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John A. Shutkin of CliftonLarsonAllenLLP Joins Massachusetts Appleseed Board

For Immediate Release

John A. Shutkin, General Counsel of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice welcomed John A. Shutkin, General Counsel of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, to its Board of Directors at its board meeting on September 25, 2018. The Massachusetts Appleseed Center, a non-profit organization that advocates for systemic reform in areas such as education, youth homelessness, and access to justice, is pleased to have Mr. Shutkin, a truly dedicated advocate for social justice, join the organization.

John A. Shutkin is the General Counsel of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, based in its Lexington, Massachusetts office. His extensive legal experience includes serving as General Counsel for KPMG International and the law firm of Shearman & Sterling LLP. Throughout his career, he has devoted his time to working for communities in need, serving on the boards of Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, Partnership for After School Education (PASE), the Bank Street College of Education, and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. Most importantly, Mr. Shutkin is a committed member of the Appleseed network and served on the Board of Directors at MA Appleseed’s sister center, Connecticut Appleseed.

“I am delighted and honored to join the board of MA Appleseed,” said Mr. Shutkin. “Since moving to the Boston area several years ago, I have wanted to get involved in a local equal rights and justice organization and I could not be more supportive of MA Appleseed’s mission and initiatives.”

“As we continue to build out our program and focus on solutions to the inequities in our legal system, we need true legal advocates at every level of the Appleseed organization to bring to fruition our plans,” said Martha Mazzone, chairperson of the Board of Directors. “John is a lifelong advocate for justice, and we are thrilled to have someone of his caliber and experience join our board.”

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice:

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the court system. Through in-depth research, consensus building, and community problem solving, we develop powerful solutions for reforming the systems and structures responsible. Our work seeks to level the playing field and transform communities.

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New Report Recommends Lifting Cell Phone Bans in Massachusetts Courthouses

For Immediate Release

Boston, July 24, 2018 – A policy brief released today by the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice examines the impact of banning cell phones and other personal electronic devices in Massachusetts courthouses. It finds that there are unintended consequences to the bans, especially for self-represented litigants, and that access to justice can be harmed as a result.

“It’s become increasingly clear that courthouse cell phones bans put litigants who are representing themselves at a serious disadvantage,” said Deborah Silva, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. “Attorneys can bring smart phones into courthouses, and they often store their clients’ phones so they can be accessed throughout the day, if needed. But pro se litigants do not have that option and so they cannot access proof of payments, agreements, and injuries that are stored on their phones in the form of email, text messages, and photos.”

Trial courts in Massachusetts permit the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices provided that they are turned off or set to be silent before entering a courtroom. However, chief justices at individual courthouses may set further restrictions and currently 56 trial courts across the state do not allow anyone other than attorneys, jurors, and court personnel to bring cell phones into the courthouse.

Interviews with attorneys, litigants, and advocates for affected populations, such as people with low incomes, survivors of domestic violence, and people who speak a first language other than English found the following:

  • Litigants are often unaware of courthouse cellphone bans until they arrive at court. A few courthouses offer safe storage of phones and other electronic devices in secure lockers, but most do not.
  • When faced with the option of missing their court appointment if they cannot get rid of their phone, litigants have resorted to hiding their phones in bushes around the courthouse, leaving a phone with a cab driver, and even stashing their phone in the bag of a bicycle locked up outside the courthouse. Outside busy courthouses, some vendors have started phone storage businesses. This works for some litigants, but others cannot afford to pay for storage.
  • Self-represented litigants who are able to store their phones outside the courthouse are often hindered without them in the courtroom because they do not have access to evidence stored on their phones that support their legal claims. Phones are also necessary for coordinating translation services and using hearing assistance apps.

Cell phone bans were originally put in place to prevent individuals from recording victims, witnesses, jurors, or court employees for the purpose of threatening or intimidating them, or even broadcasting courtroom proceedings to people outside the courtroom. While the report acknowledges that these may be legitimate concerns in certain instances, an examination of policies and practices in other states, finds that there are ways to ensure safety without disadvantaging self-represented litigants. Examples of policies in courts in Massachusetts and other states that permit cell phones in courthouses include permitting their use in the courtroom but confiscating them if they are used improperly; designating courthouse spaces in which cell phones can be used; and providing secure lockers to safely store cell phones.

