Resolving Student Loan Debt Inside and Outside of Bankruptcy

This panel will review the new Department of Education guidelines regarding the discharge of student loans, and will explore other ways to resolve student loan debt inside and outside of bankruptcy.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Jeffrey Scholnick, Scholnick Law, Baltimore County
2. Kat Hyland, Former Practitioner, Baltimore City

Proposed Moderator: William Steinwedel, Maryland Legal Aid -- Baltimore City

Coordinator: William Steinwedel, Maryland Legal Aid; wsteinwedel@mdlab.org

Why it's important: Because discharging student loan debt in bankruptcy has become easier, and there are now more options to resolve student loan debt than there were before, and this is very relevant to practitioners that practice consumer law.

Themes:

• Innovative Service

Rent Escrow and Habitability After the Tenant Safety Act

The Tenant Safety Act fundamentally changed the way in which rent escrow and warranty of habitability claims are brought. With the ability to collect attorney fees and other aspects of the statutes that changed- the way in which we are brining these cases has changed. While the change is recent, advocates will have several months to build knowledge of these cases to share in a larger group.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Emily Read, Maryland Legal Aid -- Anne Arundel County
2. Valda Ricks, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland -- Baltimore City
3. Elizabeth Ashford, Public Justice Center -- Baltimore City

Proposed Moderator: Joe Loveless, Maryland Legal Aid -- Frederick County

Coordinator: James Bell, Maryland Legal Aid; jbell@mdlab.org

Why it's important: With ACE, a large amount of the community is now housing focused. The result is that we are all regularly seeing these cases. Since the statute has changed so much, a refresher of how to handle these cases, and an opportunity to talk about our successes.

Themes:

• Substantive Legal

Advocating for Justice: Strategies and Innovations in Representing Detained Immigrants

This panel will dive into the current landscape of advocacy for detained immigrants, highlighting new approaches, strategies, and programs designed to secure fair treatment, reduce detention time, and promote due process. The panelists will share innovative legal and community-driven advocacy models that aim to support detained immigrants, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, in navigating a complex system.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Monica Mananzan, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights -- Maryland
2. Maureen Sweeney, Chacon Center for Immigrant Justice -- Maryland
3. Stephanie Wolf, Maryland Office of the Public Defender -- Maryland

Proposed Moderator: Cate Scenna, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland - Baltimore City

Coordinator: Monica Mananzan, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights; monica@amicacenter.org

Why it's important: This session on "Advocating for Justice: Strategies and Innovations in Representing Detained Immigrants" is highly relevant to the legal services community, especially in today’s challenging climate of increased immigration enforcement and policy shifts impacting detained populations. Detention not only limits access to legal representation but also places immense physical, emotional, and financial strain on immigrants and their families. For legal professionals committed to ensuring due process, understanding the evolving landscape of detention, the innovative legal tools available, and the community support options is critical. The session will provide practical strategies and inspire fresh perspectives on advocating effectively for this vulnerable population. It’s an opportunity to learn from those on the frontlines, exchange ideas on overcoming systemic barriers, and explore how we, as a community, can expand access to justice for those who need it most.

Themes:

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

Law & (dis)Order: Navigating the intersection of Disability and Dignity in the Courtroom (pending final version)

This panel discussion will offer insight in recognizing, addressing, and accommodating client’s with disabilities in limited and same-day representation that protects and preserves their dignity in the courtroom.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Katelyn Keegan, Law Office of Katelyn Keegan -- Maryland
2. TBD - Attorney, Justice in Aging -- Washington D.C.
3. TBD

Proposed Moderator: Perneita Farrar, P. Farrar Legal Services LLC -- Anne Arundel County

Coordinator: Perneita Farrar, P. Farrar Legal Services LLC; perneita@pfarrarlegal.com

Why it's important: Dignity is a significant concept in law, ethics, and morality, and should be preserved for every client, despite their ability to pay for legal representation. However, for clients with disabilities, maintaining dignity throughout the proceedings is often as important as the outcome.

The legal profession’s influence is felt not only at the macro level of class action suits and legislative proposals, but also at the micro level of individual case counseling. For same-day/limited representation, the process of client-centered counseling can be time consuming, but it’s important for attorneys and judges to take necessary steps to acknowledge any special needs of the client and do their best to make reasonable accommodations that directly impact the clients dignity, such as resisting paternalism or making assumptions based on stereotypes.

