Bar Association to offer free legal advice to those affected by marathon bombing

Date: 5/1/2013

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) will offer individuals impacted by the bombing of the Boston Marathon free legal advice through its Dial-A-Lawyer program.

Victims can access free legal assistance on May 8 and 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. by calling 617-338-0610 or 877-686-0711.

Additionally, the MBA has made a $10,000 donation to One Fund Boston (onefundboston.org), set up by Gov. Deval L. Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15.

"We commend the efforts of all medical, law enforcement and other first responders who worked tirelessly to treat the victims and to protect the public. We also mourn with the people of Boston and beyond, for those who died and who suffered physical and emotional harm due to this senseless act of violence," MBA President Robert L. Holloway Jr. said.

"We stand strong with all Bostonians and want to help victims heal and return to normalcy as soon as possible. Any lawyer in the commonwealth is welcome to join our efforts, regardless of whether they are members of the MBA," he added.

Holloway noted that many lawyers already have stepped forward to assist victims for free. Attorney Paul White of the Boston law firm, Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, will spearhead the volunteer lawyer effort along with MBA officers and staff.

Lawyers who are interested in assisting with the efforts should contact the MBA's Department of Community and Public Services at 617-338-0695 and leave their contact information in the mailbox. MBA staff will contact them with details.