Category: lawlibrary

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

ValadezThe 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, May 11, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Mike Valadez for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Five people were able to meet with the attorneys to discuss issues related to bankruptcy, expungement, real estate, emergency petition for mental evaluation, and small claims. The next program date is Wednesday, May 18, 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.

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lawlibrary

Constitutional Law Resources

In honor of this year’s Law Day Theme, Miranda: More than Words, we would like to highlight the Constitutional Law Resources that are available at the Law Library. The Law Library’s collection includes the United States Constitution; however, you can read the U.S. Constitution as well as other primary documents in American History online through the Library of Congress’s website here.

Available treatises on Constitutional Law include the following:

  • American Constitutional Law (Tribe) – KF 4550 .T785 2000
  • Modern Constitutional Law (Antieau) – KF 4550 .A75 1997
  • Treatise on Constitutional Law: Substance and Procedure (Rotunda) – KF 4550 .R63 2007
  • Constitutional Rights of the Accused (Cook) – KF 9619 .C64 1996
  • A Conceptualization of the Fourth Amendment (Moylan) – KF 9630 .Z9 M93 1997

Law Review articles are another good resource for Constitutional Law research. The Law Library’s HeinOnline subscription, which can be accessed in-person at the Law Library, includes the following collections:

  • Law Journal Library, which includes American Bar Association Journals, Core U.S. Journals, Criminal Justice Journals as well as Most-Cited Law Journals
  • U.S. Supreme Court Library

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the U.S. Constitution, check out the Georgetown Law Library’s Constitutional Law and History Research Guide here.

For assistance with your Constitutional Law research, please contact us at the Law Library!

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask A Lawyer In the Library – Wednesday Wrap-Up

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, May 4, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Mike Ragland, our volunteer attorney, assisted two people with matters including property and elderly abuse . The next program date is Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Are you looking for assistance with your foreclosure matter? Each month, the Law Library hosts a FREE Foreclosure Clinic staffed by volunteer attorneys through the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Program participants can meet with the volunteer attorneys on a first-come, first-served basis. The next clinic date is Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Please sign up, in-person, at the Law Library’s service desk on the day of the program.

If you need assistance prior to May 18, 2016, check out these resources.

More information about Ask a Lawyer in the Library 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.

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lawlibrary

Law Day 2016!

LawDay2016_Miranda_Graphic_navy_smYesterday was Law Day. Each year, on May 1st, we celebrate the rule of law and the role of the law and legal processes, including the court system, in promoting democracy and freedom through our celebration of Law Day. First envisioned by the American Bar Association’s then-president, Charles S. Rhyne, in 1957, National Law Day was established as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law by former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, and May 1st was designated as the official date of celebration by a joint resolution of Congress in 1961.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1966 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, and in the past 50 years, the Miranda warning, “You have the right to remain silent…” has become a part of America’s popular consciousness. This year’s theme is Miranda: More than Words, and it explores the U.S. Constitution’s procedural protections including and beyond Miranda v. Arizona. You can learn more about the theme here.
If you are interested in learning more about Law Day and this year’s theme, check out the ABA’s 2016 Law Day page!

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask A Lawyer In the Library – Wednesday Wrap-Up

paul-farmer-20150826

On Wednesday, April 27, 2016, Paul Farmer of Gormley, Jarashow and Bowman, was the “lawyer in the library” who assisted five people with legal issues such as estates, conspiracy, administrative appeals and collecting a judgment. 

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. The next program date is Wednesday, May 4 , 2016. For more information, including additional times and locations, please see http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library.

 

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lawlibrary

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

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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, April 20, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Brian Lyman of Hillman, Brown & Darrow for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Two people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to business and estate litigation. The next program date is April 27, 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.

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lawlibrary Pro Bono

Homeless Resource Day 2016

The 9th Annual Anne Arundel County Homeless Resource Day was held on Saturday April 9, 2016. This was the eighth year that Anne Arundel County attorneys volunteered to provide legal assistance to those who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.  This year, 15 attorneys provided 35 clients with legal advice on 41 different issues ranging from criminal records to wills. Criminal records can be a barrier to housing and employment making criminal records expungement the number one issue.    This year 8 people could be helped with clearing up their criminal records.  The Office of the Public Defender and Legal Aid were able to file more than 25 petitions for expungement. More statistics can be found here.

