Early Family Advocacy or How To Prevent Family Separation and Keep Them Out of Court

Providing services to marginalized and impoverished families before Child Protective Services separates children from their parents and removes them from their home can be accomplished by establishing an interdisciplinary prepetition advocacy program. The Better Together Early Family Advocacy Program, part of the Parental Defense Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, was launched in September of 2023 and provides the services and support of an attorney, social worker, and parent advocate who has experienced first-hand navigating the criminal and/or family policing system. Legal service providers can help make a positive impact on their community by providing assistance before there is a legal proceeding, with the goal of keeping families intact, especially Black and Brown families, who are disproportionately impacted by the legal system. Strengthening families will strengthen communities.

Panelists:

1. Natasha Khalfani, Better Together Early Family Advocacy Program/Attorney -- Baltimore City
2. Amber Dortch, Better Together/Social Worker -- Baltimore City
3. Jenna Shank, Better Together/Parent Advocate -- Baltimore City

Moderator: Nena Villamar, Office of the Public Defender -- Baltimore City

Coordinator: Nena Villamar, Office of the Public Defender; nena.villamar@maryland.gov

Why it's important:  Waiting to provide assistance to members of our community until they are already involved in litigation is not enough, and this is especially true of poor families who get caught up in the family policing system, more commonly known as the Child Welfare System. Our legal community can learn how to assist families by providing legal services before families land in juvenile court, and children end up in foster care.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service
• Pro Bono Engagement

Committee Feedback: 

• Many public interest attorneys don't know about the risks that can be triggered by a child protective services report, and that consequences can be mitigated even before a case is in court.
• This sounds similar to a program presented last year. It is a great topic given the racial impact of family separation. It would be helpful to talk about replication of the model, as well.
• Should involve more programs represented. Angus can ask MLA CINA groups for suggestions on panels. Stephanie can reach out about this too.
• As noted on the conf call, keeping families together should include more than one pilot project; Also, family advocacy organizations that have arisen from parents from whom children have been removed may be better than a Legal Aid , which in its role as child's counsel, frequently advocates for family separation. Dan Hatcher might be a good presenter.
• Needs diversity of orgs and location

Social Work & Legal Services: Collaborating for Impact

Mental health disorders and housing insecurity have risen in the United States, which opens individuals and families to increased stress and mental and physical health problems. In general, we know that evictions disproportionately affect low-income people of color, and the health consequences of eviction likely widen both racial and socioeconomic disparities in health as well. At Rising for Justice, we leverage the collective force of student attorneys, social work students, and experienced advocates to achieve equity and justice for all. A unique feature of Rising for Justice’s social work program is that it embeds within our legal team such that clients receive both services simultaneously. The social work division partners with clients and their attorneys to assess clients for potential benefits, determine what services in the community may help, and support clients through the stressful process of walking through their legal cases. This structure allows our legal and social work teams to collaborate to achieve the best results for our clients. This panel will explore how the structure at Rising for Justice reinforces the coordination of services between disciplines to promote sustainable success for their clients.

Panelists:

1. Chaz Kohlreiser, Rising for Justice -- Washington, DC
2. Risheena Schwemle, Community Family Life Services in DC -- Washington, DC

Moderator: Larry Boylan, Maryland Legal Aid -- Baltimore City

Coordinator: Chijioke Akamigbo, Rising for Justice; cakamigbo@risingforjustice.org

Why it's important: Clients bring more than “just a legal issue” with them. We can draw from legal and behavioral health expertise and provide services that are trauma-informed, culturally responsive and strengths-based. This combination has the potential to shift systems to benefit. the populations we serve.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service

DV Practitioners and the Court Working Together to Holistically Help Survivors

This panel will highlight how agencies work together to treat survivors holistically throughout their Protective Order cases and beyond. The presentation will discuss ways the courts, legal services providers, agencies, and non-profit organizations can collaborate to bring greater continuity of service to the many survivors who need help.

