Staff Profile: Haley Wittstadt, Esq.

Haley Wittstadt joined PBRC in 2024. As a law clerk with the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP), Haley staffs PBRC’s limited scope courthouse-based pro bono clinics for tenants in Baltimore County and Baltimore City, as well as recruits and mentors CAP volunteer attorneys. Prior to joining the team as a staff member, Haley interned with PBRC, assisting with our Access to Counsel in Evictions program. 

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up just outside of Bel Air, Maryland. I attended Fallston High School.

2. What brought you to Maryland/Baltimore?

I always wanted to be an attorney. That goal led me to joining the mock trial team for my high school. That amazing experience fueled my desire to go to law school. I have strong family values which, for me, meant I had to go to school close to home. UBalt was the best choice I could have ever made.

3. Where did you go to school and what was your major/focus?

I ultimately chose to go to the University of Baltimore because of their accelerated learning programs and reputation for practical training. I finished my bachelor's degree in philosophy, law, and ethics along with a minor in business management in just three years. From there I entered the University of Baltimore School of Law.

4. What are your interests/hobbies outside of PBRC?

Outside of PBRC I enjoy hiking with my dog, Finn. I am an avid reader and enjoy watching lacrosse and football. While my favorite time of year is the fall, in the summer you can find me on Ocean City beaches.

5. How did get involved with PBRC?

Before the pandemic, I participated in an internship giving tenants information about landlord and tenant law in Baltimore City. Knowing how much I loved that experience; I became an extern with PBRC during my last semester of law school. I sincerely loved the fast-paced environment, the clients, and the people I worked with, so I of course jumped at the opportunity to rejoin the team post-graduation.

6. What were you doing prior to working here?

Prior to working with PBRC I have worked in the serving industry, held various positions at UBalt, clerked at a private law firm, and the Baltimore County Orphans' Court.

7. What do you do at PBRC?

While I await my Bar results, I am a law clerk. Luckily for me, Maryland law permits nonlawyers employed by non-profit organizations to practice in the summary ejectment and rent escrow dockets under the supervision of an attorney. With that I get to represent and help families facing evictions daily.

8. What motivates you to do the work that you do?

One of my main motivations in doing the work I do stems from an experience I had while working at the Court Navigator Internship. I will never forget helping a tenant who was experiencing HORRIFIC living conditions. This person did not have access to running water, there was no proper waste management system, no heat, and major roof leaks causing immense damage. This person worked within the city inspector's office and did not want their co-workers to see how they were forced to live. This person was fearful of judgment and only turned to a rent escrow action when they were at their wits end. I will never forget filling out the rent escrow forms with this person. I will never forget having to write for them because their hands could not stop shaking. I will never forget their sobs as we went room by room detailing every issue they dealt with. I will never forget the hug they gave me when the papers were submitted.

9. What has been your most meaningful experience with PBRC?

At PBRC every day is meaningful. The impact that we have is on people's homes. It is where people raise their families, eat dinner, and put their kids to bed. Summary ejectment is a fast-moving proceeding- rent court can be the difference between having a home and being without shelter in just a few weeks.

10. What do you appreciate about PBRC’s mission?

PBRC attempts to help any tenant they can. At our same day representation clinics there is no income limit for our services. For some legal service providers income levels are capped which denies access to help. The brightline income caps deny help to those who are teetering on the upper edge of the poverty line but could still not afford a private attorney.

11. What message would you give to people thinking about volunteering with PBRC?

I have never been prouder to tell someone where I worked. I love this organization and the hope that we give to struggling families. At the roots of PBRC are people who are passionate about the work that we do, we are fierce advocates for the individuals that we represent, we are creative and brilliant in our legal strategies, and PBRC has built a reputation of doing great work. In volunteering you have the opportunity to join a great team and make a difference.