President's Message

Moving the Needle

Melissa Langa, Esq.
President | Mass. Bar Foundation

As President of the Mass. Bar Foundation, I see every day that MBF Fellows are the lifeblood of the Foundation. Your commitment to the Foundation’s core mission of social justice is evidence of who you are and what you find important within your legal career. But while the need for civil legal aid programs is unending, unfortunately the lifespan of a Fellow is not. The Foundation needs a continuous influx of new Fellows. You can help by following these simple steps:

1.       Email MBF Development Director Allie Ford (aford@massbar.org) and ask her for a list of the members of your firm who are Mass. Bar Association members.

2.       Identify one person on the list who you believe shares your interest in social justice. Share that name with Allie.

3.       Allie will send you sample talking points to use when asking your colleague (in person or by email) to permit you to nominate them to be a Fellow. (Remember, the only requirement for a new Fellow is a $1,500 commitment, payable at $150 a year over ten years – or sooner if that is more convenient.)

4.       Report back to Allie if your colleague wants to accept the nomination. She will take it from there.

Presto! You just moved the needle forward in the Foundation’s commitment to providing access to the civil courts for those who cannot afford it on their own. Good for you.

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in Boston & Worcester!

Meet the 2026 
President's Award Honorees

Edward Moriarty, Jr., Esq.

We're pleased to honor Edward Moriarty, Jr., Esq., with the 2026 President's Award at our Eastern Massachusetts Grantee Reception. A Cambridge native and Northeastern University graduate, Ed has built a distinguished career as a leading voice in Massachusetts workers' compensation law. His commitment to service makes him a valued member of our community. 

"I am honored to be recognized for the small amount of time spent in such an important undertaking to protect and promote access to civil justice for our fellow citizens. MBF funding is critical to the Commonwealth's common good. More Attorneys need to volunteer their time and talent to this critical bar function."

We are grateful for his service and look forward to celebrating his accomplishments on October 15th.

Francis A. Ford, Esq.

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Corporate Partners

The firms and companies featured below are helping to expand funding for legal aid programs and increase access to justice in our state. If you would like to add your firm or company to the list, please click here.

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