Parent of CLCM Client Shares Impact of Civil Legal Aid at Walk to the Hill
At the 27th Annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid, CLCM Attorney Alyssa Schnoor and Jen Fowler, parent of a CLCM client, shared a powerful story about what access to civil legal aid can mean for children and families navigating complex systems. Advocates from across Massachusetts gathered at the State House for the event to urge continued public investment in civil legal aid. Organized by the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC), the event engages legislators on the essential role civil legal aid plays in ensuring access to justice across the Commonwealth.
The program was led by Louis Tompros, Esq., Chair of the Equal Justice Coalition and partner at WilmerHale, and featured remarks from Michael Hayden, Esq., President of the Massachusetts Bar Association, and Suma Nair, Esq., President of the Boston Bar Association. Speakers emphasized the legal profession’s shared responsibility to ensure access to justice is not determined by income.
Alyssa Schnoor, Shruti Peri, Jenny Chou, Shana King and Jen Fowler at the 27th Annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid
The program concluded with remarks from Lynne Parker, Esq., Executive Director of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), who reinforced the importance of sustained state investment in civil legal aid.
After the speaking program, participants met with legislators to share the many ways legal aid prevents crises and promotes equity. As the 2026 legislative session moves forward, the voices of individuals like Jen underscore the ongoing need for robust public support of civil legal aid throughout Massachusetts.
Jenny Chou, Executive Director of CLCM, spoke about the complex legal systems children and youth must navigate—particularly at the intersections of education, child welfare, and immigration. Alyssa Schnoor shared the story of Jen Fowler and her son, Dante, represented by Alyssa and Attorney Shruti Peri. When CLCM began working with the family, Dante—a student with a disability—had already been out of school for more than a year after his school district failed to provide appropriate educational services. While his twin brother continued attending school and participating in daily activities, Dante remained at home without access to the education he was legally entitled to receive. As Jen advocated tirelessly for her son, she was forced to leave her long-time job and faced the loss of essential benefits, further destabilizing her family.
With the support of civil legal aid, Alyssa explained, CLCM attorneys were able to pursue accountability through the appropriate legal processes and push the district to meet its obligations. Today, Dante attends a school where he is supported, celebrated, and learning alongside peers—an outcome that would not have been possible without legal representation.
Jen Fowler shared the toll the experience took on her son and family, and the barriers families face when they are told to “get a lawyer,” only to find private representation financially out of reach. She described the relief and renewed hope she felt when she finally connected with CLCM attorneys, who stepped in to guide her through a process she had previously been forced to navigate alone. Jen emphasized that civil legal aid did more than resolve a legal dispute—it restored her son’s access to education, stability, and a future he deserves.
