On June 8, 2009, Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall and Chief Justice for
Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan announced our appointment as
Special Advisor and Deputy Advisor for Access to Justice Initiatives. Our mission is to
guide and coordinate resources within the Trial Court to broaden access to civil justice
for all litigants, including self represented litigants, individuals of modest means, those
of limited or no English proficiency, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities;
to work with judicial leaders in the Trial Court to develop long and short range goals,
statewide strategies, and best practices to increase access to justice throughout the
Trial Court; and to work with organizations outside of the court to implement access to
justice initiatives and protocols. This is the first of what we envision to be periodic
reports summarizing our progress in implementing these objectives.