Tag: access_to_justice

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Summer Hiatus for Glen Burnie Lawyer in the Library Program

Josh Tabor and Adam McCormick
Welcome to our newest volunteers!

On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, the Law Library coordinated the Ask a Lawyer in the Library program at the Glen Burnie Regional Library. Ten people were able to meet with our volunteer attorneys to discuss issues related to family law, employment, living wills, and insurance. Thank you to our volunteer attorneys, which included veteran volunteer Alan Forman of the Forman Clothier Law Group, and two new volunteers:  Adam McCormick of the Law Office of Marla Zide, and Adam McCormick of Lessans, Praley & McCormick. Thank you Alan, Adam, and Josh!

This was the last program date before the summer break for the Glen Burnie Lawyer in the Library program. The next program date at the Glen Burnie Regional Library is Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

Don’t forget, the Law Library’s weekly Ask a Lawyer in the Library program will continue every Wednesday throughout the summer, and the next Law Library program date is Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

Alan Forman
Thank you Alan!

In addition, we have added the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library as a new location for the Lawyer in the Library program. The program dates at the Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library are 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.

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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Foreclosure Clinic Wrap-Up

mvls-logoOn Wednesday, March 16, 2016, the Law Library hosted its monthly Foreclosure Clinic. Four people were able to talk to an attorney about their foreclosure matters. Thank you Fani Kantartzis and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) for providing this much-needed service to Maryland’s self-represented litigants.

The next clinic date is scheduled for April 20, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Individuals are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Consultations usually last twenty minutes. Please sign up, in-person, at the Law Library’s main service desk on April 20, 2016.

We recommend that you prepare for your meeting with the attorney. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Bring all your paperwork or other information related to the foreclosure.
  • Write a list of specific questions. Organize your paperwork from most recent on top to oldest on bottom.
  • Write a list of specific questions.
  • Prepare a timeline of your matter, including any deadlines.

If you need assistance prior to the next clinic date, 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.
Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer In the Library: Wednesday Wrap-up

IMG_1127The 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 16, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Samuel Brown 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 foreclosure, property transfers, bankruptcy, estates, and vexatious litigation. The next program date at the Law Library is Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

In addition, the Glen Burnie Regional Library hosted the monthly Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Eleven people were able to meet with our volunteer attorney, Cliff O’Connor of Holmes & O’Connor, to discuss issues such as estates, property, collection, arbitration, wills, guardianship, appeals, disability, and trusts. The next program date at the Glen Burnie Regional Library is Wednesday, April 20, 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 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!

Categories
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.

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

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.