BRIDGING THE GAPS – What is an “Access Incubator”? Building upon “legal incubator” models developed by several law schools across the nation, Justice Bridge has taken the training and support services offered by such programs to the next level. By building relationships with top law firms, retired justices and former senior partners, legal service organizations, and membership-based community grou
ps Justice Bridge assists participating attorneys to provide compassionate and professional representation to those with previously unmet legal needs. The incubator is a non-profit organization that will provide office space, resources and client referrals to new attorneys to help meet two important objectives:
o Provide low-bono (reduced-fee) service, scaled to the income of clients struggling to access legal services and pro bono services to those who qualify but are struggling to find available attorneys at other legal aid organizations. o Mentor and train new attorneys to give them a comprehensive edge in the job market or become skilled enough to manage their own practices when they leave the incubator. With these goals in mind, Justice Bridge is developing an economically self-sufficient legal center to serve poor and modest-means clients and a resource hub to serve the Boston legal community. Justice Bridge is building relationships and working with the legal services community, pro bono service organizations, anti-poverty community organizations, Boston-area bar associations and public librarian groups to determine how best to deliver legal services. BUILDING LAWYERS – More Than a Job
The mentors in Justice Bridge train new lawyers so they are not only able to take charge of a case, but also ultimately capable of managing an independent practice. Attorneys who complete a two-year program in the Justice Bridge program will advance into the workforce with a competitive edge crucial for success in today’s legal marketplace.
