offered a compelling reminder of what is at stake when legal services are available—and when they are not.

Lynne M. Parker, Executive Director of MLAC, next spoke about the continued demand for civil legal aid services and the importance of sustained public investment to meet that need. Chair Tompros closed the program with a call to action, providing attendees with guidance and pointing them to materials for their legislative visits.

After the speaking program, the real work began: attendees met with their legislators to stress the importance of fully funding MLAC in the upcoming budget. They urged support for a $53 million funding request for FY27, following a $51 million appropriation in FY26. While everyone was in their meetings and navigating the labyrinthian State House halls, Governor Maura Healey’s budget proposal for FY27 was announced. It included $52 million for MLAC’s line item.

MLAC is grateful to the Governor, the legislature, and everyone who attended Walk to the Hill for supporting civil legal aid. This year’s event once again demonstrated the strength of our community’s collective voice—and its unwavering commitment to justice for all.

Originally published on equaljusticecoalition.org.