THERE IS NO RIGHT to an attorney in most noncriminal legal cases, even when the stakes are high as people suffer employment discrimination, face eviction, or are victimized by predatory lending. Those unable to pay for legal guidance and representation must try to navigate our complex legal system alone – and face daunting odds and real-life consequences. That is why civil legal aid organizations are so critical.

Civil legal aid organizations across Massachusetts provide representation to people with incomes at or below 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines ($39,000 per year for a family of four or $18,825 for an individual). They help people solve serious problems that impact their most basic needs, including housing, employment, access to health care, domestic safety, and more.

As a board member of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, I see the life-changing impact civil legal aid has on people, families, and entire communities. The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation is the largest funder of civil legal aid in Massachusetts, and it gets the majority of its funding from a state budget line item.

Recent investments from the state have helped legal aid organizations serve more people in need of assistance. These increased investments have led to fewer eligible people being turned away. Still, only about 50 percent of eligible applicants receive legal assistance.

Last year, more than 95,600 people in 95 percent of Massachusetts cities and towns were assisted by legal aid. In Boston alone, legal aid attorneys handled 5,930 cases in fiscal year 2023.

Investing in this work saves the state money and yields a significant financial return for the Commonwealth: in 2023, legal aid delivered an estimated $100 million in economic benefits to the state and its residents.

Ensuring more Massachusetts residents have access to civil legal services is my goal and the mission of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. The organization requested $55 million in the line item for fiscal year 2025. This is the amount necessary to sustain proven programs, address evolving needs, and grow to meet increasing demand.

I thank lawmakers for their past support and urge the Legislature to allocate $55 million for civil legal aid in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

Jeffrey Catalano is a partner at Keches Law Group and a board member of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation.