|
|
|
|
|
|
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION PRO BONO PROJECT In the first quarter of 2010, Maryland ranked 14th in terms of the highest foreclosure concentration nationwide, and continues to record the highest foreclosure concentration in the region. While this represents an 11.5% decline from the previous quarter, the foreclosure rate in Maryland is up 59.9% above last year. There were over 14,800 foreclosure filings in Maryland in just the first quarter of 2010. One in every 157 homes in Maryland is in some stage of foreclosure. These homeowners need your help. In 2008 the Maryland legislature enacted emergency legislation related to the foreclosure process to offer greater opportunities for homeowners to preserve their homes. New notice requirements, additional defenses and modifications to the process itself may enable families and individuals a chance to either prevent foreclosure where feasible or mitigate their losses. They need legal counsel, however, to assist them in the process. Lawyers who enroll in the Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project will receive free training and will, in turn, be required to accept at least one pro bono foreclosure case in which attorneys will negotiate with mortgage servicers to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Training will cover Maryland’s revised foreclosure process laws, amendments to the Maryland Rules regarding foreclosure actions, components of all relevant mortgage loan documents, President Obama’s Making Home Affordable Loan Modification Program, and strategies for negotiating with servicers. Pro bono attorneys who accept pro bono cases through the Project will receive malpractice insurance and mentoring support. Additionally, prior to taking a case, attorneys will have an opportunity to gain practical experience through volunteering at foreclosure solutions workshops where they will work with experienced attorneys to provide on-site legal advice to homeowners. For more information on volunteering for the Project or sponsoring a Foreclosure Solutions Workshop in your community, contact Jennifer Larrabee, Esq., Project Manager, at 410-837-9379 or 1-800-396-1274 or jlarrabee@probonomd.org. The Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project is coordinated by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland in collaboration with:
|