The legal process can be intimidating to every client, but for those with disabilities (who often have more at stake), the preservation of dignity can be easily overlooked or downright ignored, in the name of advocacy. Absent any competency issues, clients with disabilities, like any other client, expects to participate actively in an attorney-client relationship. The U.S. Supreme Court often discusses dignity in cases where plaintiffs seek to vindicate or preserve their rights.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Freelance Isn’t Free: Protecting Freelance Workers in Maryland and Around the U.S.

Did you know nearly 8 in 10 freelancers struggle with nonpayment? Freelancers are over a third of the national workforce and nonpayment affects individuals across all industries – from construction to television. On November 16, 2016, the first Freelance Isn’t Free Act was signed into law in New York City. Subsequently, similar legislation has passed in Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Illinois State, and New York State. This panel will consider the laws that have been passed, the protections afforded, and the variations within them. Additionally, the panel will assess opportunities to ensure freelancers in Maryland, a significant segment of Maryland’s workforce, get paid on time every time.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Nicholas Cohen, Maryland Citizens for the Arts -- Baltimore City
2. Rafael Espinal, Freelancers Union -- New York City
3. TBD -a practitioner who is bringing cases under one of these acts -- laws have been enacted in New York City, Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Illinois State, and New York State 

Proposed Moderator: Christia Ravenell, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts - Baltimore City

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

Why it's important: Maryland freelancers are a significant segment of Maryland’s workforce, yet accessing payment is an ongoing challenge for these individuals. According to national statistics, 71% of freelancers face nonpayment or late payment, and unpaid freelancers lose an average of $5,968/year. Anecdotally, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MdVLA) regularly connects income-qualified individual freelancers with pro bono attorneys to address issues of nonpayment. A handful of bills have been made into laws across the country (some enacted just this year) and they share commonalities. We are interested in analyzing these laws, and discussing how something similar could be implemented here in Maryland. We believe that a Freelance Workers Protection Act in Maryland could have a tremendous, positive impact on people who are working hard to earn a living yet struggle to receive payment for their work. It would benefit the individuals and communities we serve as legal service providers.

Themes:

• Substantive Legal

Healing Tools for Justice Workers

In a high-stakes environment where legal professionals are often exposed to trauma and systemic injustices, this workshop aims to provide essential healing tools for justice workers to foster resilience and well-being. Participants will engage in practical, culturally informed self-care strategies that incorporate mindfulness, community support, and creative expression. Through guided meditation, reflective writing exercises, and group discussions, attendees will explore how these healing practices can mitigate burnout and enhance their capacity to serve vulnerable populations effectively. By integrating holistic approaches into their daily routines, justice workers can cultivate a sustainable practice that not only supports their own mental health but also strengthens their commitment to equitable justice for all.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Tuesday Barnes, Morgan State University -- Baltimore City
2. Imani Jackson, MICA -- Baltimore City
3. Arthur Powell, Duke University - Baltimore City

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Tuesday Barnes, Morgan State University; tubar1@morgan.edu

Why it's important: This session is highly relevant to the legal services community because it addresses the significant challenges that legal professionals face in their demanding roles. Working in an environment where trauma and systemic injustices are prevalent can take a toll on mental health, leading to burnout and diminished capacity to advocate for clients. By offering practical, culturally informed self-care strategies, this workshop empowers justice workers to prioritize their well-being. Participants will learn how to incorporate mindfulness, community support, and creative expression into their daily routines, providing them with essential tools to navigate the emotional landscape of their work. Through guided meditations, reflective writing, and group discussions, attendees will gain insights into the importance of self-care not just for personal resilience but also for enhancing their effectiveness in serving vulnerable populations. This session aligns perfectly with the Conference's mission to improve access to justice, as it fosters a healthier, more sustainable approach to the vital work of legal services professionals. By equipping justice workers with these healing tools, we can ensure that they remain committed and energized in their pursuit of equitable justice for all.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Stigmatization of BIPOC Survivors of Sexual Violence

Panelist consist of those who have worked with Black, Person of Color Communities that identify as survivors of sexual trauma that often see stigma across the board, but especially for survivors of color. The panelists will outline historically, economically, systematically, and culturally how survivors of color are always left behind in the context of survivorship and how their roles help elevate the voice of the voiceless. Many of the panelists are leaders, advocates, survivors, teachers, counselors or people that have worked alongside this community for 2-10+ years. The topics can range from biases within criminal justice community partners, medical biases, and even victim services.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Breanna Allen, All-En Consulting --Toledo, Ohio
2. Lauren Spector, Mindfulness Counseling -- Cleveland, Ohio
3. Myia Makupson, University of Tennessee 

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Remi Zellers, Morgan State University; rezel1@morgan.edu

Why it's important: I think it helps inform those who are aware how they can be a part of the system of trauma that survivors engage with. I also think it can help benefit people who are uneducated on how trauma shows up for BIPOC communities differently and how to handle survivors with proper care and support, more understanding of trauma informed care and understanding for minorities in these enfranchised communities.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Practical AI and Automation Tools for Maryland Legal Nonprofits

We'll share a spectrum of reasonably safe and trustworthy generative AI and automation tools and techniques that small organizations with little or no technical support can implement easily or with help from within the community.

