Pine Tree Legal Assistance relies on volunteers in the provision of legal services to low-income
people throughout Maine, both in our offices and on our Board of Directors.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
-Aesop
Volunteers are integral to Pine Tree’s work in the office and in the community. Projects can vary depending on the volunteer’s interests and the office’s need. Projects may include answering phones, providing information, referrals and assistance to clients, filing, and/or community outreach. Please contact us for more information.
Augusta: Anne
Bangor: Judd
Lewiston: Clare
Machias: Paul
Portland: Frank
Presque Isle: Jeff
Board of Directors
Pine Tree Legal Assistance is directed by an active 28 member Board, drawn from around the State of Maine
and including representatives of many different communities, client populations and concerns. Board
composition is defined by the Legal Services
Corporation, 45 CFR Part 1607
17 Board members must be attorneys licensed to practice in the State of Maine;
10 Board members must be individuals financially eligible to receive assistance from Pine Tree Legal
Assistance (e.g., household incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines;)
1 Board member serves as an "at-large" member and is elected by the full Board at the Annual
Meeting in September.
Board members are expected to serve a minimum two-year term, but may be reappointed or re-elected for
an indefinite number of terms. The Board includes both very experienced and new attorneys and low-income
Board representatives.
Typically, two of the five Board meetings a year take place in Augusta, Maine, usually on a weekday
afternoon starting at 1 pm. The remaining Board meetings are held via videoconference from locations
throughout Maine. Board members are strongly encouraged to attend all Board meetings or to notify staff
or the Board President in advance if they are unable to do so. Board participation is one of the factors that
is considered when encouraging or discouraging Board members to seek renewal of their appointments beyond
the initial term of service.
Members of the Pine Tree Legal Assistance Board of Directors are selected annually on a rotating basis. The
organization also sometimes needs to fill vacancies during the course of the year. Most attorney members are
appointed by the Board of Governors of the Maine State Bar Association. Low-income individuals are appointed
by specific organizations or agencies that have been selected to appoint a representative to the Board.
In addition, the Pine Tree Board includes one member who is elected to serve as "at large" members by their
colleagues on the Board.
If you are interested in serving or in making an appointment to the Board, please contact Nan Heald,
Executive Director, Pine Tree Legal Assistance, PO Box 547, Portland, ME 04112; telephone 207-774-4753;
or via email to
.
All Board members share a commitment to justice for low-income Maine residents and a willingness to provide
time and energy to supporting Pine Tree as an organization. Board members are encouraged to consider adopting
a recommended Action Plan for their service on the Board.
Board member duties can be loosely characterized as follows:
Organizational:
Review the organization’s mission, values and beliefs: Keep them in clear focus, interpreting PTLA and its mission to the outside world;
Set strategic direction: Oversee, update and approve strategic plans. Follow trends in PTLA’s fields of interest;
Establish policies to ensure that PTLA is run effectively, legally and ethically;
Hire (fire), supervise, evaluate and support the Executive Director;
Secure adequate financial resources for the sustained health of PTLA;
Read and understand PTLA’s financial statements as a means to monitor financial performance;
Appraise PTLA’s program and performance on an on-going basis;
Appraise the Board’s performance on an on-going basis.
Personal:
Educate oneself about the needs of those serving and served by PTLA. Get to know the staff and issues affecting one’s nearest PTLA field office;
Attend all board meetings as scheduled. If a conflict arises that prevents attendance, advanced notice to the Board President is expected. Be well informed on issues and agenda items in advance of meetings. (Read materials sent prior to meetings);
Serve on one or more committees and regularly attend meetings. Participate in organizational decision-making;
Work closely and cooperatively with other board members. Listen respectfully to differing points of view;
Attend board retreats, in-service workshops and other Board development activities;
Advance diversity: effectively advocate based on one’s experience and organizational representation while seeking to serve PTLA as a whole;
Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest that might embarrass the Board or PTLA;
Contribute personally, to the extent possible, in PTLA’s fundraising activities.
Volunteer with the Volunteer Lawyers Project, VLP
The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) coordinates the volunteer efforts of Maine attorneys and community
members to help low-income people navigate the civil justice system. We provide free information, brief
assistance and pro bono legal representation in civil legal matters to qualifying clients. VLP volunteers
give low-income Mainers the tools and the know-how to be equal participants in our legal system. The VLP uses
students and interns, community volunteers, and volunteer attorneys in their day-to-day operations. Please contact
Lin Martin-Hunt, Volunteer Cordinator (
) for more information.
