Author: Chi Song

Categories
lawlibrary

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

Mike Ragland 20151007 pm
Mike Ragland

The Ask A Lawyer In The Library program is a civil, non-family law, self-help program sponsored by the Anne Arundel Bar Association and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can talk with a volunteer attorney for up to 20 minutes. No appointment is necessary, but sign-up is required at the law library’s information desk. Sign-up begins at 10:45 a.m., and time slots are determined by a lottery. For more information, please see http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library.

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Mike Ragland for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Three people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to real estate, appeals and contract lawsuit. The next program date is March 9, 2016.

It is helpful to prepare for your session with the attorney.  Here are some helpful tips:

  • Write a list of specific questions for the attorney.
  • Bring any paperwork and information related to the case.
  • Organize any paperwork from most recent on the top to oldest at the bottom.
  • Identify all deadlines.
  • Prepare a timeline of the legal issue.

If you would like to research your issue prior to your session with the attorney, please come find us at the Law Library’s information desk.  We are happy to assist you.

More information about the program is available at http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library. 

The Ask A Lawyer In The Law Library program is a limited legal advice service. The program is not a substitute for representation. If you need an attorney to represent you, you can contact the Anne Arundel Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono

Recognizing Anne Arundel County Pro Bono Volunteers!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Law Library hosted the Annual Pro Bono Recognition Lunch on Thursday, February 11, 2016. This event recognizes and celebrates the attorneys, facilitators and other professionals who provide pro bono service in Anne Arundel County.  Joan Bellistri, Law Librarian and Liaison, Court of Appeals’ Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services, and the Hon. Ronald Silkworth, Circuit Court Judicial member, Anne Arundel Local Pro Bono Committee, provided opening introductions and remarks. Lauren Wallace, Vice-Chair of the Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee, and Joan Bellistri presented certificates to the volunteers. Thank you to the Court Facilitators and attorney volunteers from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, the Law Library’s Ask a Lawyer in the Library program and Foreclosure Clinic and the annual Anne Arundel County Homeless Resource Day for your pro bono service! Check out our Program to see the full list of volunteer attorneys and facilitators.

We had a great turnout for the event, and we would like to thank the following judges and magistrates from the Court of Appeals, Court of Special Appeals, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County and the District Court of Maryland (Anne Arundel County) for joining us.

  • Hon. Clayton Greene Jr.
  • Hon. Timothy E. Meredith
  • Hon. Laura Kiessling
  • Hon. Alison Asti
  • Hon. Philip Caroom
  • Hon. Paul Harris
  • Hon. Michele Jaklitsch
  • Hon. Glenn Klavans
  • Hon. Stacy W. McCormack
  • Hon. William Mulford
  • Hon. Donna M. Schaeffer
  • Hon. Ronald Silkworth
  • Hon. Michael Wachs
  • Hon. Charles J. Muskin
  • Hon. Timothy P. Thurtle
  • Hon. Jennifer Cassel
  • Hon. Eileen A. Reilly

Also, we would like to thank Pamela Harris, Maryland State Court Administrator, Douglas Hofstedt and Nancy Faulkner from Court Administration, Kim Doan, Erin McCarthy and Sarah Adams from Case Management, Bonnie Sullivan and Amy Hennen from Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service as well as John Paul Lynch, President of the Inns of Court for attending the Recognition Lunch.

Last, but not least, thank you to the Anne Arundel Local Pro Bono Committee for its leadership in providing pro bono service to Anne Arundel County! Lisa Sarro, Lauren E. Wallace, Bill Davis, Michelle Moodispaw, Nancy Faulkner, Joan Bellistri, Hon. Ronald Silkworth, Hon. Eileen Reilly, Kim Doan, Tasnima Apol and Justin Bieler, all members of the committee, were able to join us for the event.

You can see photos from past luncheons on our blog.

If you are interested in pro bono service, check out this page or contact us!

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

Paul Farmer
Thank you Paul!

The Ask A Lawyer In The Library program is a civil, non-family law, self-help program sponsored by the Anne Arundel Bar Association and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can talk with a volunteer attorney for up to 20 minutes. No appointment is necessary, but sign-up is required at the law library’s information desk. Sign-up begins at 10:45 a.m., and time slots are determined by a lottery. For more information, please see http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Paul Farmer of Gormley Jarashow Bowman LLC for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Four people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to personal injury, power of attorney, appeal procedure and trusts. The next program date is Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

It is helpful to prepare for your session with the attorney.  Here are some helpful tips:

  • Write a list of specific questions for the attorney.
  • Bring any paperwork and information related to the case.
  • Organize any paperwork from most recent on the top to oldest at the bottom.
  • Identify all deadlines.
  • Prepare a timeline of the legal issue.