First, we'll look at a few of the major commercial off-the-shelf tools for office efficiency, and provide a cookbook approach to developing your own solutions.

Then we'll explore a few bigger AI and automation projects underway in Maryland, and think about how they can directly benefit the community and provide models for further development.

Finally, we'll look at elements that go into an AI Use Policy, and give participants some insights on balancing usefulness and information safety.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Dave Pantzer, Maryland Legal Services Corporation -- Baltimore City
2. Russ Bloomquist, Maryland Legal Aid -- Baltimore City
3. TBD

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Dave Pantzer, Maryland Legal Services Corporation; dpantzer@mlsc.org

Why it's important: When new generative AI tools hit the news in recent years, many sat back to see if the fad would blow over, or if the world would be remade. The reality so far is somewhere in between, but legal services programs and funders across the county are engaging with these tools, and seeking responsible ways to boost efficiency and help more people.

Any extreme approach to AI, from all-out embrace to all-out refusal, creates risks for an organization; our hope is to showcase responsible ways for organizations in Maryland to approach the opportunities and risks.

Themes:

• Innovative Service
• Management
• Technology & Data

Grassroots Justice: Community Justice Workers Building Access from the Ground Up

Engage in an interactive dialogue and listening session about the Maryland movement to establish community justice workers, what it could mean for access to the legal system for all, and implications for the civil legal services community. Participants will hear from speakers with diverse perspectives and experiences and have an opportunity to provide input on the Maryland effort.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Dr. Bernadette Fouche, Wicomico County Department of Health -- Wicomico County
2.  Syeetah Hampton-EL, Office of Administrative Hearings -- Anne Arundel County
3. Hon. Angela Eaves, Supreme Court of Maryland -- Baltimore City

Proposed Moderator: Marshall Shord, Shore Legal Access - Talbot County

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

Why it's important: The movement towards a Maryland community justice worker initiative is already under way. The concept has the potential to transform the way that people with limited financial means resolve their legal issues, with significant implications for the civil legal services community. This is a key opportunity both for learning and gathering input and feedback for Maryland's effort.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service

A Dialogue on Increasing Access to Justice for People with Disabilities

Join us for an honest discussion led by panelists, including practicing attorneys with disabilities on navigating the legal profession’s technology and accessibility challenges. The panelists will share best practices on what works and what does not, and what firms, non-profits, and the courts can do to better address these challenges. The panelists will discuss the applicable intersection of assistive technology and inclusion, covering ABA resolutions, ethical norms, emerging law and policy related to disability accessibility in the digital space, including a brief display of available technologies.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Gary C. Norman, Lawyer, Consultant, and Columnist -- Montgomery County
2. Hon. Ana Hernandez, District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City -- Baltimore, MD
3. Richard Shermanski, Legal Ethics Expert -- Montgomery County

Proposed Moderator: Meredith Girard, Shore Legal Access - Talbot County

Coordinator: Richard Shermanski, Legal Ethics Expert; rshermanski86@gmail.com

Why it's important: This session speaks directly to the heart of creating a more inclusive and accessible legal profession. As law firms and courts increasingly rely on digital tools and remote work capabilities, understanding accessibility challenges and solutions isn't just about compliance—it's about empowering all legal professionals to contribute their talents fully. Through firsthand experiences from attorneys with disabilities, attendees will gain practical insights into implementing accessible technology solutions that benefit everyone in the legal workspace. The session's focus on ABA resolutions and emerging policy frameworks makes it particularly timely for law firm leaders, court administrators, and legal professionals who need to understand their obligations and opportunities in creating accessible digital environments. This knowledge is becoming increasingly critical as the legal profession continues its digital transformation, making it essential for maintaining ethical practice standards and ensuring equal access to justice for both legal practitioners and their clients.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Maryland’s Protective Order Laws: Progress Made, Goals for the Future

Significant strides have been made in protecting survivors of intimate partner violence through legislative changes in Maryland protective order law. Notable changes include taking guns away from abusers, lowering the burden of proof to obtain a protective order, allowing victims of sexual violence to file for protective orders, and recognizing the role electronic communication and cyberstalking play in domestic violence. We will discuss the practical implementation of these laws, and how the most vulnerable survivors, including communities historically underserved by the legal community and those with limited English proficiency, have been affected.

