Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County is looking for volunteers to represent clients once the courts open and/or start holding remote hearings. CLS will provide insurance and mentoring on the cases. If interested, please contact Catrina Aquilino at aquilino@clspgc.org .  

House of Ruth is looking for experienced family law attorneys who have handled protective cases before to represent clients when the courts reopen. House of Ruth will provide malpractice insurance. If interested, please contact Deena Hausner at dhausner@hruthmd.org. 

CHANA, A program of the Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore is looking for volunteers to provide consultations to domestic violence, sexual abuse and elder abuse clients in the areas of family, tax, employment, bankruptcy, guardianship law. Representation is appreciated once the courts open and/or start holding remote hearings. Attorneys with experience working with victims and survivors of trauma preferred. If interested, please contact Alicia Bickoff at abickoff@associated.org.

TurnAround, Inc. is looking for experienced family law and civil attorneys who can assist with protective orders, divorce/custody, landlord/tenant and employment matters. TurnAround provides comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence and human trafficking. TurnAround is unable to provide malpractice insurance. If interested, please contact please contact Amanda Rodriguez at arodriguez@turnaroundinc.org.

Talk with a volunteer lawyer for at least 20 minutes about your civil, non-family legal problem for free!

Wednesdays: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

October 21: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

October 27: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Sign up at: http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library

Sponsored by: MVLS, Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee, Anne Arundel Bar Association

October 7th – 1pm – 3pm – Veteran’s benefits and discharge upgrade clients can complete a virtual intake by scheduling an appointment with HPRP in advance. Seeking attorneys, law students and paralegals to conduct intake of veterans regarding VA benefits and discharge upgrades.  

October 21st – 1pm – 3pm – Veteran’s benefits and discharge upgrade clients can complete a virtual intake by scheduling an appointment with HPRP in advance. Seeking attorneys, law students and paralegals to conduct intake of veterans regarding VA benefits and discharge upgrades.  

October 27th– 4pm – 6pm – Expungement of criminal records virtual intake at Our Daily Bread. Seeking Maryland-barred attorneys to complete petitions for expungement. The case files are sent to the attorney 1-2 weeks prior to the meeting date.

If interested in volunteering, email Angel Dawson at adawson@hprplaw.org

Thursday, October 22, 9:00-11:00am
Please join us to learn more about the U.S. immigration system, obtaining advocacy experience, and providing valuable pro bono legal representation for a vulnerable child facing deportation. The presentation will cover an overview of unaccompanied immigrant children and the laws that affect them; working with child clients and interpreters; family court and immigration proceedings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases in Maryland; asylum law; and cases available for placement. There is no requirement of accepting a case to attend the training. The training will take place via Zoom. The training will take place via Zoom. Please RSVP using the following link by Friday, October 16: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKdQRFRBiq2MhWZnxSw7sKIXkKFt20hcBh1Iod7Oh3hT344A/viewform

October 22, 2020 – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Please join us to learn more about the U.S. immigration system, obtaining advocacy experience, and providing valuable pro bono legal representation for a vulnerable child facing deportation. The presentation will cover an overview of unaccompanied immigrant children and the laws that affect them; working with child clients and interpreters; family court and immigration proceedings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases in Maryland; asylum law; and cases available for placement. This introductory training is required for new KIND pro bono attorneys prior to taking on their first KIND case, but there is no requirement of accepting a case to attend the training. Please RSVP using the following link by Friday, October 16:
https://forms.gle/6WScfJEJntkbK2bbA (You will receive a Zoom link before the event)

Thursday, October 22 from 9:00-11:00am

Please join us to learn more about the U.S. immigration system, obtaining advocacy experience, and providing valuable pro bono legal representation for a vulnerable child facing deportation. The presentation will cover an overview of unaccompanied immigrant children and the laws that affect them; working with child clients and interpreters; family court and immigration proceedings for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases in Maryland; asylum law; and cases available for placement. This introductory training is required for new KIND pro bono attorneys prior to taking on their first KIND case, but there is no requirement of accepting a case to attend the training. The training will take place via Zoom. Please RSVP using the following link by Friday, October 16. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKdQRFRBiq2MhWZnxSw7sKIXkKFt20hcBh1Iod7Oh3hT344A/viewform

It is important now more than ever to take care of ourselves. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. Join us during the National Celebration of Pro Bono as we show our appreciation for all the hard work that you do on behalf of volunteer attorneys and clients.

