2017 Access to Justice Conference

Access to Justice through Innovation and Collaboration

New Directions and Emerging Opportunities: Exploring Cutting-Edge Developments Moving Us Closer to Our Goal of Justice for All

The legal needs of our communities far exceed the legal resources currently available — especially for those unable to afford to hire a private attorney. Many exciting efforts are underway to address this problem in Massachusetts and across the country. One thing is clear: we will need creative approaches and consistent collaboration to make a real and lasting impact on the systemic inequities that render legal help inaccessible for so many. Join us as we step back to assess this panorama, look to the horizon, and then work together to brainstorm solutions.

Our expert panelists will use their unique perspectives and experiences to take on questions related to:

• Bringing a whole person approach to the user experience in court
• Fostering better and broader collaboration within and beyond the courts
• Harnessing technology to better serve clients and communities
• Using research, evaluation, and data to assess impact and improve processes
• Exploring New Models for Representation and Advocacy
• Preliminary findings and Recommendations from the Justice for All Grant

In addition to a wide range of participants including private attorneys, legal service providers, court personnel, thought leaders, social services organizations, and community groups, we are proud to be welcoming Katherine Alteneder of the Self-Represented Litigation Network, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph Gants, and Judge Dina Fein, First Justice, Housing Court Department, Western Division and Special Advisor to the Trial Court for Access to Justice Initiatives, as featured speakers.

Date: Monday, November 20, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: MCLE, 10 Winter Place, Boston, MA 02108

Conference Materials:

Conference Agenda

Keynote Address:
Kathrine Alteneder, Self-Represented Litigation Network
How Design Thinking Can Optimize Pro Bono Engagement in the 100% Access to Justice Ecosystem
SRLN brief — Design Thinking

Bringing a Holistic Approach to the Court User Experience:

• Bronx County Family Court Help Center
• MCLE A2J LEP Rights

Exploring New Models for Advocacy and Representation:

• Justice Bridge — MCLE Access to Justice Conference
• The Court Navigator Program

Improving Outcomes Through Evidence-Based Research:

• CSC Staff Intake
• CSC Intake Form 2015
• CSC Research Data
• Trial Court Support Services Data

Better and Broader Collaboration Within and Beyond the Courts:

• Specialty Courts with count 10-2-2017

Family Resource Center Materials:

• The Home for Little Wanderers
• Massachusetts Family Resource Centers
• The Home for Little Wanderers Brochure – English
• The Home for Little Wanderers Brochure – Spanish
• The Home for Little Wanderers Brochure – Haitian/Creole