Many of the attorneys have volunteered for Homeless Day before, William Cooke and Jessica Wisner of the Office of the Public Defender; Anita Bailey, Kathleen Hughes, Lisa Sarro and Amy Siegel of Legal Aid; and Michelle Moodispaw, Gene Brennan and Kari Fawcett, all private practitioners.  This year we welcomed some new volunteers: Aimee West who clerked in Anne Arundel County and now practices in Prince Frederick; Adam McCormick another former law clerk and now with Lessans, Praley and McCormick; Lauren Wallace of the YWCA Domestic Violence Program

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and vice chair of the Local Pro Bono Committee; Sarone Solomon who is a Legal Aid attorney working for the new Maryland Courts’ Self Help Center; Jonathon Church, Anne Arundel County Deputy State’s Attorney; and Nickola Sybblis who volunteers in the Lawyer in the Library program.

Matthew Stubenberg of MVLS, who coordinated the the expungement clinic held at the Anne Arundel County Glen Burnie Regional Library in February, was on hand to help with expungement questions and Nasim Chatha of MVLS brought information for guests about MVLS services.

Joan Bellistri, Director of the Anne Arundel County Public Law Library, coordinates Homeless Day Legal Services and is on hand to help attorneys locate appropriate resources and referrals.

Overall, the number of people seeking legal assistance was much lower than in previous years.  It could be attributed to the new location of the event, the location of legal services in the building and the weather – snow in April!  However, as Lisa Sarro, of Legal Aid put it, “in terms of tangible results for clients, this was the best.”  Without the pressure of other clients waiting attorneys could spend more time with each client. Lisa stayed past the 4:00 end time when just about all other providers had packed up and left to help the last guest of the day with expungements.  The guest remarked that she had been trying to get help everywhere and didn’t really expect to get that help that she needed but was happy to say that she did.

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Attorney Training lawlibrary Legal Technology

Do you need A/V Equipment for your trial?

The Circuit Court’s Information Services Department is responsible for the court’s evidence presentation equipment, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve the equipment, you can fill out an online form (available here) or call the Information Services Department at (410) 222-1484. If you are unfamiliar with the evidence presentation equipment and would like training on the equipment, contact the Information Services Department.

Are you interested in learning more about different programs and technologies available to attorneys for evidence presentation? If so, check out these articles.

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

photo 1 (3)
Thank you Chris!

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, April 13, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Chris Boucher for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Five people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to estate litigation, property, petition for judicial review of administrative agency’s decision, business litigation, and foreclosure. The next program date is Wednesday, March 20, 2016.

If you need assistance with a foreclosure matter, check out these resources.

  • Civil Justice – Civil Justice provides Marylanders with foreclosure assistance. Check out their website or call them at 410-706-0174 for more information.
  • Foreclosure Mediation Brief Advice Project Helpline– You can call the helpline at (443) 808-0076 on Mondays from 1:30 pm—6:00 pm and Wednesdays from 8:00 am—12:00 pm.
  • Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) – MVLS may be able to represent you in your foreclosure matter. Check out their website or call MVLS at 410-547-6537 for more information.
  • You can find a list of additional assistance resources at the People’s Law Library.

Do you have a criminal law matter?  Criminal Law matters are best addressed by the Office of the Public Defender.  Information about the Office of the Public Defender is available at http://www.opd.state.md.us/.

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

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

Turtle 2The 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, April 6, 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 an attorney to discuss issues related to mechanic’s lien, estate planning, and discovery.  We would like to welcome and thank Jerry Williams, our newest attorney volunteer, and thank Jack Paltell and Joan Bellistri for providing the volunteer attorney orientation. The next program date is Wednesday, April 13, 2016.

In addition, the Law Library coordinated the Ask A Lawyer In The Library program at the Glen Burnie Regional Library in Glen Burnie, Maryland on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Nine people were able to meet with our volunteer attorneys, William Trevilliar of the Law Offices of William C. Trevilliar, Alan Forman of the Forman Clothier Law Group, and Kurt Roper of Staiti & DiBlasio, to discuss issues such as disability, employment, wills, criminal records, attorney conduct, real estate, and guardianship. The next program date at the Glen Burnie Regional Library is May 18, 2016, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and sign-up is via lottery at 4:15 p.m. 

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.