October 26^th Class Info: Zoom Meeting

https://americanbar.zoom.us/j/98801297002?pwd=eEp2UTNIYk40NXA1K1M3T3FrNzRIQT09

Meeting ID: 988 0129 7002

Passcode: 531301

October 28^th Class Info: This class will be a chair yoga class and you will learn some moves that you can use throughout their day to help relieve stress in your neck, shoulders, back, and hips.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://americanbar.zoom.us/j/92141934143?pwd=S1lCdlJEUFNUNUxjVmxRWkVaYTFUZz09

Meeting ID: 921 4193 4143

Passcode: 542076

October 26, 2020 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Please join CLA Senior Attorneys for an introductory overview of the Clean Water Act and its role in Chesapeake Bay watershed environmental law. This presentation will cover the history of the CWA, its basic statutory components, and its impact on state law and local water quality. The audience will leave with an understanding of the overarching federal law, as well as its role at the local level. This is the first of a series of Clean Water Act-related presentations CLA will offer over the course of the next year. CLA will provide a recording of the webinar to all registrants. Registration closes: October 22, 2020.

https://www.chesapeakelegal.org/clean-water-act-fundamentals/

MVLS will be hosting a virtual Home Owner clinic on October 27, 2020 from 3 pm to 7 pm by telephone. To register as a clinic volunteer attorney please fill out the form here.

Join Maryland Legal Aid for a fun and festive pro bono celebration! There will be costume contests with prizes for children and pets, and recognition of spook-tacular volunteers! October 27th at 6:30pm-7:30pm

Tuesday, October 27
3:30-4:00 PM ET
A discussion on the recent threats to gender-based asylum and how Tahirih is fighting back with survivors of gender-based violence. A conversation with our Director of Policy about the recent threats to Gender Based Asylum and the impact on immigrant communities. Email Kristen Strain with questions and for additional information at kristens@tahirih.org.

Tuesday October 27, 2020 from 3:30 – 4:00 pm

Join Tahirih’s Policy Director and staff to discuss the recent threats to gender-based asylum and how Tahirih is fighting back with survivors of violence. Register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/926699596172602640

10/29/2020 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Despite increasing assaults on the immigration system by the current Administration, asylum remains a viable option for many LGBTQ immigrants fleeing persecution in their home countries. Applicants who fear persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or HIV status often have strong claims to asylum, but may face unique barriers to winning their cases. In this webinar, attorneys from Whitman-Walker Health and Ayuda will provide an overview of how people from the LGBTQ community may qualify for asylum, overcoming common obstacles to eligibility, and how to get involved in pro bono immigration cases. Participants should have some familiarity with basic asylum eligibility requirements. Register online in advance to obtain Zoom login info: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hVRK9EKGTCmge9zJBFG4-A

In light of COVID-19 crisis restrictions, MVLS is unable to host our annual Celebrate Pro Bono Awards Ceremony in person to honor and recognize MVLS volunteers for their outstanding pro bono work this past year. However, we are excited to offer a week-long virtual celebration of our award winners, volunteers, community partners, and supporters. While we can’t gather in person, we are thrilled to share a great week of programming with you on October 25 – 31, 2020. https://mvlslaw.org/cpb2020/

October 15th @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

This training will provide perspectives and legal strategies to provide rights for non-biological parents to get enough legal authority in the life of a child to take care of various administrative processes (eg., school, healthcare, benefits, etc.).

Speakers will provide regional diversity (including Montgomery County, Baltimore City, and Howard County among others), and each will give a presentation on one topic, as well as regional and other perspective following the other topics. The training will conclude with next steps for working with a legal services program to take a low-bono Judicare case.

Participating attorneys must have at least 3 years of family law experience and agree to accept one Judicare case from a Judicare provider in Maryland within one year of registration. Register here.

October 16th, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Volunteer attorneys will learn the basics of Baltimore City water bills and how to assist customers with delinquent or inaccurate bills to determine the causes of the elevated bills, to access assistance programs, and to dispute billing errors. This training will also touch on issues particular to tenants, and on additional assistance programs available to low-income homeowners. Register here.

October 21, 2020 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The essential nature of utilities to the health and safety of all citizens make this topic critically important to our pro bono clients Ms. Nieland will discuss the current state of Maryland utility providers’ responses to the delivery of gas and electric services during the pandemic, including: continuation of service, payment options, and financial assistance and other resources for consumers. Register here.

October 26th, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

As Pro Bono Week kicks off, join PBRC and the MSBA Young Lawyers Section for a frank discussion of common questions and fears that newer lawyers may have about pro bono service, and for a variety of resources that will be useful as you fulfill the professional privilege and obligation of pro bono service. All advocates are welcome. Register here.

