Civil Legal Services Fund Commission

The Maine Civil Legal Services Fund (Fund) was established to support civil legal services to persons who otherwise are not able to pay for these services. Money in the Fund is disbursed to legal service providers to support the provision of free legal services to low-income or needy people or the needy elderly in Maine. The Supreme Judicial Court or a person or organization designated by the Court is the administrator and shall administer the Fund. See 4 M.R.S. section 18-A (6).

Related website: Maine Justice Foundation The Maine Justice Foundation provides in-kind staff support to the Commission for the biennial application process, the annual reporting process by grantees, and the annual submission of reports to the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary.*

Applications for 2026 and 2027

The Maine Civil Legal Services Fund Commission will make funding determinations for eligible civil legal service providers for 2026 and 2027 on the basis of written applications.

Reports

2024 MCLSF Annual Report (PDF)

Membership Roster

Terms expire March 1, 2027

Carol R. Emery, Esq., of Tenants Harbor
Sara A. Murphy, Esq., of Portland

Term expires March 1, 2029

Edmond J. Bearor, Esq., of Bangor

Hon. Andrew M. Mead, Supreme Judicial Court Liaison

Updated February 26, 2026 (SJC-140)