Boston Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project and Pro Bono Net Launch New Site Supporting Pro Bono Work in Massachusetts

For Immediate Release

April 28, 2014

CONTACT:

Karin Romans, Pro Bono Net

Boston Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project and Pro Bono Net Launch New Site Supporting Pro Bono Work in Massachusetts

New York, NY (April 28, 2014) The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association announced this week that in partnership with Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit organization, and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, they launched MassProBono (http://www.massprobono.org), a new website that will bolster legal services in the Commonwealth and increase access to justice.

The new site will primarily serve to support and encourage pro bono work, matching volunteers with a wide variety of opportunities across the state that fit their background and availability. MassProBono will also serve to raise awareness of the need for pro bono in the Commonwealth and highlight the great work the legal community is undertaking. The Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association (VLP) provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of Greater Boston, primarily through the pro bono services of private attorneys.

The site leverages a technology platform developed by Pro Bono Net, which supports broad-based networks of legal aid, civil rights and pro bono lawyers. Pro Bono Net?s platform is used by nearly 30 states and strengthens traditional lawyer-driven services. MassProBono features a new layout with several exciting features, including a projects tool that allows volunteers to find short-term opportunities.

The need for pro bono legal assistance is enormous - an estimated 80% of low-income people have unmet civil legal needs. Pro bono work by attorneys is a crucial means of closing this gap.

"By creating a comprehensive pro bono "marketplace" for would-be volunteers across Massachusetts, massprobono.org allows lawyers to focus their energy on doing pro bono work rather than looking for it," said Barbara Siegel, Project Manager at the Volunteer Lawyers Project.

About Pro Bono Net

Pro Bono Net is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to justice for the disadvantaged. Through innovative technology solutions and expertise in building and mobilizing justice networks, Pro Bono Net transforms the way legal help reaches the underserved. Our comprehensive programs, including www.probono.net, www.lawhelp.org and www.lawhelpinteractive.org, enable legal advocates to make a stronger impact, increase volunteer participation, and empower the public with resources and self-help tools to improve their lives. For more information, please visit www.probono.net.

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