Tag: lawlibrary

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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

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

photo (2)
Thank you Joe!

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 10, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Joe Gormley and Paul Farmer of Gormley Jarashow Bowman LLC for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Seven people were able to meet with the attorneys to discuss issues related to employment, contracts, appeals in Circuit Court, wrongful death, estates and real estate.

Paul Farmer
Thank you Paul!

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 Libraries Library Legislative Day

MLA Legislative Day Wrap-Up

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On February 3, 2016, Librarians and library supporters from across the state of Maryland gathered in Annapolis to take part in the Maryland Library Association’s (MLA) Library Legislative Day. The day began here at the Law Library with a breakfast provided by the Law Library Association of Maryland (LLAM). During breakfast, Margaret Carty, Executive Director of MLA, and Denise Davis and Mary Baykan of the Legislative Panel of the Maryland Library Association (MLA) briefed attendees on current issues affecting public libraries in Maryland and provided talking points for library supporters to keep in mind as they met with their Maryland senators, delegates and other officials later in the day.

After the morning’s briefing, librarians and library supporters met with their legislators to discuss public libraries in Maryland and, in particular, the following two House Bills:

  • HB 138 – Task Force to Study the Placement of Library Services with the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland – This bill seeks the creation of a task force to study where the most effective place should be for Maryland public libraries within the current education framework as public libraries’ educational mission has expanded significantly since the current Maryland library law was written over 60 years ago.
  • HB 144 – Libraries – Regional, State, and County – Funding – This bill does not seek additional funds. Rather, it seeks to shorten the length of time to realize the full increase in funding support for public libraries that was previously passed by the General Assembly.

Later in the afternoon, Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) held its Annual Meeting at the Law Library. CML is a Maryland statewide network of individuals and organizations that advocates for libraries and library services. To learn more about CML, check out their website here. The evening concluded with the Library Legislative Reception at the Miller Senate Office Building. For more information, check out MLA’s website and the MLA Legislative Panel Blog!

Support Maryland Public Libraries! Marylanders are visiting and using public libraries more than ever before with 28 million Marylanders visiting a library in 2014, and more than 7 million people utilizing their public library to access the internet. Public libraries provide many Marylanders with their primary access to information services and technology. Educational opportunities at public libraries include programs and services for children to improve reading skills and STEM-related programs. Adult learners access continuing education at public libraries in a wide variety of areas such as basic computer skills, professional development and writing as well as job search assistance.

At the Law Library, which is open to the public, we organize and coordinate programs that connect Marylanders with free legal information and limited legal advice. This includes our weekly Ask a Lawyer in the Library program where people can sign up to talk to a volunteer attorney for up to twenty minutes about a civil, non-family law matter. Each month, we have a Foreclosure Clinic that connects people facing foreclosure with volunteer attorneys. In addition, the Law Library has hosted programs on personal bankruptcy and other legal topics. To date, over 2,600 people have received FREE legal information and limited legal advice on matters including auto accidents, bankruptcy, civil procedure, contracts, foreclosure, licenses, property, trusts and wills.

 

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask A Lawyer In the Library – Wednesday Wrap-Up

Mike Ragland
Thank you 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, February 3, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Mike Ragland and Jack Paltell for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Six people were able to meet with the attorneys to discuss issues related to civil citations, employment, trusts, property and whether to file a civil suit. The next program date is Wednesday, February 10, 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/.

poster-paltell (1)
Thank you Jack Paltell!

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 Libraries Library Legislative Day

MLA Legislative Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow, February 3, 2016 is the Maryland Library Association’s (MLA) Library Legislative Day. Librarians and library supporters from across the state of Maryland will convene in Annapolis to support and advocate for public libraries in Maryland. The day will begin here at the Law Library with a breakfast provided by the Law Library Association of Maryland (LLAM). During breakfast, the Legislative Panel of the Maryland Library Association (MLA) will provide a briefing on current issues affecting public libraries in Maryland and provide talking points for library supporters to keep in mind as they meet with their Maryland senators, delegates and other officials later in the day. For more information, check out MLA’s website and the MLA Legislative Panel Blog!

Why do we support and advocate for Maryland public libraries? The majority of Maryland’s total population are card carrying library users, and these 3 million plus library users span every age group. Public libraries provide support, resources and educational opportunities for children of all ages with programs such as pre-school reading preparedness, STEM and coding classes for school-aged children and summer learning opportunities. Library users also include adults of all ages and occupations. Maryland public libraries support and sustain Maryland’s workforce and communities through professional development, job search assistance and resume writing. Public law libraries, like the Anne Arundel County Public Law Library, provide library users, including self-represented litigants, with access to legal information and legal resources, which include FREE legal aid programs such as our weekly Ask A Lawyer in the Library Program and monthly Foreclosure Clinic.