Moreover, we will focus on how to continue Maryland’s positive changes to protect domestic violence survivors. These changes might include such measures as lengthening the time period between the temporary and final hearing, allowing survivors to obtain restitution for property damage, and recognizing the crippling effects of coercive control. We will address the benefit of these types of changes from a point of view of the legal rights of petitioners and of the effect on their mental and social health. Join us as we analyze the dynamic landscape of domestic violence law, evaluating how it currently functions and envisioning a future shaped by more forward-looking policies.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Katherine Bradley, Montgomery County Lawyers Project -- Montgomery County
2. Tom Manion, Family Justice Center -- Montgomery County
3. Laure Ruth, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence -- Anne Arundel County

Proposed Moderator: Amy Palumbo, DVS Legal Services -- Montgomery County

Coordinator: Katherine Bradley, Montgomery County Lawyers Project; kbradley@dcvlp.org

Why it's important: Domestic violence impacts all stratas of society and is undoubtedly encountered by many of the legal services community and other participants at the Conference. Having an understanding of how Maryland has strengthened its protection of domestic violence survivors and where there is room for improvement will help legal service providers give survivors a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of how current protective order law can work to protect them and where it may let them down.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service
• Substantive Legal

From Cradle to (In)Carnation: The Plight of Women of Color in the Criminal Justice System

Women of color are overrepresented in the prison population and underrepresented by the justice system. This fact does not exist in a vacuum; systemic and intersectional factors shape the societal reality and limit the agency of these women. Drawing upon the expertise and experience of the panel members, this session delves into the lifelong journey that an individual can have with the adversarial system.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Joy Mvundura, Far West Texas Regional Public Defender -- Alpine, TX
2. DaNia Henry, Georgetown University -- Washington D.C.
3. Cicely A. Jervis, District of Columbia Public Schools -- Washington D.C.

Proposed Moderator:  Corliss Wilson, Morgan State University -- Baltimore City

Coordinator: Corliss Wilson, Morgan State University; cowil56@morgan.edu

Why it's important: The legal services community has an obligation, morally and constitutionally, to not only provide representation but to ensure that representation is justice-centered and culturally competent. This presentation does not aim to be the end-all-be-all on this systemic issue but rather hopes to engage conference participants in a conversation that centers on the lived reality of women of color within the criminal justice system.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Client Interviewing and Triage for Same Day Representation

The panelists will provide tips and advice on how to quickly interview and triage a client for same day representation to ensure efficient and effective representation and reduce the need for postponements in Failure to Pay Rent cases.

Proposed Panelists:

1. TBD, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland -- Baltimore City/County
2. Volunteer Attorney, Shore Legal Access -- Mid-Shore Counties
3. Attorney TBD, Harford County Bar Foundation -- Harford County

Proposed Moderator:  Attorney TBD, Community Legal Services of Prince George's County - Prince George's County

Coordinator: Jessica Quincosa, Community Legal Services of Prince George's County; jquincosa@gmail.com

Why it's important: It will help build skills to increase same day representation and increase capacity for services.

• Pro Bono Engagement
• Substantive Legal

Put It on the Map: Using GIS Technology to Answer Questions About Our Communities

Geospatial data can be used to inform policies, practices, evaluation, and communication around a number of issues. This session will explore GIS technology using examples relevant to the legal services community.

The Maryland Access to Justice Commission created a resource and asset map to serve as a one-stop shop for accessing essential legal and justice-related resources, connecting the community to the information they need. Providing location can not only help those who simply need an address, but also decision makers. Understanding where services are within the state is just as important as knowing where there are gaps. This service as a whole allows us to better understand where services actually are concentrated within the state helping folks make informed decisions when trying to focus a new effort.

The Law Librarians Working Group of the Self-Represented Litigation Network created a Story Map to illustrate data collected for a national survey of law libraries providing services to self-represented litigants. The Story Map is a promotion tool, directory, and best practices resource.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Reena Shah, MD A2J Commission -- Baltimore City
2. Kelsey Newcomb, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence  -- Mid-shore
3. Joan Bellistri, Anne Arundel County Public Law Library -- Anne Arundel

Proposed Moderator: Julia Viets, Montgomery County Law Library -- Rockville, MD

Coordinator: Joan Bellistri, Anne Arundel County Public Law Library; joan.bellistri@mdcourts.gov

Why it’s important: Mapping technology can benefit the legal services community by providing a tool that can enhance data presentation allowing informed decisions when trying to focus a new effort and a means of promoting the organization’s services.

