Boston Bar Association Marathon Assistance Project
The BBA 'Marathon Assistance Project' has been an essential part of a 360 degree response to aid victims of this tragedy.

Liam Lowney
Liam Lowney
Executive Director, Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)

"The Association has bent over backwards placing clients with exceptional legal professionals who have assisted families with varied needs. The Boston Bar has always been an essential partner in serving all crime victims… I'm proud to have worked with the Boston Bar on this project and look forward to continued collaborations in the days and years to come."
- Liam Lowney

The Marathon Assistance Project

After launching the project to help small businesses following the attacks, new needs began to emerge. The bar rose to the occasion again – an overwhelming number of BBA members volunteered to provide help to those in need. Here's the story, as told by four volunteer attorneys:

Searching for a Way to Give Back

Maura Greene – Law Office of Maura Greene

Maura Greene"I attended the service in the South End where President Obama spoke and sat next to a number of first responders – they were Longwood Orthopedic Surgeons, and I was thanking them. At the time I was thinking that they had such a skill set that that could be useful in the aftermath. I thought 'what could I do?' The BBA’s request finally gave me something concrete to do, a real way I could help, provide assistance, and be of use following the events of the Marathon."
Maura wanted to do something to help support the people whose lives had been forever changed by the Marathon bombing. Read more of her story here.

Sorting Through the Issues

Amy Lipman-White – Law Office of Lipman & White

Amy Lipman-White"My client was a volunteer at the finish line with the Boston Athletic Association on the day of the bombings. The client was significantly affected by the bombing and as a result, missed numerous days of work. The lost income from work, in turn, resulted in being behind on the client’s rent. The client received an eviction notice and had a court date scheduled."
Amy represented a medical tent volunteer who was so distraught by the events of the day that he had trouble returning to work. Learn more about the assistance she provided here.

Providing the Help that Only a Lawyer Could

Susan Baronoff – Murtha Cullina

Susan Baronoff" I worked with my client, state victim compensation and assistance personnel (from the AG’s Office and MOVA) on a variety of issues including victim compensation payments, and other available services and sources of benefits. I have been in contact with social workers, medical personnel and other organizations assisting Marathon bombing victims, all of whom have been providing help to my client"
After the bombings, Susan felt like she needed to "do something." See the ways she helped her client here.

Looking Back

Christopher Strang – Desmond, Strang & Scott

Christopher StrangI am glad the BBA was there to provide an avenue for victims to get the help they needed. The most memorable moment of the experience for me was when a client said that my advice gave her 'some comfort.' In a situation like this, that’s all I could ask for - the opportunity to make these people feel a little bit better about what they are dealing with."
Chris' desire to help resulted in him advising a number of clients affected by the bombing. Learn more about his experience here.

The Issues

The situations described above weren't the only ones that Marathon Assistance Project volunteers helped with. They also dealt with:
One Fund Claims

One Fund Claims and Massachusetts Crime Victims Compensation Applications
Tax

Tax repercussions of funding from private and public donations

Street Vendor

Education and school discipline issues

Privacy

Employment, privacy and health insurance issues

Construction

Construction contracts for injured clients who were making their homes more accessible

The Boston Bar Journal

On Wednesday, April 2nd, the Boston Bar Journal released its Spring 2014 Edition, which included four feature stories about attorneys experiences representing clients in the wake of the Boston Marathon tragedy. Read the Spring 2014 Boston Bar Journal here.

Law Day Dinner

On May 12th, at the annual Law Day Dinner, the BBA will recognize the 65 lawyer volunteers who contributed their time and talents to help victims and small businesses through the Marathon Assistance Project. Join us at the event as we recognize their efforts and come together to celebrate the strength of our city. Learn more or register today.

Want to Help?

100% of every donation to the Boston Bar Foundation Public Service Fund supports BBA projects like the Marathon Assistance Project, and will help us continue to be a first responder and have a positive impact in the City of Boston. Learn more.