Panelists:

1. Honorable Ada Clark Edwards, District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County
2. Jackie Rhone, Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff
3. Adebola Adedoyn, Community Legal Services Same Day Representation Pilot Project

Moderator: TBD

Coordinator: Ivy Finkenstadt, Community Legal Services of Prince George's County; finkenstadt@clspgc.org

Why it's important: 

Themes:

• Innovative Service

Time Preference: 

1. AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM
2. AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
3. PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM

Is A.I. Coming for You? What Will You Do?

In this conference session, we'll discuss how emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can positively impact law students, lawyers, or judges with disabilities. We'll explore AI's potential to simplify tasks such as research and document analysis, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive work environments. Our goal is to advocate for responsible AI use, urging the legal profession to avoid using AI to replace professionals with disabilities, which could perpetuate discrimination. Instead, we should leverage AI while preserving the human qualities essential to legal practice, such as empathy and creative problem-solving.

Panelists:

1. Gary C. Norman, Lawyer, Consultant, and Columnist
2. Richard E. Shermanski, Jr., American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
3. Ariel Simms, Esq., RespectAbility

Moderator: Meredith L. Girard, Shore Legal Access

Coordinator:  Richard Shermanski, ASHA; rshermanski86@gmail.com

Why it's important: The relevance of this discussion to attorneys is significant due to its direct impact on the legal profession, especially for those with disabilities. The use of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), has the potential to transform the way attorneys practice law. The legal field heavily relies on tasks like legal research, drafting documents, and document analysis, all of which can be streamlined and made more efficient through AI solutions. Therefore, attorneys need to stay informed and engaged in these discussions to adapt to the evolving legal landscape. This topic addresses important ethical and moral considerations related to AI implementation in the legal profession. Attorneys play a pivotal role in upholding legal and moral standards, and they must be actively involved in shaping the appropriate use of AI to ensure that it complies with inclusive work environments. This is particularly relevant for attorneys with disabilities, as they may face unique challenges that AI can help address or exacerbate.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Substantive Legal
• Technology & Data

Committee Feedback:

• AI is very topical and a very popular topic. If we do it, we should be clear the presenters are actually presenting useful information that folks don't already know 

Time Preference:

• AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
• AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM
• PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM

Retaining Talent in Traumatic Times

For many nonprofit organizations that provide direct legal services, the biggest challenge we face is retaining talent in the face of the trauma and burnout that comes with standing next to clients in their fight through unjust legal systems. This session will delve into strategies for retaining talent, including tailoring retention plans, leadership modeling, funding considerations, and the intersection of DEIB and mental health care.

Panelists:

1. Patrick Orciani, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
2. Daniella Prieshoff, Tahirih Justice Center
3. Michelle Siri, Maryland Legal Services Corporation

Coordinator: Michael Lukens, CAIR Coalition; michael@caircoalition.org

Why it's important:  Retention is such a problem, with talent leaving too often, leaving organizations with less staff, less supervisory bandwidth, and less ability to help our clients. For too long, the answer has been to only speak about salary and to not look at the trauma and burnout that is part and parcel of the work.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Committee Feedback: 

• CAIR Coalition twice 
• Needs more diversity on the panel - Maybe Michelle Siri can moderate? 

Time Preference: No

The Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling & the Nonprofit Sector

Through two cases decided this past summer—Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina (SFA), the Supreme Court effectively halted the practice of affirmative action in college and university admissions. This panel will consider the ruling’s potential reverberations beyond academia. The discussion will focus on the impact of the ruling as it pertains to key issues in the nonprofit sector, such as race-conscious services, programs, and/or internal operations including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Panelists:

1. David Maher., Kahn, Smith & Collins, P.A.
2. Amy L. Petkovsek, Community Law Center
3. Christia Ravenell, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Sarah Scalet, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts; sarah@mdvla.org

Why it's important:  Due to the nature of its work, Maryland’s legal service community should be practicing and advocating for inclusive and diverse workplaces. While the immediate legal ramifications of the Supreme Court’s recent decisions are narrow, nonprofits should understand their broader implications. The goal of the panel is to broaden attendees’ understanding of the issue and encourage attendees to feel more confident moving forward with their race-conscious services, programs, and/or internal DEI operations.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Substantive Legal

Committee Feedback:

• Perhaps Judge Serrette can moderate? 

