Norfolk County Probate and Family Court Pro Bono Conciliation Program

In 2013 the Bar Association of Norfolk County was first approved by the Supreme Judicial Court to participate in the Adult Dispute Resolution Program (ADR), otherwise known as Conciliation. Conciliation can help parties resolve issues outside of the courtroom. The process involves using an attorney who is a neutral to help settle a case without a trial.

A referral to Conciliation is ordered by the Court. However, if a Judge does not suggest conciliation, the parties may request to participate in the conciliation process by filing an Order with the court.

The Norfolk Bar has over 70 attorneys who have been trained and certified per the SJC Rules on Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution. These attorneys donate their valuable time to help resolve issues, most often outside of the formal setting of a courtroom.

Once approved by the Court to proceed to conciliation, a copy of the Order is sent to the Norfolk Bar Association office.

Although the time the attorneys dedicate to the program is on a pro bono basis, there is a $150 non-refundable per party administrative fee. Conciliation will not be scheduled until all fees are paid.

Once fees are paid, the neutral (attorney) and parties collaborate to find a mutually convenient time to conduct a session. Sessions are held in person at the neutrals office or via Zoom. Documents relevant to the case are sent to the neutral for review in an ample amount of time before the session date. The neutral typically provides between 2-3 hours to help resolve the issues.

Since the inception of the program 921 cases have been referred to conciliation by the Norfolk County Probate & Family Court to the Bar Association of Norfolk County Conciliation Program.

Stipulation & Referral form as well as Contact Information Sheet can be found here.

If you have any questions, please contact the Conciliation Program Coordinator, Jackie Fagone by emailing admin@norfolkbarassn.org or calling 617-471-9693.

The Bar Association of Norfolk County offers Free Evening Legal Clinics to the residents of Norfolk County as a service to the public. Typically, 6 clinics are held each year, alternating between the Quincy and Dedham District Courts from 6-8PM. Attorneys experienced in all areas of the law will be available for a one-on-one confidential consultation, to those who have questions or concerns regarding a legal issue. The schedule is below.

This is a walk-in service and no appointments are accepted.

For those who wish to hire an attorney, the Bar Association will refer you free of charge to an experienced attorney who specializes in your legal matter. There is no charge for the referral service but our attorneys are fee based and do not provide free legal help.

Our Referral service covers Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Estates/Wills, Criminal, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Real Estate and much more.

The Free Evening Legal Clinics will be held at 6:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. on Tuesday evenings at the following Courts:

• Quincy District Court – December 3, 2024
• Dedham District Court - February 11, 2025
• Quincy District Court – April 15, 2025
• Dedham District Court – June 10, 2025
• Quincy District Court – August 5, 2025
• Dedham District Court – October 21, 2025

For further information please contact the Bar Association of Norfolk County at 617-471-9693.

The Bar Association of Norfolk County collaborates with the Dedham House of Corrections to provide free legal counsel to incarcerated individuals. Requests can be made to schedule time with an experienced attorney to discuss legal issues. The attorney will provide legal consultation, including, but not limited to, criminal, civil, domestic relations issues and preparation of legal documents to incarcerated individuals one afternoon per week at the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office in Dedham, MA. The scheduling of appointments, along with the location of visits, will be set up by the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office.