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lawlibrary Legal Technology Pro Bono Self Represented

Getting Acquainted with the Law and the Justice System

Last month, a patron asked your friendly law librarian if Black’s Law Dictionary was a good place to begin reading if someone wanted to start learning about the law and the justice system. The answer is no — unless you really love reading dictionaries, in which case, the Law Library has several editions of Black’s Law Dictionary, Ballentine’s Law Dictionary and Bouvier’s Law Dictionary available for your perusal.

Where to start your research will really depend on your interests and goals. The library user that inspired this post did not have a specific question or topic in mind. He just thought it was a good idea to learn about the law and the justice system. If you’re of the same mind, then check out these resources, which will help you get started.

  • Court Websites
  • Legal Information Websites
  • Legal Encyclopedias
    • American Jurisprudence 2d – available in print and online through the Law Library’s WestlawNext subscription
    • Maryland Law Encyclopedia – available in print and online through the Law Library’s WestlawNext subscription

We will publish a more detailed post on each resource throughout the month of March, so stay tuned! There are many more great resources to help you get acquainted with the law and the justice system. If you would like more personalized guidance, please contact the Law Library!

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Pro Bono Self Represented

Expungement and Shielding Clinic Wrap-Up

Thank you to our volunteers!
Thank you to our volunteers!

Last week, the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) and the Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee sponsored a FREE Expungement and Shielding Clinic at the Glen Burnie Regional Library. Volunteer attorneys provided free legal assistance and information regarding expungement and shielding of criminal records on a first-come, first-served basis. 52 people took part in the program and over 200 petitions were filed!

The clinic was well coordinated and organized by Matthew Stubenburg, MVLS staff attorney and Director of IT, and Daria Pugh, paralegal.

Thank you to our volunteer attorneys! There were 13 volunteer attorneys, six of whom are from Anne Arundel County:

  • Michelle Moodispaw, Chair, Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee
  • Lauren Wallace, Co-Chair,  Anne Arundel Pro Bono Committee
  • Diane Wessel
  • Susan Mays
  • Robert Waldman
  • David Schult

In addition, seven of the volunteers are from other Maryland counties — we really appreciate your traveling to Glen Burnie to assist the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

  • Rob Johnson
  • Anthony Hayes Davis, II
  • Farrah Champagne
  • Lisa Magil
  • Melinda McBeth
  • Kia Chandler
  • Dwight Clark

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.

It is hoped that this will be a recurring event.  Dates for next fall are being considered now.

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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!

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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.

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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.