What can bar advocates do to Help ?

Many Bar Advocates have decided enough is enough.  The paying of our investigators more than us was a slap in the face.  After reviewing what other states pay, it's time to re-evaluate your career and get paid what you're worth.  Many Bar advocates have decided not to accept their duty days assignments for the summer months.  Many of the ones that need to work are choosing to take Memorial Day to after July 4th holiday off to re-evaluate their careers and search for other areas of employment.  It's a personal decision and one each individual attorney will need to make

Regardless of if you continue to take duty days while you search for alternative careers or other areas of law to practice or just decide to take most of the summer off to unwind and de-stress, please remain professional and continue to work on your current cases.  No one is suggesting any type of strike and/or work stoppage.

Massachusetts politicians continue to devalue our work.  New Hampshire pays $125 to $150 per hour, RI pays $112 to $142, NY pays $157, Maine pays $150 and the Feds pay $175 to $223.  Get paid what you're worth.  You can work half the hours and make the same or higher salary. 

This is not a new issue but one the legislature continues to ignore.  The following Brief of Amicus Curiae is from the Boston Bar Association for a 2019 case and it shows how bad the situation was then.  It has only gotten worse.  Maybe a few legislature members will read it and help resolve the issue before there are no more attorneys representing the indigent.   https://www.ma-appellatecourts.org/pdf/SJC-12777/SJC-12777_06_Amicus_Boston_Bar_Association_Brief.pdf

The only way Bar Advocates get a real living wage and not $5 per hour raise is keep the pressure on the legislature.  There are over 2400 Bar Advocates.  Each Bar Advocate should email, call and mail their reps and senators weekly.  Be a pain in the ass as you are their constiuents and they work for you.  They  have no problem searching for you when they want a vote come election time. 

There's a google group that all bar Advocates should join.  It's a great way to get information on events happening that affect your careers and livelihood.  Many Bar Advocates are planning to visit the statehouse and speak with the Senator and Reps in person.  It's always much better to look someone in the eyes than to send a letter.