Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland addressed several hundred lawyers in the 14th annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid in the Great Hall of the State House on January 30. He spoke of the need for increased state funding and support from legislators for civil legal aid programs aimed at helping low income individuals and families. "We are here today to help balance the scales of justice," said Chief Justice Ireland in his remarks. "By speaking up for increased funding for civil legal aid, you are helping to ensure that the promise of equal justice for all is kept." The event was sponsored by the Equal Justice Coalition, Boston Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association and many local and specialty bar associations throughout Massachusetts.

Governor Deval Patrick greets Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland following his remarks at the 14th annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid event.  Massachusetts Bar Association President Robert L. Holloway, Jr. (second from right) and Boston Bar Association President James D. Smeallie (third from right) also spoke at the event.

From left: Equal Justice Coalition Chair Sandy Moskowitz; Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation Executive Director Lonnie Powers; Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland; and Daniele Bien-Aime, a former client of South Coastal Counties Legal Services.