Themes:

• Technology & Data

Lost in the System: Advocating for Defendants in Competency Limbo

This panel will explore the critical issue of competency to stand trial statutes and the advocacy gaps for individuals who are declared incompetent and then effectively left in legal limbo. Many of these defendants are sent to facilities such as Springfield Hospital Center, where they await further evaluations, treatments, or legal decisions. However, their cases often stagnate as they receive little to no contact from the attorneys assigned to represent them.

The session will shed light on the lived experiences of these individuals, who can spend prolonged periods in confinement without the regular legal support necessary to advocate for their rights or monitor their treatment progress. Panelists will discuss the ethical, legal, and social responsibilities of the justice system, identify policy gaps, and propose actionable solutions to ensure meaningful representation and timely intervention for those in competency-related detention.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of Maryland’s competency to stand trial statutes and how they impact defendants with mental health issues.
• Identify the key challenges and gaps in legal representation for individuals in competency limbo, with a focus on those at facilities like Springfield Hospital Center.
• Discuss innovative strategies and policy reforms to enhance regular communication and oversight by legal advocates for individuals detained due to competency issues.
• Learn about community-based advocacy approaches and support networks that can bridge the gap when legal counsel is unavailable.

Potential panelists include an attorney and advocate for competency rights; a representative from Maryland Office of the Public Defender who is a specialist in mental health law; a social worker from Springfield Hospital Center who is experienced in working with defendants in competency limbo; or a mental health advocate or SOAR Specialist who focuses on supporting individuals with severe mental health issues in navigating the justice system

Proposed Panelists:

1. Mi Mi Worth, Social Worker -- Springfield Hospital Center
2. Kimberly June, Advocate -- Hanover MD
3. Liz Palen, MD Public Defender -- Annapolis MD

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Kimberly June, Springforward; kimberlyajune@gmail.com

Why it’s important: This session is intended for pro bono attorneys, public defenders, mental health professionals, and legal advocates focused on mental health and justice reform. It will also benefit policymakers interested in addressing procedural delays and improving accountability for legal representation in cases involving mental competency.

Themes:

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

Block by Block: The Personal Stories of Vacancy

In this session, we will explore the personal stories behind a specific block of vacant properties in Baltimore. After doing title research, we consulted community members and historical records to illustrate how personal level stories weave together with stories of the neighborhood and the city. Attendees should expect to leave the session with a different understanding of how policies impact individual families.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Steven Kappen, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service -- Baltimore City
2. Nneka Nnamdi, SOS Fund -- Baltimore City

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Steven Kappen, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; skappen@mvlslaw.org

Why it’s important: I think it is a different way of humanizing and explaining one of the deepest issues that affects Baltimore and many cities like it. I hope to bring a different perspective to the policy and economic issues that have led to this problem.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Substantive Legal

The Impact on Mental Health and the Capacity to Parent in Child Custody Cases

Representing clients who present with behavioral issues or mental illness can be challenging and complicated for clients and the attorneys who represent them. This session will help attorneys identify parenting and co-parenting tasks and behaviors that may be influenced by mental illness, how they are linked to child outcomes, and how to integrate effectively impactful mental health information into matters of custody and child custody evaluations.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Dr. Josef Passley, Passley Consulting & Psychological Services, LLC -- Howard County
2. Judge, TBD -- Maryland
3. Attorney, TBD -- Maryland

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Nancy Grimm, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; ngrimm@mvlslaw.org

Why it’s important: This session will help attorneys identify parenting and co-parenting tasks and behaviors that may be influenced by mental illness, how they are linked to child outcomes, and how to integrate effectively impactful mental health information into matters of custody and child custody evaluations.

Themes:

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

How Community Collaboration Fosters Sustainable Reentry

This session will focus on the complex process of an individual transitioning from life in prison back into the community including the challenges they face in finding housing, employment, managing relationships, navigating legal hurdles, and addressing mental health needs while attempting to reintegrate into society after incarceration. Emphasis will be placed on the multidisciplinary approach to release planning and reentry to limit barriers.

Proposed Panelists:

1. Shannice Anderson, Maryland Office of the Public Defender -- Baltimore City
2. Shareese Kess-Lewis, TIME Organization -- Baltimore City
3. Rasheed Bennett, Client of MOPD & TIME Organization -- Baltimore City

Proposed Moderator: TBD by Committee

Coordinator: Shannice Anderson, Maryland Office of the Public Defender; shannice.anderson@maryland.gov

Why it’s important: It is important to highlight the role of community programs and their importance as they can be used in case mitigation and how the impact is shown through the lens of the justice impacted individual.

Themes:

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Innovative Service