If you would like to research your issue prior to your session with the attorney, please come find us at the Law Library’s information desk.  We are happy to assist you.

More information about the program is available at http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library. 

The Ask A Lawyer In The Law Library program is a limited legal advice service. The program is not a substitute for representation. If you need an attorney to represent you, you can contact the Anne Arundel Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Couldn’t make it to last night’s Expungement and Shielding Clinic?

If you were unable to attend last night’s Expungement & Shielding Clinic at the Glen Burnie Regional Library, there are other resources available to you. Check out these organizations

  • The JustAdvice Project – This is a project through the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law Clinical Program. More information is available here, including how to schedule an appointment.
  • Maryland Courts Self-Help Center – Lawyers can answer questions Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. online or via phone (410-260-1392).
  • Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service – The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provides pro bono legal representation on certain civil legal matters for Marylanders with limited income. Check out their website or call (410-547-6537 or 800-510-0050, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) to see if you are an eligible client.
  • Neighborhood Defenders – This is an advocacy program through the Office of the Public Defender and is limited to individuals who have used the Office of the Public Defender for the charge they are seeking to expunge or shield. You can contact them at 877-430-5187.

To learn more about expungement and expungement resources, check out these articles on the Maryland People’s Law Library, our wiki page and our past blog posts! In addition, the Maryland Courts website includes information on how to expunge your records.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Expungement & Shielding Clinic Tonight!

CaptureThe Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service and the Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee are sponsoring a FREE Expungement and Shielding Clinic TONIGHT at the Glen Burnie Regional Library. No registration is required. The volunteer attorneys will provide FREE legal assistance and information concerning the expungement or shielding of criminal records.

When? Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Where? Glen Burnie Regional Library, 1010 Eastway, Glen Burnie, Maryland

For more information about the FREE clinic, please contact the Law Library at (410) 222-1387. You can also reach us via email at lawlibrary@aacounty.org or via fax at (410) 268-9762.

To learn more about expungement and expungement resources, check out these articles on the Maryland People’s Law Library, our wiki page and our past blog posts! Keep checking the Law Library’s wiki page and blog posts are we are constantly updating our information. In addition, the Maryland Courts website includes information on how to expunge your records.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

The Ask A Lawyer In The Library program is a civil, non-family law, self-help program sponsored by the Anne Arundel Bar Association and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can talk with a volunteer attorney for up to 20 minutes. No appointment is necessary, but sign-up is required at the law library’s information desk. Sign-up begins at 10:45 a.m., and time slots are determined by a lottery. For more information, please see http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library.

On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Crighton Chase of Hillman, Brown & Darrow, PA for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Five people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to contract litigation, estates, wills, education and dog bites. The next program date is February 24, 2016.

It is helpful to prepare for your session with the attorney.  Here are some helpful tips:

  • Write a list of specific questions for the attorney.
  • Bring any paperwork and information related to the case.
  • Organize any paperwork from most recent on the top to oldest at the bottom.
  • Identify all deadlines.
  • Prepare a timeline of the legal issue.

If you would like to research your issue prior to your session with the attorney, please come find us at the Law Library’s information desk.  We are happy to assist you.

More information about the program is available at http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library. 

The Ask A Lawyer In The Law Library program is a limited legal advice service. The program is not a substitute for representation. If you need an attorney to represent you, you can contact the Anne Arundel Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Expungement & Shielding Clinic Next Week!

CaptureThe Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service and the Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee are sponsoring a FREE Expungement and Shielding Clinic next week at the Glen Burnie Regional Library. No registration is required. The volunteer attorneys will provide FREE legal assistance and information concerning the expungement or shielding of criminal records.

When? Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Where? Glen Burnie Regional Library, 1010 Eastway, Glen Burnie, Maryland

For more information about the FREE clinic, please contact the Law Library at (410) 222-1387. You can also reach us via email at lawlibrary@aacounty.org or via fax at (410) 268-9762.

To learn more about expungement and expungement resources, check out these articles on the Maryland People’s Law Library, our wiki page and our past blog posts! In addition, the Maryland Courts website includes information on how to expunge your records.

Categories
Holiday lawlibrary

Court Holiday

The Law Library is closed today, February 15, 2016, as today is a Court Holiday.  The Law Library will reopen tomorrow, February 16, 2016.  A list of Court Holidays is available on the Circuit Court’s website at http://www.circuitcourt.org/court-holidays.

