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"Celebrating
15 Years of Service to the
The Pro Bono Resource Center works closely with legal services providers and local bar association pro bono projects throughout the state to help recruit pro bono attorneys. Volunteers are referred to pro bono programs according to the providers' needs and attorneys' interest and expertise. We have compiled the following list of pro bono programs offering a wide range of opportunities for attorneys interested in providing free civil legal services to the disadvantaged. In addition to direct client representation, several programs operate advice clinics and mentoring and training opportunities for volunteer lawyers. Most programs provide malpractice insurance. Legal
Aid Bureau Works closely with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service and other local bar affiliated projects by referring low-income clients to the programs as well as making direct referrals to attorneys. Maryland
Volunteer Lawyers Service Refers cases in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, consumer, tort defense, wills, guardianship, landlord-tenant, deed change, name change, tax disputes and tax returns to attorneys in all jurisdictions of the state except, Allegany County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County. The program also operates reduced fee programs a community economic development panel and a children's guardian project. Women's
Law Center Experienced family law attorneys staff the Family Law Hotline to provide free advice and counsel to weekly callers. Specialized Statewide Programs Homeless
Persons Representation Project Provides legal advice and/or direct representation for homeless individuals and families in shelters and soup kitchens in a variety of civil matters. Also operates a referral program for case representation. House
of Ruth Domestic Violence Legal Clinic Provides counseling
and direct representation to battered spouses in civil protection order
proceedings and divorce and child custody cases. The Lawyers Clearinghouse Works with non-profit organizations that are MANO members on legal issues. Public
Justice Center Engages in systemic litigation and legislative work to correct abuses and ensure protection of the unrepresented, including victims of domestic violence, the disabled, children and migrant workers. Other Specialized Programs Alternative
Directions Assists families separated due to incarceration deal with domestic relations, housing and other issues. Provides educational seminars in prisons and jails and refers cases to pro bono counsel. American
Civil Liberties Union of Maryland Eastern Shore Office
- 100 North Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617 Focuses on civil rights and civil liberties of Maryland residents. Associated Catholic
Charities of Baltimore - Immigration Legal Services Provides counseling
and legal representation for low-income persons with immigration-related
problems (i.e. deportation, naturalization, green cards, and visas) Program staff and volunteer attorneys provide advice and consultation, direct representation and education/outreach services. Volunteers speak to senior groups about legal topics affecting the elderly. Program staff and volunteers handle pro bono, non-fee generating civil cases, involving public benefits and pensions as well as consumer, health care, housing, guardianship and credit-related problems. Community
Law Center Provides general advice and direct representation involving tax issues and incorporation to non-profit organizations in Baltimore. Works with community associations in rebuilding neighborhoods and nuisance and drug abatement suits with a special focus on community economic development. Civil
Justice, Inc. A consortium of solo
and small firms throughout Maryland. Civil
Justice Refers cases to its members in a variety of practice areas including
family law, bankruptcy, consumer, tort defense, wills, guardianship, landlord-tenant,
real Civil Justice, Inc.
- First Time Home Buyer Project assists first time homebuyers in Baltimore
City review various documents involved in the purchase of a home, in an
effort to protect them against fraud and Health
Education Resource Organization (HERO) Assists those infected with HIV virus or AIDS with Social Security and SSI disability appeals and other Social Security issues. Also assist estate-planning, permanency planning for children, debtor/creditor bankruptcy, and domestic and discrimination issues. Heartly
House, Inc.
Serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Frederick County, Heartly House provides court advocacy and representation for protective and peace order proceedings and divorce and child custody cases. We also offer a 24 hour hotline, crisis shelter, and counseling.
Jewish
Legal Services Clinic Provides free brief legal consultation and advice on any non-fee generating legal matter through an evening walk-in clinic. May refer clients to attorneys for further representation. Russian translators available. Maryland
Crime Victims Resource Center Assists Maryland crime victims with protection, compensation, victims' rights, and general advice and support through the criminal justice process. Maryland
Disability Law Center Uses volunteers to represent children in special education cases and in school disciplinary proceedings. Also assists persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and ADA compliance issues. Mid-Shore Council
on Family Violence Provides assistance to victims of domestic violence, primarily with ex parte protective orders/peace orders. Refers clients to receive legal representation through a panel of reduced fee attorneys. Saint
Ambrose Legal Services Handles cases involving improper predatory refinancing of home loans; fraudulent flipping of homes; home improvement fraud; and land installment agreements contracted fraudulently. The Veterans Consortium
Pro Bono Program For lawyer Recruitment
and Training Matches low-income veterans who need legal representation before the Court of Veterans Appeals on benefit issues. YWCA
of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Legal Services Provides counseling
and direct representation to battered spouses in civil protection order
proceedings and divorce and child custody project. Also places contested
custody cases for low-income clients with private attorneys in reduced-fee
program. The following counties
operate local bar-affiliated projects or a specialized pro bono program
for that county. Most of the projects handle numerous civil legal issues
including divorce, bankruptcy, wills, tort defense, debt collection, landlord/tenant,
taxes, guardianships, and income maintenance. A number of programs utilize
volunteers for pro se assistance and/or staff community clinics that target
underrepresented populations. Direct representation and pro se assistance. Charles
County Volunteer Legal Services Program Direct representation and community education. Harford
County Bar Foundation - Lawyer Referral Service Direct representation and community outreach. Montgomery
County, Maryland Bar Foundation Pro Bono Program Direct representation; brief advice and counsel at community clinics; and pro se assistance. Southern
Maryland Center for Family Advocacy Reduced fee referrals for protective orders and domestic cases. Community Legal Services Direct representation; brief advice and counsel at homeless shelters; community education; and pro se assistance. |
