Category: Pro Bono

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

New Location for Lawyer in the Library!

In addition to the ongoing programs at the Law Library and the Glen Burnie Regional Library, this summer, the Lawyer in the Library program is expanding to a new location at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library. Volunteer attorneys can assist program participants with civil, non-family law matters.

The program dates will be as follows:

  • Tuesday, June 28, 2016, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 26, 2016, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 30, 2016, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Sign-up is via lottery at 4:15 p.m. The Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library is located at 269 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, MD 21403.

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 have questions about the program, please contact the Law Library at (410) 222-1387.

If you need assistance with directions to the program site, please contact the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library at (410) 222-1770.

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

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, May 18, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Jonathan Pasterick of Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A., for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Seven people took part in the program and were able to speak with the attorney to request assistance with issues related to a tax sale, foreclosure, mandamus, personal property, real estate, guardianship, and medical malpractice. The next program date is Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

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/.

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 Pro Bono Self Represented

Personal Bankruptcy Clinic Next Month

On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service will be holding a personal bankruptcy clinic at the Law Library. This clinic will provide participants with a chance to hear from experienced attorneys about how to file personal bankruptcy as well as receive one-on-one assistance.

Pre-registration is required! Call the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service at (410) 547-6537 or (800) 510-0050 to register. Please note that program attendees cannot be in a foreclosure proceeding, and all program participants must be low-to-moderate income.

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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 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 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 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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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.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

Richard Ronay

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 30, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Richard Ronay of the Law Office of J. Richard Ronay for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Six people were able to meet with the attorneys to discuss issues related to breach of contract, home improvement, foreclosure, bankruptcy, guardianship, probate, and federal security clearances. The next program date is Wednesday, April 6, 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.