“Cell phones have become an integral part of daily life for most people and banning their use in public spaces such as courthouses has serious consequences,” Silva added. “Living in a democratic society demands a constant balance of security with liberty. Cell phone bans have outlived their usefulness and we need new policies to ensure that everyone who enters a Massachusetts courtroom enjoys the promise of access to justice.”

The report, “Cell Phones in the Courthouse: An Access to Justice Perspective,” is available online: https://massappleseed.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Cell-Phones-in-the-Courthouse.pdf.

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice:

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the court system. Through in-depth research, consensus building, and community problem solving, we develop powerful solutions for reforming the systems and structures responsible. Our work seeks to level the playing field and transform communities.

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Micah W. Miller of Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP Joins Massachusetts Appleseed Board

For Immediate Release

Micah W. Miller
Associate at Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Appleseed Center welcomed Micah W. Miller, Associate at Nutter, McClennen & Fish LLP, to its Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting on June 12, 2018. The Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a non-profit organization that advocates for systemic reform in areas such as education, youth homelessness, and access to justice, is pleased to have Mr. Miller, an enthusiastic and thoughtful advocate, join the organization.

Micah W. Miller is an associate in Nutter’s Litigation Department. Drawing on his experience as a software engineer, Mr. Miller frequently counsels clients on patent matters and disputes in a broad range of technologies. He is committed to pro bono work and has worked with the Victim Rights Law Center and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Pro Bono initiative, where he has assisted several pro bono clients in obtaining abuse prevention orders.

“MA Appleseed has a long history of doing important and impactful work,” said Micah Miller. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve on its board, and I look forward to helping MA Appleseed continue to tackle systemic issues that deny so many access to justice and opportunity.”

“We are delighted to welcome Micah to MA Appleseed,” said Martha Mazzone, chairperson of the Board of Directors. “Micah is one of those rare people who finds the time to serve as a trusted counsel to his clients AND take on extensive pro bono work advocating on behalf of indigent clients. He models what Appleseed was founded on – that the commitment of our legal communities to social justice can make a true difference.”

At the June 12th meeting, members of the Board also unanimously re-elected officers Martha A. Mazzone (Board Chair), Justin J. Wolosz (Vice Chair), Christopher Hoyle (Treasurer), and Sara J. Shanahan (Secretary).

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice:

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the court system. Through in-depth research, consensus building, and community problem solving, we develop powerful solutions for reforming the systems and structures responsible. Our work seeks to level the playing field and transform communities.

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Massachusetts Appleseed Presents 11th Annual “Good Apple” Award

Senator William “Mo” Cowan (GE) and Deborah Silva, Executive Director (Massachusetts Appleseed) Senator William “Mo” Cowan (GE) and Deborah Silva, Executive Director (Massachusetts Appleseed)
Senator William “Mo” Cowan (GE) and Deborah Silva, Executive Director (Massachusetts Appleseed) Lon F. Povich (Office of the Governor) and Lonnie A. Powers (Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation) Ana Cruz (Greater Boston Legal Services) and Jacquelynne J. Bowman (Greater Boston Legal Services). Senator William “Mo” Cowan (GE) Attorney General Maura T. Healey Senator William “Mo” Cowan (GE) Deborah Silva, Executive Director (Massachusetts Appleseed) MA Appleseed Board of Directors: Dr. Richard Bergin (AlixPartners), Carolyn E. Crowley (Eastern Bank), Kristen Graves (Committee for Public Counsel Services), Amy M. Karp (Committee for Public Counsel Services), Jennifer A. Sunderland (Melick & Porter LLP), Martha A. Mazzone, Board Chair (Fidelity Investments), Melanie L. Todman (Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP), Sara Jane Shanahan (Sherin and Lodgen LLP), Debra E. Scribner (Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP), Justin J. Wolosz, Vice Chair (Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP), John E. Alessi, Vice Chair (Dechert LLP)

