28Jun 2023 by Charles E. Price
Why legal aid matters | opinion

Why legal aid matters | opinion

LEGAL
When I speak to civic groups about Alpine Legal Services, I'm surprised how many people have heard of us but aren't sure what we do.People also tell me they don't realize the right to legal representation applies mostly to criminal cases. They didn't know that those facing a life-altering civil legal matter — an eviction, a protection order from abuse and violence, a custody case, an emergency guardianship — are most often not entitled to an attorney. That's where civil legal aid comes in. That's what we do.Alpine Legal Services has been around in one form or another since 1987. A group of lawyers saw the need to uphold justice for people who had strong cases but didn't know how to present them and couldn't afford to hire an attorney.…
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28Mar 2023 by Charles E. Price
Our View: Civil legal aid is falling short, hurting all of us

Our View: Civil legal aid is falling short, hurting all of us

LEGAL
Too many Maine residents aren't able to get the legal representation they need. No, we're not talking about those charged with crimes — though we absolutely could be. Instead, we're talking about people who need civil legal aid to help them entangle a variety of messy problems with the potential to upset their lives. Legislators are struggling to fix an indigent criminal defense program that they've been allowed to fall apart. Filling the gaps in aid for civil complaints, however, is much easier. A bill before the Legislature is asking for $11.2 million over the next two years to be distributed through the Civil Legal Defense Fund, which supports the work of providers of civil legal services in Maine. Unlike the criminal side, there is no constitutional right to representation…
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19Feb 2023 by Charles E. Price
Top law firms King & Wood Mallesons and Herbert Smith Freehills look to improve relationships with employees

Top law firms King & Wood Mallesons and Herbert Smith Freehills look to improve relationships with employees

LAW
She agreed it was a “two-way street, and that employers also needed clarity: “Absolutely. A big focus for us has been the people value experience and making sure we are very clear about that...”Ms Lattey said KWM had been “very supportive over the past little while in making sure we are doing everything for our people”.“In some of the conversations I have had, they are interested in getting more clarity around what it means to be at KWM.“There has been a period of trusting people and I think that that is still an incredibly important part of this. But I do think that they're looking to us: 'OK, tell me what you're all about. Tell me what I can expect from you, and be really clear on that.'”Lawyers could be…
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04Jul 2022 by Charles E. Price

Short-term rental legal battle continues in Oro-Medente

LEGAL
A group of Oro-Medonte residents held a fundraiser on Saturday to raise money for the ongoing battle against short-term rentals in the area. The Oro-Medente Good Neighbors Alliance organized a yard sale and silent auction to raise money for the planned legal battle. While organizers say short-term rentals are prohibited under the township's bylaws, they're calling on the municipality to do more to enforce them. Peter Lavoie, director of the Oro-Medonte Good Neighbors Alliance, says it's difficult to know which short-term rental will become disruptive. "We'd like to see more action from the township in terms of enforcing those rights that they've given residential properties to the peace and quiet enjoyment to, in a lot of cases, people's permanent homes," Lavoie says. Liz Kirk, organizer of the yard sale, was…
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