WHEREAS,  Maine’s Justice Action Group, founded in 1995, is a judge-led coalition of leaders from Maine’s legal community who are passionate about ensuring for the people of Maine equal access to civil justice; and

WHEREAS,  the coalition members include representatives of the state and federal judiciary, the Legislature, nonprofit civil legal aid providers, the University of Maine School of Law, the Maine Bar Foundation, the Maine State Bar Association, the Maine Trial Lawyers Association, private practice attorneys and others; and

WHEREAS,  key initiator Judge Frank Coffin described the Justice Action Group as a catalyst, something introduced in small quantities that produces great change; and

WHEREAS,  equal access to justice is a bedrock principle of a free, constitutional society, but no system of laws and constitutional protections can be effective if only those who can afford a private practice attorney have access to justice; and

WHEREAS,  providing equal access to justice has tangible, widespread benefits for Maine’s families, children, schools, communities, businesses, charities and government; and

WHEREAS,  legal issues profoundly affect basic human needs such as shelter, sustenance, safety from violence, health and child protection; and

WHEREAS,  the need for civil legal aid and pro bono representation for low-income and vulnerable Maine people remains acute; now, therefore, be it