2018 Good Apple recipient Senator William "Mo" Cowan

2018 Good Apple recipient Senator William “Mo” Cowan

For Immediate Release

Honoring Senator William “Mo” Cowan, Vice President of Litigation and Legal Policy of GE

Boston, MA – On March 29, 2018, the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (“MA Appleseed”) honored former Senator William “Mo” Cowan with its 11th annual Good Apple Award. The event began with a reception, which began at 6:00 pm, in the Wharf Room at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Every year, MA Appleseed presents a “Good Apple” award to someone in the Massachusetts legal community who demonstrates the principles of social justice and equal opportunity that MA Appleseed was itself founded on. The event, which serves as Massachusetts Appleseed’s annual fundraiser, raises money to support the organization’s program and outreach efforts.

“We are thrilled and proud to present Senator Cowan with this year’s Good Apple Award,” said Martha Mazzone, chair of the Board of Directors of MA Appleseed. “Mo’s commitment to inclusion, justice and civic engagement – don’t turn your back on the system, work to improve it – mirrors the Appleseed mission perfectly. Add in his dedication to the Boston legal community, his huge circle of friends and family and colleagues and mentees, and he’s the perfect Good Apple recipient. Everyone wants a chance to say thank you to Mo.”

Featured speaker at the event, Attorney General Maura Healey remarked, “I am grateful to be able to recognize Massachusetts Appleseed for their critical work in developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues while celebrating this year’s Good Apple, my dear friend Mo Cowan. Mo is a champion for social justice whose life and legacy represents the best our community has to offer.”

Senator Cowan is a graduate of Duke University and Northeastern University School of Law. In 2013, he represented Massachusetts as interim U.S. Senator, filling the vacancy left by John F. Kerry when he was appointed Secretary of State. Senator Cowan served as Chief Legal Counsel, Chief of Staff, and Senior Advisor to the Governor in the administration of former Governor Deval L. Patrick and, in the Fall of 2013, Senator Cowan was a Fellow at the Harvard University Institute of Politics. In 2017 Sen. Cowan assumed the position of VP of Global Litigation and Legal Policy at GE, after having served Of Counsel to Mintz Levin and as President and CEO of ML Strategies.

“I am humbled to receive this great honor from the Appleseed Center,” Senator Cowan said. “I deeply appreciate the recognition and cherish the opportunity to be associated forever with an organization committed every day to social justice and the rule of law, and to follow in the footsteps of the distinguished past honorees. Thank you for helping me make my family proud!”

Senator Cowan is on the Board of Directors for Eastern Bank Corporation, Partners Healthcare, and is Co-Chair of the Greater Boston YMCA Board of Overseers. He further serves our community as a Trustee of Northeastern University, the Massachusetts General Hospital, and is a member of the Boston Club Corporate Advisory Board, Duke University Trinity Board of Visitors, Cambridge College President’s Council, and U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress.

Senator Cowan is an active civic leader committed to the same principles of inclusion and justice that is at the foundation of all of MA Appleseed’s work. When appointing Cowan to serve as interim U.S. Senator, former MA governor Deval Patrick described him as having “brought preparation, perspective, wisdom, sound judgment, and clarity of purpose” every step of the way, with the needs of Massachusetts’ residents always on the forefront of his mind.

“Mo’s evenhanded approach to difficult issues and his persistence in pursuing a better, fairer world is an inspiration to many. We are proud to present him with this year’s Good Apple Award,” said Deborah Silva, Executive Director of MA Appleseed.

2018 Good Apple Award Recipient (PDF)
2018 Good Apple Invitation (PDF)

 

Recent past recipients of the Good Apple award include Jonathan Chiel, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Fidelity Investment; Paul Dacier, former General Counsel of EMC Corporation (now Dell); Susan Alexander, Chief Legal Officer of Biogen Idec; Lon F. Povich, Former Executive Vice President and General Counsel of BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.; Stephanie S. Lovell, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; and Jeffrey N. Carp, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of State Street Corporation.

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice:

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote social justice and equal rights for Massachusetts’ residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to issues of systemic inequality.

At Massachusetts Appleseed, we dedicate ourselves to remedying social injustices for at-risk and underserved children, youth, and adults residing within our state. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the accessibility of the Massachusetts court system. Through in-depth research, consensus building, and community problem solving, we develop powerful solutions for reforming the systems and structures responsible for injustice. Our work seeks to level the playing field and transform communities. Every year we honor someone in the legal professional equally committed to these principles through our “Good Apple” award.

 

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Richard Bergin of Alix Partners Joins Massachusetts Appleseed Board

For Immediate Release

Richard Bergin

Richard Bergin

Boston, MA – Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice welcomed Dr. Richard Bergin, Managing Director for Alix Partners, to its Board of Directors on October 4, 2017. MA Appleseed, a non-profit organization that advocates for systemic reform in areas such as education and access to justice, is pleased to have Dr. Bergin, an active and dynamic advocate, join the organization.

“This is a great opportunity to push for statewide reform in the areas of justice and education,” Dr. Bergin said. “I look forward to helping expand the impact of MA Appleseed’s important work in identifying barriers and developing pragmatic solutions to secure lasting access to opportunity and justice for all.”

Dr. Richard Bergin has over 20 years of experience in leading investigations and litigation consulting. He has led independent investigations into some of the world’s most prolific and complex antitrust, financial fraud and manipulation cases as well as investigations in more than 50 countries. Dr. Bergin regularly serves as a litigation consultant, and he has testified as an expert witness in trials, at arbitrations, and before government agencies, including federal courts and state courts as well as the DOJ, SEC, CFTC, AAA, ICSID, ICC, UNCITRAL and various ad hoc arbitrations around the world. Prior to joining Alix Partners, Dr. Bergin was a Principal at KPMG for more than four years, advising companies facing investigations and disputes. Previously, he held senior roles at FTI Consulting, Navigant Consulting, and NERA Economic Consulting. Dr. Bergin has a doctorate in business administration and an MBA – both of them awarded with highest distinction from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Fulbright Scholar.

“We’re very excited and grateful to have Rich join the Board,” Board Chair Martha Mazzone said. “His experience outside the legal world, passion as a social justice advocate, and infectious enthusiasm will be instrumental in moving MA Appleseed forward.”

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice:

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts’ residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

At Massachusetts Appleseed, we dedicate ourselves to remedying social injustices for at-risk and underserved children, youth, and adults. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the court system. Through in-depth research, consensus building, and community problem solving, we develop powerful solutions for reforming the systems and structures responsible. Our work seeks to level the playing field and transform communities.

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Massachusetts Appleseed Presents 10th Annual “Good Apple” Award

For Immediate Release

Jonathan Chiel Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Fidelity Investments

Jonathan Chiel
Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments General Counsel Jonathan Chiel is Honored

Boston, MA – “As a true steward of justice and one of the most respected members of the New England legal community, we could not think of a better recipient for the Tenth Annual Good Apple Award than Jonathan,” said Martha Mazzone, chair of the Board of Directors of Mass Appleseed.

Jonathan Chiel is Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Fidelity Investments, and also has responsibility for Fidelity’s Public Affairs and Policy Group. Prior to joining Fidelity, Mr. Chiel was general counsel at John Hancock Financial Services, the United States division of Manulife Financial, and was a member of the Manulife Management Committee. Before joining Hancock, Mr. Chiel was a partner with Choate, Hall and Stewart in Boston, serving as chair of the firm’s Government Enforcement Practice Group. Earlier in his career, he was an assistant U.S. attorney in the Boston office, and served first as the Chief of the New England Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, then as Chief of the Public Corruption Unit and finally as Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Chiel is a director on the boards of the Boston Bar Foundation, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center and Maimonides School. Mr. Chiel received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Recent past recipients of the Good Apple award include Paul Dacier, General Counsel of EMC Corporation, Susan Alexander, Chief Legal Officer of Biogen Idec, Stephanie S. Lovell, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and Jeffrey N. Carp, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of State Street Corporation.

