To the Members of the Bar in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

It is a distinct pleasure for me to support the pro bono programs though which Massachusetts lawyers contribute their professional expertise to those who are unable to afford, but who urgently need, legal representation.

There is a long tradition of public service supported by the legal community in Massachusetts. Because of the severely reduced public funding for legal service organizations, many pro bono programs have been established throughout the Commonwealth to provide and coordinate legal services to the poor.

The burden to ensure the availability of appropriate legal counsel has also been exacerbated by the pressure of societal problems such as domestic violence, divorce, child abuse, substance abuse, consumer protection, and housing needs. All of these issues call for the involvement of attorneys on behalf of persons unable to afford to pay for a lawyer.

The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court and the entire Judiciary of Massachusetts strongly support belief that all persons in need of legal representation should have the benefit of competent counsel. Recognizing the plight of those unable to afford professional legal advice, the Supreme Judicial Court adopted, effective February 1, 1999, Rule 6.1, Voluntary Pro Bono Publico Service, recommending that all Massachusetts attorneys should "provide annually at least 25 hours of pro bono publico legal services for the benefit of persons of limited means."

Rule 6.1 is not mandatory. I nevertheless hope that all Massachusetts attorneys will act in the spirit of this rule, to expand their participation in pro bono organizations and programs, and to support, with their time and talent, the work of these programs. On balance, I believe that it is a small sacrifice to avert serious impact on the courts and on the entire legal community that may result from failure to anticipate the consequences of ignoring the rising number of pro se litigants.

I look forward to working with all of you as we strive to achieve our common goal - to improve the administration of justice in Massachusetts.

Sincerely,

Margaret H. Marshall