Time Preference: No

Paralegals Are Partners for Justice!

Access to justice advocates recognize the integral role of allied professionals and paraprofessionals -- including paralegals, legal assistants, and legal advocates -- in filling Maryland's justice gap. This session will discuss the creative and high-impact ways legal service organizations and pro bono attorneys partner with paralegals and legal advocates to address the justice gap.

Panelists:

1. Erin Gable, Anne Arundel Community College, Legal Studies Institute
2. Ian Williams, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Consumer Protection Project
3. TBD - Pro Bono Attorney

Moderator: TBD

Coordinator: Cheryl Countess, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; ccountess@mvlslaw.org

Why it's important: The MSBA’S Affordable Law Task Force Report details the challenges of providing legal services to Maryland's underserved populations, including clients of modest means. This panel explicitly addresses the role of allied and paraprofessionals in increasing the scale of services to Marylanders.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service
• Pro Bono Engagement

Time Preference:

• AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
• AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM
• PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM

It Takes All of Us: An Overview of the Maryland OAG's Community-Based Approach to Combat Hate

Under Public Safety Law Section 2-307, law enforcement must report hate bias incidents and hate crimes, a broader standard than federal hate crime requirements. Between 2021 and 2022, Hate Bias Incidents increased 19.8 percent in Maryland, and have steadily risen over the last few years since 2016. The Maryland OAG has taken an innovative approach partnering with community organizations and state agencies, securing more than $800,000 in grant funds from the Department of Justice to respond and prevent hate in the State of Maryland. Efforts include informing communities on how to report a hate crime or hate bias incident through our new hate crimes portal, running the State Hate Crime Commission, tasked with providing strategies and recommendations to combat hate to the Maryland General Assembly and the State Department of Education annually; law enforcement training; regional forums; and reporting mechanisms. It is important to inform the legal community of these initiatives as a resource to their clients and networks.

Panelists:

1. Jennifer Frederick, Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention, Maryland Office of the Attorney General
2. Lauren Pruitt, FreeState Justice
3. Everett L. Sesker, Office of the Sheriff, Anne Arundel County

Moderator:  Cleveland L. Horton, III, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

Coordinator: Tiffany Dayemo, Maryland Office of the Attorney General; tdayemo@oag.state.md.us

Why it's important:  The session is relevant because between 2021 and 2022, Hate Bias Incidents increased 19.8 percent in Maryland, and have steadily risen over the last few years since 2016. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General secured more than $800,000 in grant funds from the Department of Justice to respond and prevent hate in the State of Maryland. Those funds are used to educate and engage with the community on how to report a hate crime or hate bias incident through our new hate crimes portal, running the State Hate Crime Commission, tasked with providing strategies and recommendations to combat hate to the Maryland General Assembly and the State Department of Education annually; law enforcement training; regional forums; and reporting mechanisms. It is important to inform the legal community of these initiatives as a resource to their clients and networks.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Committee Feedback: 

• I don't think many of us know much about hate crime/bias issues and it's especially timely 
• How does this relate to our work any more than to the general public?
  
• Yes, if this provides resources and options for those not in the AG's office

Time Preference:

1. AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
2. PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM
3. AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM

 Tips for Engaging Young and New Attorneys for Pro Bono Service

Data shows that young and new attorneys have been moving away from pro bono legal service to non-legal volunteerism. This panel will discuss tips for engaging young and newer attorneys in different areas of law for pro bono legal service.

