MACDL Supports Bar Advocates’ Action
Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Warn of Impending Crisis as Bar Advocates Halt Case Acceptance Due to Unsustainable Pay
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2025
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) stands in full solidarity with bar advocates who are refusing to take additional court-appointed cases as a result of the unsustainably low compensation rates. Bar advocates—independent attorneys appointed by the state to represent low-income defendants—currently […]
Response to the Attack on the Legal Profession
The Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) condemns the March 22, 2025, Presidential Memorandum titled, “Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court.” As the only statewide association of criminal defense attorneys, we strive to preserve the adversarial system of justice and protect the rights of persons charged with crimes. The President’s Memorandum is a transparent attempt to chill our professional duty and moral obligation […]
Call to Action
Has the rollout of recent executive orders left you variously enraged and overwhelmed?
MACDL rejects all action taken by the current federal administration to deny our clients’ rights, especially those who are most marginalized and vulnerable. To this end, we have convened a working group to review the current and future federal policies, educate our members as to how these policies are likely to […]
President’s Letter, July 2024
It is hard to believe that it is already July and summer is in full swing. MACDL has been busy advocating for lawyers and clients in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I am pleased to provide you all with several updates on our organization’s efforts to create an effective, accessible, and fun community for new and experienced criminal defense lawyers.
To those of you who helped kick off a strong first-half […]
March 2024 Bench / Bar Meeting
On March 27, 2024, the MACDL executive board joined bar leaders from other bar associations at a Bench/Bar meeting. Chief Justices Budd and Brieger along with Court Administrator Tom Ambrosino and Dr. Natoschia Scrugg, the newly appointed Chief of Access, Diversity and Fairness for the trial court, gave updates on various topics involving the operations of the courts. Below are the handouts that we received. Here are a […]
MACDL Forms Clemency Committee
MACDL has formed a Clemency Committee in response to the Governor’s new clemency guidelines, which hold promise for more relief. The Committee screens applicants and refers the most promising candidates to pro bono lawyers.