Since its founding by the Maine State Bar Association in 1983, the Maine Bar Foundation has served the legal profession and Maine's communities through its proactive administration of the IOLTA Program and other public service law related activities.

From its incorporation by Founders Hon. Howard H. Dana, Jr., Phyllis Givertz, Hon. J. David Kennedy, Mary L. Schendel and Kinvin Wroth, the Foundation has been led by outstanding, committed lawyers from every corner of Maine and the legal profession.

All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible.

Board of Directors 

Elizabeth J. Scheffee, President
Mary C. Toole, President Elect
Margaret Minister O'Keefe, Vice President
John H. Rich III, Treasurer
Thomas A. Harnett, Immediate Past President
M. Calien Lewis, Executive Director

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS  LISTING

CLICK HERE FOR THE 2007 COMMITTEES LISTING

 

The Bar Foundation's income is generated from the IOLTA Program (Interest On Lawyers Trust Accounts), private bar donations to the Campaign for Justice, the Fellows Program, and private donations.

IOLTA Program

Approved by the Maine Supreme Court in 1986, Maine's IOLTA program provides 96% of the Bar Foundation's income. Certain client trust funds, which would not otherwise earn distributive interest, are deposited in a special pooled account. The interest proceeds from that account represent IOLTA revenue. The Bar Foundation manages Maine's IOLTA Program, which, since its inception has generated over 11.4 million dollars to support efforts ensuring people of limited means access to the legal system; to help elders, immigrants, abused women and children, and others with pressing legal needs; and to educate school children and the public on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Specifically, IOLTA funds the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Maine's pro bono initiative, with remaining funds allocated on a formula basis to the three principal organizations providing civil legal services in Maine: Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Legal Services for the Elderly, Maine Equal Justice Partners and Pine Tree Legal Services. Historically, 20% of IOLTA has been reserved for discretionary grants, issued to other organizations working to increase access to justice for Maine people.

Attorney Participation - Enroll today!

In 1994, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court approved "Opt-Out" status for Maine's IOLTA Program, making it easier for Maine's law firms to fully participate in IOLTA. More than 95% of eligible, active, Maine attorneys now support the IOLTA Program, with an average of 950 accounts generating interest on a monthly basis.

Financial Institution Participation - Participating Institutions/Interest Rates

Thirty-eight Maine financial institutions are currently participating in IOLTA, 100% of those waive all fees on IOLTA accounts, helping to maximize the financial return on their IOLTA accounts for clients in need.

Foundation Fellows Program - Current Fellows 

In 1991, the Bar Foundation established its Fellows Program, which generates funds designated to a permanent endowment that will ensure long-term stability and support for legal services. As of 2003, the Foundation has inducted 242 members of the legal community to the Fellows Program. Eligibility for this distinct honor is reserved for those outstanding lawyers, judges, and teachers of law, licensed to practice in any jurisdiction for at least ten years, who have demonstrated an "uncompromised dedication to integrity and high personal and professional ethical standards; made outstanding and recognized contributions to the legal profession and to the public good; and demonstrated a strong commitment to the goals of the Maine Bar Foundation".

In 1997, the Fellows Program instituted the Fellows Project, to identify and support a specific area of legal services.  The Fellows Project Award was made in January at the Fellows annual meeting.

Howard H. Dana, Jr. Award

In 1984, the Bar Foundation established its annual achievement award, later named for Justice Howard H. Dana, Jr., a Bar Foundation's founder and dedicated advocate for equal access to justice. The award is granted in recognition of an individual's outstanding contributions to the development and implementation of private bar projects which enhance civil legal assistance to the indigent, and for outstanding service in the advancement of Bar Foundation's goals.

Law Day

On Law Day, May 1st, the Bar Foundation organizes and promotes public education events to raise public awareness concerning access to justice and the legal system in Maine. It also sponsors a State House ceremony to recognize those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to public and pro bono legal service.

In all these ways, the Maine Bar Foundation provides a vehicle to enable attorneys to put their professional commitments to public service into action, and to help the law and the legal system better serve all citizens of the State of Maine.