Panelists:

1. Jade McClary, National Trust for Historic Preservation
2. Alexandria Montanio, Gordon Feinblatt, MVLS Board Chair 
3. Allison Stillinghagan, Legal Services Attorney

Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Jade McClary, National Trust for Historic Preservation; jademcduffie@live.com

Why it's important: This session is relevant because legal services organizations rely on pro bono volunteers to carry out their respective missions. Engaging more volunteers would allow them to serve more clients.

Themes:

• Pro Bono Engagement

Committee Feedback: 

• It feels a bit vague/overly general. Can the description be more specific?

Time Preference: 

1. AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
2. AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM
3. PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM

Using Consumer Protection Statutes to Combat Financial Predatory Practices

Financial exploitation of the poor is ubiquitous. But there are a host of underutilized powerful laws designed to fight predatory financial abuses. This session will focus on investigation and litigation of consumer claims, primarily offensive claims arising from common bad practices. We will provide an overview of laws used to combat a broad array of abuses, including wrongful repossession, illegal landlord tenant fees, collection cases filed past the statute of limitations, wrongful credit reporting, used car dealer fraud, medical debt and private student loan collections, mortgage servicing abuses and more.

Panelists:

1. Emanwel J. Turnbull, The Holland Law Firm, P.C.
2. Kate DeNobile, DeNobile Law
3. Domonique Flowers, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Moderator:  Marceline White, Economic Action Maryland

Coordinator: Emanwel J. Turnbull, Holland Law Firm, PC; eturnbull@hollandlawfirm.com

Why it's important:  Economic rights are Civil Rights. Predatory financial practices have a disproportionate impact on the poor, the working poor and racial minorities in Maryland. Using consumer protection statutes to combat abuses in essential to creating a more level playing field and a more just society.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service
• Pro Bono Engagement
• Substantive Legal

Committee Feedback: 

• Legal aid attorneys need more tools to go on offense rather than just being on defense all the time
• Maybe Domonique Flowers from PBRC?

Time Preference: 

1. AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
2. AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM
3. PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM

Race Equity Toolkit: Analyzing Your Projects for Greater Inclusivity

Panelists will present on tools they have used in their organizations, such as the race equity filter, to examine their programs and projects and plan new initiatives. Real-life examples will be given as to how these tools were implemented on projects such as examining our intake process, launching a new clinic, identifying community outreach partners, or even using the filter to examine a particular case someone was working. This will be an interactive session, where audience members are asked to identify something they are working on with their own team and break into small groups to practice using the equity analysis tools presented to examine it.

Panelists: 

1. Jeniece Jones, Public Justice Center
2. Laura Lopez McNulty, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
3. Possible person from ACLU TBD

Moderator: Margaret Henn, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

Coordinator:  Margaret Henn, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; mhenn@mvlslaw.org

Why it's important: The legal services community recognizes the critical role we all play in breaking down barriers creating by structural racism both internally in our organizations and externally. It is one thing to recognize the problem but sometimes it is challenging to know how to bring about this internal change in our organizations. This panel will give practical tools staff can use, regardless of their role in their organization to examine their work and bring about change.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service
• Pro Bono Engagement

Time Preference: 

1. AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM
2. AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
3. PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM

Fighting Blight Through Resolving Tangled Title Issues

Families with unclear title are at risk to lose hard-won generational wealth. The most vulnerable are already disadvantaged communities. Panelists will discuss the importance of Tangled Titles, a subset of issues in Heirs Property, and how they contribute to blight and vacancy issues. This session will delve into the intersection of tangled title issues, building vacancy issues, and the development of solutions to help service providers, lawyers, and advocates effectively fight blight.

