2025 News 2025: Professor Chad McGuire completes over 1200 hours of pro bono legal service for SouthCoast families in need

Public policy professor volunteers with South Coastal Counties Legal Services on probate cases for over two decades

Public Policy Professor Chad McGuire JD, LLM was recently commended by South Coastal Counties Legal Services (SCCLS) for his 21 years of pro bono legal service.

McGuire has volunteered over 60 hours of legal counseling each year since 2004, providing over 1,200 hours of free service to SouthCoast families.

McGuire offers pro bono representation for probate cases such as divorce, child support, custody, alimony, and property division. He also mentors attorneys that are new to SCCLS.

SCCLS stated that McGuire's work is instrumental to the success of their Private Attorney Involvement (PAI) Program. This program depends on the volunteer work of attorneys like McGuire, and without his dedication, many SouthCoast families could be forced to navigate the legal system unrepresented and undergo life-altering cases without legal counsel.

"It is truly an honor to work alongside Attorney McGuire, and we are grateful to have him as a compassionate and dedicated volunteer whose contributions make a lasting impact on our work and the lives of those we serve," said Jamie Gau, the PAI Program Coordinator.

Bringing his expertise beyond the classroom

McGuire has taught public policy at UMassD since 2005 and specializes in environmental law. In addition to teaching, he prioritizes doing pro bono work despite how it differs from his academic focus.

"Although probate is unrelated to environmental law, it's always been important to me. I've done this consistently for a long time because there is no greater need at the local level than in probate. There is unlimited demand and never enough supply," he said.

"I'm motivated to do public service for public service's sake. I believe that if you're licensed to practice law, you should be doing pro bono work."

Giving back to the UMassD and SouthCoast community

McGuire was born in New Bedford and received his bachelor's degree at UMassD. After a short time practicing law in California, he returned to the SouthCoast to serve his alma mater and his hometown community.

"UMassD grows people. It creates opportunities for people, and they can then give back to the university and to the wider community. We're a public university, and we should always be doing public good."

McGuire occasionally works alongside professors and students from UMass Law who come to SCCLS's workshops, but emphasizes that his work with SCCLS brings fulfillment beyond his professional responsibilities with the university.

"As lawyers, we have a unique capability that not anyone can offer. Those who can, should. That's why I am compelled to do this work." 

"As lawyers, we have a unique capability that not anyone can offer. Those who can, should. That’s why I am compelled to do this work."