What's Happening?
Kelli J. Proia has been appointed as the executive director of the Justice Bridge Legal Center, a nonprofit organization affiliated with UMass Law. Proia succeeds Len Zandrow, the founding executive director who
retired after over 11 years of service. Justice Bridge, with offices in Boston and New Bedford, provides mentorship, training, and infrastructure to recent law graduates, enabling them to establish sustainable law practices serving low- and moderate-income clients. The center offers affordable legal representation in areas such as housing, family law, small business, and immigration. Proia, an experienced intellectual property attorney and certified life and business coach, founded Lawducate in 2014 to help attorneys develop business skills. She also teaches 'The 21st Century Lawyer' at Suffolk University Law School. Her appointment is expected to lead Justice Bridge into its next phase of growth, continuing its mission to expand access to justice.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Kelli J. Proia as executive director of Justice Bridge is significant for UMass Law and the broader legal community. Justice Bridge plays a crucial role in providing affordable legal services to underserved populations, thereby addressing gaps in access to justice. Proia's extensive experience and entrepreneurial mindset are expected to enhance the center's ability to support new lawyers and expand its reach. Her leadership could lead to increased opportunities for UMass Law students and alumni, fostering professional growth and public service. This development underscores the importance of innovative legal education models that combine practical training with community service, potentially influencing similar initiatives across the country.
What's Next?
Under Proia's leadership, Justice Bridge is expected to continue its strategic direction, cultivating partnerships with legal and community organizations. The center aims to expand opportunities for UMass Law students and alumni to provide affordable legal services across the commonwealth. Proia envisions cohorts of new attorneys progressing through a nine-month training program, receiving mentorship from a network of business and legal professionals. This approach could serve as a model for other law schools seeking to bridge the gap between legal education and practice, potentially leading to the establishment of similar incubators in other regions.
Beyond the Headlines
Justice Bridge's model of combining legal education with public service highlights ethical and cultural dimensions in the legal profession. By providing affordable legal services to underserved communities, the center addresses social justice issues and promotes equity in legal representation. This initiative reflects broader trends in legal education, emphasizing the importance of practical experience and community engagement. As more law schools adopt similar models, there could be long-term shifts in how legal education is structured, prioritizing hands-on experience and societal impact.
