Category: Pro Bono

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, January 20, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Michael Darrow of Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A., for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Five people took part in the program and were able to speak with the attorney to request assistance with issues such as appeals procedure, deeds, garnishment, contracts, property, estates and trusts.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2016, two people took part in the program and were able to speak with our volunteer attorney, Richard Ronay of the Law Office of J. Richard Ronay, to request assistance with issues such as employment discrimination and defamation. The next program date at the Law Library is Wednesday, February 3, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and sign-up is via lottery at 10:45 a.m.

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, January 20, 2016. Nine people were able to meet with our volunteer attorneys, Alan Forman of Forman Clothier Law Group and Andrew DiBlasio of Staiti & DiBlasio, to discuss issues such as auto repair, business disputes, wills, real estate and security deposits. The next program date at the Glen Burnie Regional Library is February 17, 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.

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, January 13, 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. Six people took part in the program and were able to speak with the attorney to request assistance with issues such as employment, wills, car repair, contracts, defamation, attorney fees, and real estate. The next program date is Wednesday, January 20, 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.

Established in 1981 to meet Maryland’s unmet civil legal services needs, the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service is a private, non-profit legal services provider that serves Marylanders throughout the state. The Law Library’s partnerships with MVLS include the weekly Ask A Lawyer in the Library Program at the Law Library, the monthly Foreclosure Clinic at the Law Library, the monthly Ask A Lawyer in the Library Program at the Glen Burnie Regional Library, and the Personal Bankruptcy Clinics (select dates) at the Law Library. With 80% of low-income Marylanders representing themselves in court for civil matters, the Law Library’s partnerships are vital to promote access to justice for Marylanders. To learn more about MVLS, check out their 2015 Annual Report, which is available here.