Wednesday October 28th @ 5 PM

Celebrate Pro Bono award winners will be announced during this pre-recorded awards ceremony featuring remarks from Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and short speeches from 2020 award recipients.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4005753266723057167

October 30th, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The training covers Maryland criminal record expungement law, working with low-income and homeless clients, expungement filing and Court process, and expungement mistakes and how to avoid them. Participating attorneys must be barred in Maryland and agree to accept 3 client matters from Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) within 1 year of registering. Register here.

We are currently offering remote legal consultations through our Estate Planning Project, for which attorneys can train and volunteer. Volunteer attorneys sign up for two-hour shifts to provide up to two clients per shift with guidance completing an advance medical directive and a financial power of attorney. Document templates are provided to the clients ahead of time for clients to complete themselves during the consultation, while receiving the counsel of the volunteer attorney. Clients will then be responsible for executing the documents themselves. 

If you would like to volunteer, contact Allison Harris at 443-703-3050 or aharris@probonomd.org.

Community Law Center is receiving requests from nonprofits for assistance with applying for federal and state aid due to coronavirus (e.g. U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance Application). Please let us know if you may be able to advise clients on these issues, for brief legal advice and/or representation.  

To learn more, contact Shana Roth-Gormley at ShanaR@communitylaw.org or 443-595-7576. 

The Women’s Law Center of Maryland operates an Employment Law Hotline every Tuesday and Friday from 9:30 am to 1 pm, and on the first Thursday of every month, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. We are seeking more volunteers on the hotline, hoping you will take 2-4 shifts a year. Volunteers need some experience in employment law, so you can screen the calls effectively. The shift can be done from your office (or anywhere with a phone). You are eligible to receive referrals of cases that come in through the hotline, if desired. For more information, call Mary Keating at (410) 532-8900 or email at mkeating@wlcmd.org. 

Attorneys are are still doing screenings and providing advice and counsel on Tuesdays from 10-2 by phone.

To learn more or get involved, visit: https://www.tahirih.org/get-involved/our-pro-bono-network/

Since late March, MILAP has transitioned from offering its services in-person at the Immigration Court to remotely via WhatsApp business. All you need to volunteer is a smartphone, a computer, and internet access. Please contact Edison Lopez, the projects’ paralegal at elopez@probonomd.org to learn more about getting involved.  

MILAP has remote clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday. Interpreters start at 9:30am and attorneys start at 10am.  

Every Tuesday 12pm-1pm

Legal advice clinic staffed by local attorneys held virtually each Tuesday. Call Harford County Bar Foundation, 410-836-0123, for clinic schedules and to setup an appointment.

Maryland.FreeLegalAnswers.org (Pro bono – anywhere, anytime)

Remotely review and answer brief legal questions for low-income Marylanders as part of this ABA-sponsored initiative.  Malpractice insurance provided.

Check out the site:  Maryland.FreeLegalAnswers.org

Attorney Volunteer Registration Instructions

Law Firm / Corporate Law Department Guide to ABA Free Legal Answers

Mid–Shore Pro Bono is currently accepting calls for civil legal assistance, especially older people in need of end of life planning documents, including a medical health directive, will, and power of attorney. We need volunteer attorneys to provide remote legal assistance including counseling calls and document preparation. To volunteer, please e-mail Meredith Lathbury Girard, Esq., Managing Attorney at: mgirard@midshoreprobono.org. 

Volunteers are needed in multiple subject areas, including family law, landlord-tenant, debt collection, peace and protective orders, expungement, and foreclosure. You can assist unrepresented individuals by providing online live chat legal help from the comfort of your office or home! Training on MCLA’s online live chat legal services will take place via webinar. Please complete the pro bono interest survey here: https://mdcla.org/probono/.  For more information, contact Risheena Schwemle at rschwemle@mdcla.org. 

SLS is seeking volunteer attorneys to advise clients on a variety of consumer debt and bankruptcy issues. During this time of financial uncertainty, many seniors are unable to make ends meet. They need your legal advice about issues like: having a judgment entered against them, defending against harassing collections efforts, negotiating a settlement with their creditors, considering bankruptcy, and more. Interested attorneys can contact Jacqueline A. Jones at 410-396-5605 and/or jjones@baltimorebar.org.   

We are providing telephonic consultations for immigration matters (not including removal cases), and are continuing to provide representation for retained cases. To get more information on consultations, please call 202-772-4352. Through Zoom, we are providing legal orientation sessions for custodians of unaccompanied minors, Know Your Rights presentations, and mentoring sessions for Pro Bono attorneys, and are continuing to place cases for pro bono representation.

