SPECIAL ADVISOR FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE INITIATIVES APPOINTED
Access to justice has been a major priority for Chief Justice Marshall and Chief Justice Mulligan. The appointment was made in recognition of the critical role of the judicial branch during a challenging economy when data confirm that more people seek recourse from the courts. As social, linguistic, and economic diversity in the Commonwealth grows, as laws become more complex, and as increasing numbers of middle class individuals and the poor represent themselves in legal matters, ensuring court-based access services to litigants is an integral part of the mission of the judicial branch. The Special Advisor will 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. In coordination with Chief Justice Mulligan and the Chief Justices of the Trial Court, Judge Fein will develop long and short range goals, statewide strategies, and best practices to increase access to justice throughout the Trial Court. She will work closely with judges, court personnel, the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission, bar associations, legal service organizations, law firms, law schools and others to implement access to justice initiatives and protocols. "Access to justice for all – fair and impartial justice before an independent judiciary - is a crucial dimension of democracy itself. Massachusetts is among the leading states fully committed to act on the fundamental principle that every resident who seeks justice will have meaningful access to our courts," said Chief Justice Marshall. "Judge Fein is uniquely qualified by talent, commitment, and experience to work with Chief Justice Mulligan and the Trial Court Chief Justices to build on the Judiciary’s many successful initiatives to keep our courthouses open to all." Chief Justice Mulligan said, "Difficult economic times provide a greater incentive to expand partnerships with the bar and community organizations to ensure access to justice for all citizens. The Trial Court will benefit from Judge Fein’s able assistance to achieve better use of existing resources, consistent replication of best practices already in place and ongoing accomplishments to assure our progress in this important area. I greatly appreciate the commitment of Chief Justice Steven Pierce and the Housing Court to enable Judge Fein to serve in this key role." Appointed to the bench in 1999, Judge Fein is presently the First Justice of the Housing Court, Western Division, where she will continue to sit part time. She is a member of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission and was formerly a member of the Massachusetts State Planning Board for Civil Legal Services. An adjunct professor at Western New England College School of Law, Judge Fein currently teaches a course on Access to Justice. "Insuring that the promise of justice is accessible to all is a core responsibility of the judicial branch," said Judge Fein. "The rule of law does not exist for any unless it exists for all. This initiative is intended to support the ongoing efforts of many people in the Trial Court who are committed to fulfilling our core mission. I am deeply grateful to Chief Justice Marshall and Chief Justice Mulligan for their leadership on access to justice and am deeply honored that they have asked me to join in this important work." Senior
Attorney Sandra Lundy was the staff member for
the Supreme Judicial Court’s Steering Committee
on Self-Represented Litigants, chaired by Appeals
Court Justice Cynthia J. Cohen. In addition to her
new assignment as Deputy Advisor with Judge Fein,
Ms. Lundy will continue in her role as Senior Staff
Attorney at the Supreme Judicial Court. |