The Equal Justice Coalition

We are grateful to State Representative Michael Day and State Representative Simon Cataldo for hosting MLAC’s House Budget Briefing last week. Opportunities like this are critical for uplifting the incredible work of civil legal aid organizations and the lasting impact of the Commonwealth’s continued investment in that work. We’re also especially thankful to Faye Rachlin of Community Legal Aid for delivering a powerful presentation that brought real client experiences to the forefront and highlighted what’s at stake.

Our campaign continues as we advocate for $53 million for civil legal aid (line item 0321-1600) and $4 million for the Access to Counsel Program (line item 0321-1800). We look forward to building on this momentum and sharing updates as the effort moves ahead.

Read more about the event here https://loom.ly/KFzpixA

Last week, Lynne Parker, MLAC Executive Director, testified before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Ways and Means in support of civil legal aid funding in the FY27 budget.

The House Ways & Means Committee will report its budget recommendations to the full House for debate, amendments, and approval in April. The Senate Ways & Means Committee will make their recommendations next.

With federal program cuts and restrictions threatening access to essential services, people with low incomes need civil legal aid now more than ever.

Read more here - https://loom.ly/4MP_n60

Walk to the Hill kicks off our budget campaign every year, but the work continues long after! We are two months into the budget process now.

🌟 Stay active in the campaign: Keep talking to your legislators about civil legal aid funding
📩 Subscribe to EJC action alerts: Get campaign updates straight to your inbox here - https://loom.ly/UXU2ixQ
🤝 Be a resource for your peers: Answer questions about the campaign and share EJC materials

Your voice makes a difference—let’s keep the momentum from the Walk going! 🔥

The wait is over: 🎬✨

The Walk to the Hill 2026 Recap Video is officially LIVE on the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) YouTube channel!

Relive the powerful moments, inspiring speeches, and the incredible energy from this year’s walk. Thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke out in support of civil legal aid funding.

Watch now at https://loom.ly/67ronsY

We always feel inspired after attending the Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) Legislative Breakfast, and today was no exception! Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the WBA's FY27 Legislative Priorities. The EJC appreciates that funding for Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) remains a top priority for the WBA. Pictured below:

1) Lynne Parker, MLAC's Executive Director (center) stands with Gisela DaSilva, Co-Chair of the WBA's Legislative Policy Committee (left) and Julie Dick Palmer, WBA President (right)

2) Senators, Representatives, WBA Leadership, and Speakers at the breakfast

Through snow and storms, our community showed up. ❄️⚖️
Nearly 600 attorneys, law students, and justice advocates gathered at the State House for Walk to the Hill 2026, urging increased funding for civil legal aid in Massachusetts.

The day underscored what’s at stake: housing stability, family safety, access to education, and a fair chance at justice.

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather and raised their voices in support of fully funding civil legal aid. Together, we’re making a difference. Click here for a full recap of the day: https://loom.ly/egE1d4w



Photo by Jenna Joyce Photography

What a day! THANK YOU to everyone who came out in the snow to support civil legal aid funding at !

During the event, we found out Governor Healy proposed $52 million for MLAC in her FY27 budget - a $1 million increase over current funding. Stay tuned as our campaign continues and read MLAC's full statement here: https://loom.ly/jX4RLxs

Yesterday, we met with our amazing Captains, who are leading teams of peers and colleagues to advocate for civil legal aid on January 28! Nixon Peabody LLP, Boston College Law School Davis Malm, Choate, Suffolk University Law School, Latham Watkins, Holland & Knight, Ropes and Gray, WilmerHale, UMass Law, Weil, DLA Piper, Goodwin Law, Anderson Kreiger, Sunstein LLP, Fitch Law Partners LLP, Foley Hoag LLP, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, Polsinelli, Zalkind and Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow P.C..

We loved seeing faces new and familiar - all passionate and energized to speak up and make a difference. Thank you to everyone who attended! T minus 3 weeks: https://loom.ly/5NWpmHE