Panelists: 

1. Nneka N'namdi, Stop Oppressive Seizures (SOS) Fund
2. Nketiah Berko, National Consumer Law Center
3. Steven Kappen, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

Moderator:  Madonna Lebling, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Coordinator:  Steven Kappen, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; stevenkappen@gmail.com

Why it's important: The legal service industry is learning more about heirs property issues in general, as well as potential solutions. In my own work, there is still a noticeable divide between the legal providers and the community advocates seeing the problem everyday. By educating more legal providers and connecting them with community advocates, we can work on meeting the service needs of the community.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Substantive Legal

Committee Feedback: 

• Meredith suggests Darius Johnson, darius.johnson@goucher.edu 
• Deb suggests John Pollock

Time Preference: 

1. AM2: 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM
2. PM: 2:15 PM – 3:25 PM
3. AM1: 9:45 AM – 10:55 AM

Empowering Futures: A Framework for Positive Youth Justice Strategy

Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in progressive law within the realm of youth justice. Notably, in 2016, the Supreme Court ruled against mandatory life without parole sentences for youth, marking a pivotal moment in legal history. Our session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these transformative legal changes affecting youth. We will discuss briefly the practical implementation of these laws, shedding light on their implications, side effects, and the victories or setbacks associated with their enforcement.

Moreover, we will assess the current state of youth justice, delving into the challenges faced by young individuals in communities, education, and the legal justice system, and particularly following the COVID-19 Pandemic. Highlighting the 2024 session, we will explore any noteworthy updates and share insights into ongoing efforts focused on progressive policy development. Join us as we analyze the dynamic landscape of youth justice, reflecting on the past, evaluating the present, and envisioning a future shaped by forward-thinking policies.

Panelists: 

1. Aarti Sidhu, Maryland Office of the Public Defender -- Baltimore City
2. Alyssa Fieo, Maryland Office of the Public Defender -- Maryland
3. Michelle Kim,  Maryland Office of the Public Defender -- Baltimore City/County

Moderator:  Left blank.

Coordinator:  Aarti Sidhu, Maryland Office of the Public Defender; aarti.sardana@maryland.gov

Why it's important:  This session will unpack the evolving landscape of youth justice, spotlighting recent legal shifts and their real-world impact. Delving into successes, pitfalls, and current challenges, it equips legal professionals with actionable insights. As we explore the 2024 session, attendees gain a strategic edge in navigating the ever-changing terrain of youth justice. The goal is to have a dynamic conversation shaping the future of legal services for young individuals. We will tailor the session more narrowly based on what occurs between now and the conference.

Themes:

• Substantive Legal

Committee Feedback: 

• Stephanie Joseph would be a great moderator 
• Stephanie will ask Aarti about diversifying panelists 

Creative Lawyering: Leveraging Tyler v. Hennepin County to Change Tax Sale Law

This session will highlight creative lawyering to make positive change for vulnerable populations in our legal system using the U.S. Supreme Court’s holding in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota, et. al. as an example. On May 25, 2023, the Court issued an opinion, holding that Hennepin County unconstitutionally violated the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment by retaining the excess value of a home above the tax debt when the petitioner’s house was auctioned off for failure to pay property taxes. Since then, legal service organizations and community advocacy organizations nationwide have been devising ways in which the Tyler decision can be used to challenge state and local tax sale laws. A distinguished panel of national tax sale experts will discuss legislative proposals and litigation in the year since the Tyler decision.

Panelists: 

1. Andrea Bopp-Stark, National Consumer Law Center
2. Matt Kreis, The Center for Community Progress
3. TBD

Moderator:  Allison Harris, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Coordinator:  Madonna Lebling, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland; mlebling@probonomd.org

Why it's important:  The panel will encourage attendees think outside the box for ways to use existing public law for the benefit of vulnerable communities.

