MTLA Statement regarding social justice and racial inequalities. 
6/22/2020

With the truly shocking loss of George Floyd’s life, the all-consuming global pandemic was pushed aside in our daily lives to focus on deep-seated racial prejudice in our country. The Maine Trial Lawyers Association’s (MTLA) leadership recognizes that black lives are at risk in ways that others are not.  Together with our national affiliate the American Association for Justice (AAJ), we stand resolute against police misconduct, brutality, and systemic racism.  Right now, we urge our fellow attorneys to uphold and defend the constitutional and other rights of those wronged, stand up for freedom of speech, and petition our local, state, and federal governments for redress of grievances. We also ask members to consider offering pro bono and reduced rate representation to people who need us most right now and to get involved in an organization dedicated to social change. We are committed to listening to our membership and others about how the MTLA can help address systemic injustices, increase cultural competence, and assist with the healing process in our communities during this difficult time. In the coming months the MTLA Board of Governors is committed to present not just a statement condemning these wrongs, but concrete steps that we can take as an organization to improve our judicial system and our communities. To that end, we have created a committee of our board members to immediately begin this work.  

COVID-19 will keep us from physically being in the "The County" this year, but we will be there online for the Aroostook County Bar this year. The "Not Quite The Presque Isle CLE" will provide an H&D Ethics Hour and an hour of updates from the Court. We'll miss the Potato Blossom Festival, but we hope you will join us for this great CLE at a really low price. Non-Aroostook County attorneys are welcome to join us for this CLE as well!  Let's Agree to Disagree Justin W. Andrus Assistant Bar Counsel Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar   Maine Court Update Hon. Andrew M. Mead Acting Chief Justice Maine Supreme Judicial Court   Program Starts at 10 AM Participants will receive 2.0 hours of credit, Including 1.0 hours of H&D Ethics credit   Cost: $40 Register Here or Call MTLA at (207) 623-2661. Registrants will receive sign-on instructions after they have registered via email.