News: Websites Project

BOSTON, April 16, 2024 – Today, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) proudly announced the official relaunch of MassLegalHelp.org, one of five websites it manages. 

MassLegalHelp.org offers free, practical legal information and resources to help members of the public learn about their legal rights in Massachusetts and take actionable steps to solve civil legal problems. The refreshed site features a modern, streamlined look that contains over 800 articles, e-books, and videos reviewed by substantive legal experts. MassLegalHelp.org is committed to enhancing access to justice for vulnerable people struggling with critical legal issues related to unemployment; housing; public benefits; family law; health care; domestic violence; money and debt; immigration; education; and more. 

Mass Pro Bono, an online resource for legal professionals who want to give their time to meet the legal needs of people with low incomes in Massachusetts, has been updated with a variety of opportunities just in time for Pro Bono Week. On Mass Pro Bono (www.massprobono.org), volunteers can search among more than 50 organizations across the Commonwealth to find a pro bono opportunity that suits their skills, interests, and availability.  Individuals can also find a calendar of trainings and other pro bono related events, as well as a resource library focusing on key legal areas of need. Mass Pro Bono is managed by the Massachusetts Legal Aid Websites Project at the Mass Law Reform Institute. 

MLRI’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online calculator has been used over 4,000 times since the start of 2023.

SNAP is a federal nutrition program that provides eligible households with monthly funds to buy food. The amount a household receives depends on household size, income, and certain allowable expenses. MLRI’s online calculator helps potential Massachusetts SNAP recipients and community advocates estimate the monthly SNAP benefits amount a household may receive. The calculator provides a quick check on whether a household is eligible for SNAP and whether they are getting the correct amount.

More than 8,000 questions have now been answered by over 300 volunteer attorneys on Mass Legal Answers Online (MLAO), the Massachusetts home of the American Bar Association’s Free Legal Answers project. This milestone was hit just as lawyers from across the country celebrate October as Pro Bono month to shine a light on important pro bono work.