Except on Court Holidays, the Library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. We are located on the third floor (main floor) of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court at 8 Church Circle, Suite 303, Annapolis, Maryland.

If you cannot make it to the library in person, you can always reach us via email at lawlibrary@aacounty.org, via phone at (410) 222-1387 or via fax at (410) 268-9762.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

photo (2)
Thank you Joe!

The Ask A Lawyer In The Library program is a civil, non-family law, self-help program sponsored by the Anne Arundel Bar Association and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Every Wednesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., you can talk with a volunteer attorney for up to 20 minutes. No appointment is necessary, but sign-up is required at the law library’s information desk. Sign-up begins at 10:45 a.m., and time slots are determined by a lottery. For more information, please see http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library.

On Wednesday, February 10, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Joe Gormley and Paul Farmer of Gormley Jarashow Bowman LLC for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Seven people were able to meet with the attorneys to discuss issues related to employment, contracts, appeals in Circuit Court, wrongful death, estates and real estate.

Paul Farmer
Thank you Paul!

It is helpful to prepare for your session with the attorney.  Here are some helpful tips:

  • Write a list of specific questions for the attorney.
  • Bring any paperwork and information related to the case.
  • Organize any paperwork from most recent on the top to oldest at the bottom.
  • Identify all deadlines.
  • Prepare a timeline of the legal issue.

If you would like to research your issue prior to your session with the attorney, please come find us at the Law Library’s information desk.  We are happy to assist you.

More information about the program is available at http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library. 

The Ask A Lawyer In The Law Library program is a limited legal advice service. The program is not a substitute for representation. If you need an attorney to represent you, you can contact the Anne Arundel Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service.

Categories
lawlibrary Libraries Library Legislative Day

MLA Legislative Day Wrap-Up

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

On February 3, 2016, Librarians and library supporters from across the state of Maryland gathered in Annapolis to take part in the Maryland Library Association’s (MLA) Library Legislative Day. The day began here at the Law Library with a breakfast provided by the Law Library Association of Maryland (LLAM). During breakfast, Margaret Carty, Executive Director of MLA, and Denise Davis and Mary Baykan of the Legislative Panel of the Maryland Library Association (MLA) briefed attendees on current issues affecting public libraries in Maryland and provided talking points for library supporters to keep in mind as they met with their Maryland senators, delegates and other officials later in the day.

After the morning’s briefing, librarians and library supporters met with their legislators to discuss public libraries in Maryland and, in particular, the following two House Bills:

  • HB 138 – Task Force to Study the Placement of Library Services with the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland – This bill seeks the creation of a task force to study where the most effective place should be for Maryland public libraries within the current education framework as public libraries’ educational mission has expanded significantly since the current Maryland library law was written over 60 years ago.
  • HB 144 – Libraries – Regional, State, and County – Funding – This bill does not seek additional funds. Rather, it seeks to shorten the length of time to realize the full increase in funding support for public libraries that was previously passed by the General Assembly.

Later in the afternoon, Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) held its Annual Meeting at the Law Library. CML is a Maryland statewide network of individuals and organizations that advocates for libraries and library services. To learn more about CML, check out their website here. The evening concluded with the Library Legislative Reception at the Miller Senate Office Building. For more information, check out MLA’s website and the MLA Legislative Panel Blog!

Support Maryland Public Libraries! Marylanders are visiting and using public libraries more than ever before with 28 million Marylanders visiting a library in 2014, and more than 7 million people utilizing their public library to access the internet. Public libraries provide many Marylanders with their primary access to information services and technology. Educational opportunities at public libraries include programs and services for children to improve reading skills and STEM-related programs. Adult learners access continuing education at public libraries in a wide variety of areas such as basic computer skills, professional development and writing as well as job search assistance.

At the Law Library, which is open to the public, we organize and coordinate programs that connect Marylanders with free legal information and limited legal advice. This includes our weekly Ask a Lawyer in the Library program where people can sign up to talk to a volunteer attorney for up to twenty minutes about a civil, non-family law matter. Each month, we have a Foreclosure Clinic that connects people facing foreclosure with volunteer attorneys. In addition, the Law Library has hosted programs on personal bankruptcy and other legal topics. To date, over 2,600 people have received FREE legal information and limited legal advice on matters including auto accidents, bankruptcy, civil procedure, contracts, foreclosure, licenses, property, trusts and wills.