About the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts’ residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

At Massachusetts Appleseed, we dedicate ourselves to remedying social injustices for at-risk and underserved children, youth, and adults. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the court system. Through in-depth research, consensus building, and community problem solving, we develop powerful solutions for reforming the systems and structures responsible.Our work seeks to level the playing field and transform communities.

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Appleseed Releases Guide to Help Lawyers Navigate Immigration Courts

For Immediate Release

Guide Comes as Record-Setting Backlog of Immigrant Cases Face Uncertain Future

Washington, DC and Chicago, IL, February 14, 2017 – With refugees and other immigrants facing rapidly escalating challenges, the Appleseed Network today released a major new resource to help new and experienced attorneys navigate the complicated U.S. immigration court system and save immigrants from deportation, exile and persecution.

The new Practice Guide, titled “Getting Off the Assembly Line: Overcoming Immigration Court Obstacles in Individual Cases,” is a product of the Immigration Justice Collaboration of Appleseed, a non-profit network of 17 Centers across the U.S. and Mexico, dedicated to advancing justice and opportunities that help low-income people and working families build better lives.

A record half-million cases are waiting to be heard by U.S. immigration courts, which pose daunting obstacles: the near-absence of formal discovery, the challenges interpreting to and from foreign languages, and minimal out-of-court contact between attorneys, their clients and opposing counsel.

The Guide provides an overview of immigration court proceedings, as well as specific sections on working with clients in detention, obtaining client documents from the government, pre-hearing communications with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), dealing with interpretation and videoconferencing challenges and reporting immigration judge and DHS attorney misconduct. The Guide also provides several template and sample documents to assist attorneys in these cases.

“This Guide should help every attorney do a better job in immigration court — and encourage more attorneys to do pro bono representation in these courts,” said Steve Schulman, co-chair of Appleseed’s national board.

“Better trained immigration attorneys will help insure that immigration courts are guided by due process and that they always follow the rule of law,” said Malcolm Rich, Executive Director of Chicago Appleseed.

“For more than two decades, the Appleseed Network has helped refugees and other immigrants seek justice and opportunity in the United States and Mexico. In this critical moment of moral and legal challenge, Appleseed and many of its Centers around the country are redoubling our efforts to help vulnerable immigrants and refugees: through systemic reforms, pro bono representation, and efforts to help immigrants build better lives and make our nation stronger. The Guide is the next crucial step in that work,” added Bert Brandenburg, President of Appleseed.

The law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP provided pro bono assistance and counsel in the development of the new Practice Guide. This is the latest in a series of immigration-related research and publishing projects on which Akin Gump and Appleseed have collaborated. Previous reports have included A DREAM Deferred: From DACA to Citizenship (PDF) and Reimagining the Immigration Court Assembly Line.

For more information and to download the report, please visit Appleseed’s website.

About Appleseed

A nonprofit network of 17 public interest justice centers in the U.S. and Mexico, Appleseed is dedicated to building a society in which opportunities are genuine, access to justice is universal and equal, and government advances the public interest.

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Mass. Appleseed Announces New Executive Director

For Immediate Release

Deb Silva Executive Director

Deb Silva Executive Director

Boston, MA, June 16, 2016 – Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (Mass. Appleseed) announces today that it has selected Deborah Silva, Esq, as its new Executive Director. Starting in mid-July, Ms. Silva will lead Mass. Appleseed as it continues to pursue broad systemic reform initiatives focused on equity in public education and access to Massachusetts’ courts and legal system.

Silva has served as the Director of the Equal Justice Coalition for the past four years, within the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. Equal Justice Coalition’s mission is to ensure civil legal assistance for low-income people in Massachusetts.

“Deborah is a talented advocate with extensive experience building coalitions around social policy initiatives and driving important change for Massachusetts residents,” said Martha Mazzone, Chair of the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Board of Directors. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her commitment to equality and justice. We are excited to see Deborah put her energy and ideas to work at Mass. Appleseed.”

“This is an amazing opportunity to employ policy and research along with advocacy and collaboration to push reform in Massachusetts,” said Silva.