Themes:

• Substantive Legal

Committee Feedback: 

• Needs better, less vague title

Time Preference: No

Maryland Public Information Act: Recent Reforms and Emerging Issues

After many years with no improvements to Maryland's analog to the federal Freedom of Information Act, the law was reformed in 2015 and again in 2021. In 2024, advocates proposed further reforms, this time a package of provisions striking at financial barriers to access to public records. This session will include a brief history of reforms, including any 2024 victories, provide resources for advocates using the MPIA, explore how advocates can best take advantage of the MPIA Ombud and Compliance Board, and highlight legal issues that can be tackled through administrative proceedings or litigation to further advance government transparency and accountability through strategic and robust use of the MPIA.

Panelists: 

1. TBD, Common Cause Maryland -- Anne Arundel County
2. TBD, ACLU of MD -- Baltimore City
3. TBD - Public Access Ombud??, Office of the Attorney General -- Baltimore City

Moderator:  TBD, Marylanders for Open Government (MDOG)

Coordinator:  Debra Gardner, Public Justice Center; gardnerd@publicjustice.org

Why it's important:  Many legal services advocates regularly use the MPIA to get information from government agencies in furtherance of their clients' and client communities' interests. The session will provide advocates with tools and insights into how they might help continue to improve the MPIA through development of Compliance Board and court precedent.

Themes:

• Innovative Service
• Substantive Legal

Solving the Justice Gap with Mapping and Allied Legal Professionals

Mapping technology is helping some states to better understand gaps in access to legal services and has led to innovations such as use of community justice workers and allied legal professionals to deliver assistance. Join this dialogue connecting cutting edge mapping work already happening in Maryland with possible scalable solutions, including allied legal professionals.

Panelists: 

1. Mary McClymont, Georgetown Law -- Washington, DC
2. Kazeem Anifowoshe, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence -- Talbot County

Moderator: Reena Shah, Maryland Access to Justice Commission -- Baltimore City

Coordinator:  Meredith Girard, Shore Legal Access; mgirard@shorelegal.org

Why it's important: Many civil legal services organizations are struggling to create the capacity to meet legal needs of the community through limited legal staffing and pro bono services. This session will encourage discussion and dialogue about how some existing resources, such as GIS mapping, could be used to better understand the justice gap and inform innovative solutions.

Themes:

• Innovative Service
• Technology & Data

Committee Feedback: 

• Add contact from Alaska who is also doing a mapping project

Listening as a Tool for Community and Client-Centered Advocacy

Our clients come to us for answers, and as attorneys, paralegals and advocates, we want to provide them. But more often than not, what we ought to provide are options. The answers need to come from the clients themselves. When our clients’ lived experiences, background or culture differs from our own, it can be challenging to know how best to advise our clients and when to step back and let them make decisions for themselves. How to we make sure that we aren’t substituting our views for those of our clients or their communities? This panel of experts will lead a skills-based training on how to truly listen and work with clients and communities in a way to gives them appropriate agency and choice.

Panelists: 

1. Rev. Kate Foster, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
2. Angie Young, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
3. TBD

Moderator: TBD

Litigating in the Wild West - Trial Techniques for District Court

In May 2017, with a grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Access to Justice Department, PBRC launched the Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day (TVLD) Program in Baltimore City Rent Court to provide day-of-court legal representation to tenants in Rent Court. Four years later, Maryland became one of the first states in the nation to require access to free legal counsel for low-income tenants facing eviction. PBRC and the ACE lawyers who have followed their lead continue to improve access to justice for tenants by changing the way eviction cases are litigated in Rent Court. This presentation will examine the methods used by experienced attorneys litigating in Rent Court specifically and in District Court generally. Panelists will address issues such as how to litigate in an environment where the court is balancing pro se litigants and those who have representation, how and when to employ motions and discovery in District Court, and how to use provisions such as stipulated dismissals and consent judgments to our clients’ advantage. Attendees will come away with creative ideas for providing the best representation possible for their clients in District Court.

Panelists: 

1. Valda Ricks, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
2. E. David Hoskins, The Law Offices of E. David Hoskins, LLC
3. Matilda Smith, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Moderator: Honorable Michael Siri, Baltimore County District Court