2025 News UMass Law: UMass Law students advocate for civil legal aid at MA State House

2025 News UMass Law: UMass Law students advocate for civil legal aid at MA State House
UMass Law students advocate for civil legal aid at MA State House

Sixty law students participate in annual "Walk the Hill" event

2025 Walk the Hill captains

Sixty UMass Law students visited the Massachusetts State House last week to advocate for increased funding for civil legal aid during the annual "Walk the Hill" event, continuing the school's tradition of championing access to justice.

During the visit, students met with legislators and staff to discuss the importance of legal aid funding in ensuring fair representation for low-income residents, sharing stories of clients who benefitted from these services and highlighting the societal impact of accessible legal support.

"As Massachusetts's only public law school, I think it's imperative of our students to advocate for those in underprivileged communities in circumstances where they may not be able to afford counsel to represent themselves," said SBA President and 3L Megan Hueras.

"Personally, I enjoy family law and probate matters. Because these are civil cases, individuals are not appointed counsel as they would be in criminal cases. My hope is that through the initiatives we’ve undertaken, more people will have access to appropriate legal representation in these circumstances."

A group of UMass Law students pose with a shared reason they walk—for our community.
A group of UMass Law students pose with a shared reason they walk—for our community.

Walk the Hill is an annual event put on by the Equal Justice Coalition that brings together hundreds of private attorneys, law students, and legal aid advocates to urge the Commonwealth to increase funding to provide critical services for residents with low incomes who are facing serious civil legal problems. This is the ninth consecutive year UMass Law students walked the hill to champion the cause.

"The hope is that by providing more funding, we can provide more opportunities for underprivileged people," said 1L Joseph Manobianco. "Whether it's through housing, legal departments, or just the ability to help people on a fundamental level who truly need it, legal aid can systematically change people's lives for the better."

The annual trip underscores UMass Law’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in public service and training future attorneys to pursue justice. Through participation in this annual initiative, UMass Law students gain practical advocacy experience while contributing to a vital cause.

Walk the Hill captains pose on the Massachusetts State House balcony.
Walk the Hill captains pictured on the Massachusetts State House balcony.

"Seeing the Massachusetts State House packed with UMass Law students for the Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid is one of the great rewards of being the dean of this law school," said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. "I could not be prouder of our students for walking the talk for equal and accessible justice. THIS is what being a public law school is all about."