Silva holds a law degree from Boston College. She has 20 years’ experience in law and advocacy, having worked previously as Director of Public Policy for AIDS Action Committee, Legislative Director for the Mass Law Reform Institute, and Legislative Aide to former state Rep. Carl Sciortino. Silva lives in Arlington with her wife and two children.

About Mass. Appleseed

Mass. Appleseed has been instrumental in leading vital systemic reform initiatives for over 20 years. By building on its experience and expertise as a leader, a convener and a trusted research and policy resource, Mass. Appleseed has been a key voice in influencing policy on education, youth homelessness issues, and the courts in Massachusetts.

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Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice Thanks Its Former Executive Director for Her Service

For Immediate Release

Boston, MA, April 19, 2016 – Executive Director Joan Meschino of the Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice has won the Democratic primary in the special election for the open State Senate seat in the Plymouth and Norfolk district. In the wake of her victory, Meschino resigned her post as Executive Director effective immediately. Meschino had been on a leave of absence during her primary run.

The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Appleseed extends its thanks and recognition to Meschino for her leadership over the past eight years. During Meschino’s tenure, Massachusetts Appleseed has championed due process rights and equal treatment for children who are suspended and expelled from school, access to education for homeless children, and access to justice for underserved populations. Board Chair Martha Mazzone said, “We at Massachusetts Appleseed are grateful for Joan’s tireless and effective work on behalf of the Center and the citizens of the Commonwealth. Joan is leaving our Center stronger than she found it. Through Joan’s leadership, we are on a clear path for continuing to serve the community by seeking systemic solutions to social justice issues.”

The Board of Directors of Massachusetts Appleseed wishes Meschino the very best in her future endeavors and thanks her for many years of friendship and service.

About MA Appleseed

MA Appleseed’s mission is to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. At MA Appleseed, we dedicate ourselves to remedying social injustices for at-risk and underserved children, youth, and adults. Working with volunteer lawyers, community partners, and others, we identify and address gaps in services and opportunities in areas such as education, homelessness, and the court system. Through in-depth research, community problem-solving, and consensus building, we develop powerful solutions that reform systems and structures.

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Massachusetts Appleseed Announces Interim Executive Director

For Immediate Release

Meschino takes leave of absence to run for office

Boston, MA, December 17, 2015 – Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (MA Appleseed) has today named Sue Heilman as interim executive director. With more than 25 years of experience leading mission-based non-profit organizations, Ms. Heilman will help MA Appleseed continue its broad systemic reform initiatives focused on equity in public education and access to Massachusetts’ courts and legal system. MA Appleseed’s Board granted its current executive director Joan Meschino a temporary leave of absence while she campaigns for the Massachusetts state senate.

“Sue has a proven track record in working with boards of directors, staff teams and additional stakeholders to fulfill missions, inspire vision and meet strategic goals and objectives. We look forward to working with her in this interim period,” said Board chair Martha Mazzone. “We want to thank Joan for her deep commitment to MA Appleseed and her outstanding service in support of this Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations, and we wish her well in her campaign.”

“I look forward to building on a strong foundation through collaboration and my personal passion for MA Appleseed’s important mission,” said Heilman. “It’s a privilege to step into this role to assist MA Appleseed’s Board and staff in its research, policy development, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives.”

Among other things, Ms. Heilman will lead the center in its new access to justice initiative, exploring the impact that recent technological innovations could have in strengthening access to Massachusetts courts by empowering those who cannot afford to pay a lawyer.

About MA Appleseed

MA Appleseed has been instrumental in leading vital systemic reform initiatives for over 20 years. By building on its experience and expertise as a leader, a convener and a trusted research and policy resource, MA Appleseed has been a key voice in influencing policy on education, youth homelessness issues, and the courts in Massachusetts. The legal community has strongly supported MA Appleseed’s endeavors for many years, through law firm and corporate sponsorship for the MA Appleseed “Good Apple Award.” MA Appleseed awards the Good Apple each year to a corporate general counsel or leader who embodies the commitment to the ideals of justice shared by the Massachusetts legal community. The 2016 Good Apple Award will be given to Jeffrey N. Carp, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of State Street Corporation, on March 24, 2016. For more information, visit the MA Appleseed website, www.massappleseed.org.

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