Community Law Center provides legal services to communities and nonprofit organizations throughout Maryland to promote stronger nonprofits and more vibrant neighborhoods. Our Pro Bono Program matches volunteer attorneys with nonprofits seeking assistance on legal matters To learn more, contact Shana Roth-Gormley at shanar@communitylaw.org or 410-366-0922 x 118.

CLS is looking for volunteers to represent clients once the courts open and/or start holding remote hearings. A training is available on PBRC’s website for protective orders. CLS will provide insurance and mentoring on the cases. Please contact Catrina Aquilino at aquilino@clspgc.org.

KIND’s Baltimore field office is seeking volunteer bilingual Spanish/English interpreters and translators to assist pro bono attorneys in providing legal representation to unaccompanied children. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Daniela Powers at infobaltimore@supportkind.org

MVLS offers mentorship, malpractice insurance, and trainings. Take on a full representation case, provide help through a legal clinic, or accept a reduced fee family law case through Judicare. Learn new areas of law, meet leaders in the field, and gain valuable courtroom experience while making a difference. MVLS clients need the legal help you can provide to win their struggles against instability and poverty. Find out more and sign up today at http://mvlslaw.org/apply-volunteer-lawyer/.

Help low income Marylanders with the Montgomery County Bar Foundation. To access information pertaining to the Pro Bono Program: https://www.barmont.org/general/custom.asp?page=116. You can direct any questions to Deborah Mantilla Craven, Pro Bono Program Coordinator, at Debbie@mcbfprobono.org or 301.762.5831.

Consumer Protection Project Clinic: Every Wednesday from 8:30am – 12:30 pm. There are two docket times for litigants – 9am and 11am – and we meet with consumers in the library. We are accepting volunteers for these clinics. Email Melissa at Mchiasera@probonomd.org to volunteer.

Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day Project: Every Monday and Tuesday mornings for the 9am and 11am dockets. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we will be there for the 1:30pm and 3pm dockets. Due to a lack of tenants, we are not accepting volunteers yet.

HPRP seeks a full-time (40 hours per week) Development Director to join its dedicated staff.  HPRP has two offices – a headquarters in Baltimore City and a satellite office in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The goal of the Development Director is to work as a part of a team with HPRP’s Executive Director to secure and diversify HPRP’s annual budget of approximately $1.47 million by growing and expanding HPRP’s foundation and individual giving programs. 

Full job description can be found here: http://www.hprplaw.org/who_we_are/employment/development_director

MVLS Volunteer Attorney Obligations

• Attorney must execute the Judicare contract.
• Absent exceptional circumstances, attorney must represent client through the life of the case, even after a Judicare case has exceeded the maximum reimbursement of hours.
• Representation includes entering appearance in the client’s legal action.
• Attorney may not charge the Client legal fees for legal work provided. 
• Attorney is not obligated to pay any filing fees or other court costs on behalf of the client.  Attorney must seek to have fees waived by the court.
• Attorney should submit reimbursement for litigation expenses to PBRC, and any remaining expenses should be paid by the client.
• Litigation Expenses. Requests for litigation reimbursement need to be submitted to the Pro Bono Resource Center.  To get more information or the required forms, visit www.probonomd.org/litigation-fund-policy.

Attorney Payment

• Complete instructions are included in the Judicare contract.
  • An attorney is paid $100 per hour up to a maximum of 30 hours ($3,000) per case for legal services provided.
    • Judicare funds can only be used for legal services.  It does not include other staff work, fees, travel time, etc.
  • Invoices
    • Invoices should be submitted quarterly during representation.  Invoices must specify name of client, case number, and a description of legal services provided with the dates and time of service in 10 minute increments.
    • Request for payment must include:
      • Detailed invoice
      • Case Update or Closure form
        • If case is closed –Any final legal documents (court order, etc.)
    • Payments are generally provided within 30 days of submission.
      • The final $500 in fees will be held until the case is closed.

Questions?

Margaret Henn, Director of Program Management, 443-451-4067 or mhenn@mvlslaw.org
Makeisha Gibson, Senior Paralegal, 443-451-4072 or mgibson@mvlslaw.org

Judicare Project

Family Law

https://www.barmont.org/page/208

Home

https://www.clspgc.org/

Utility Bill Clinics (in partnership with MVLS and OPC):

Tuesday, October 20th, 6 pm – 8 pm

Thursday, October 22nd, 10 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm

Advance Planning Clinics:

Every Wednesday 10-12 and 2-4

To learn more and volunteer contact Allison Harris at aharris@probonomd.org