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, 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.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer In the Library: Wednesday Wrap-up

Valadez
Thank you Mike!

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.

Categories
lawlibrary Maryland Law

The 2016 Edition of Michie’s Maryland Court Rules is available!

The 2016 Edition of Michie’s Maryland Court Rules is available at the Law Library!  The 2016 edition includes amendments adopted through October 20, 2015 and supersedes and replaces all previous editions and supplements.  The Maryland Rules are the rules of practice and procedure followed by Maryland courts and apply to all Maryland courts, unless noted otherwise.  Michie’s Maryland Rules are annotated, meaning that there are explanatory notes and comments added to the rules by the publisher’s editorial staff. Annotation sources include Maryland case law, the Maryland Law Review, the University of Baltimore Law Review, the University of Baltimore Law Forum and Opinions of the Attorney General.

If you are new to the Maryland Rules, the People’s Law Library has an online video tutorial on reading the Maryland Rules through Westlaw, which is available at http://www.screencast.com/t/My0FU44NZbwL.

Can I access the rules online? Yes, the current Maryland Code and Rules (without annotations) are available online, free of charge, through LexisNexis and Westlaw.  In addition, you can access the Law Library’s online subscriptions to LexisNexis and WestlawNext in-person at the library.

What about the superseded Maryland rules? The Law Library maintains copies of the superseded Maryland Rules from 1980 to the present in its collection. If you need to reference the superseded Maryland Rules, please drop by the Law Library’s service desk, and we can assist you in locating the appropriate resources.

Categories
lawlibrary Legal Technology

Online Databases in the Limelight – Verdict Search*

Online databases can be invaluable, time-saving  tools to any legal researcher as they provide organized access to a wide array of legal resources as well as sophisticated search tools.  Many online databases, including fee-based databases, are available at the Law Library, free of charge, to library patrons.  This month, the blog will feature six of the online databases available at the Law Library.

Are you looking for assistance with case valuation (i.e., what is the amount of money that you can reasonably expect in damages)?  Then look no further because the Law Library subscribes to VerdictSearch, an online database for verdict and settlement research.  VerdictSearch at the Law Library provides users with access to federal and state cases from Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. Search results may assist you with your trial research and strategy development.

How do I search on VerdictSearch? You can search by keywords (e.g., “car accident”) and then use any of the following filters:

  • Type of Injury (e.g., back, neck, head)
  • Venue (state and/or federal)
  • Case type (e.g., motor vehicle, insurance, wrongful death)
  • Award Type (e.g., verdict-plaintiff, settlement, mediated settlement)
  • Date Range (any range from 1988 to 2015)
  • Award Amount (e.g., less than $10,000, $10,000 to $100,000)

You can further refine their searches by plaintiff type (e.g., age, gender), expert name, attorney name, judge name, and insurance carrier. Once you have your results, VerdictSearch’s document delivery includes printing and email (PDF and Word).

Can I access VerdictSearch at the Library? Yes! The Law Library offers FREE, in-person access to VerdictSearch on a designated computer in our computer room. Please come to the service desk to request assistance in accessing VerdictSearch.

What to do if you need help with VerdictSearch? Please ask for help at the Law Library’s service desk. We can provide technical and research assistance.

Can I access the Law Library’s VerdictSearch subscription from home? No. The Law Library’s current subscription permits in-person use at the library only.

*This blog post is an update of a blog post previously published on December 22, 2014.

Categories
lawlibrary Legal Technology Self Represented

Online Databases in the Limelight – NOLO

Online databases can be invaluable, time-saving  tools to any legal researcher as they provide organized access to a wide array of legal resources as well as sophisticated search tools.  Many online databases, including fee-based databases, are available at the Law Library, free of charge, to library patrons.  This month, the blog will feature six of the online databases available at the Law Library.

NOLO publishes do-it-yourself manuals, a lawyer directory and form books in print and electronic formats all written in plain English, meaning that you do not need a legal background to understand the text. For legal research, NOLO’s materials can be a great starting point to get a general understanding of the law in a specific subject. Through the library’s online subscription, you have access NOLO’s publications, which include titles on topics such as auto accidents, bankruptcy, business law, criminal law, debt management, disability law, LGBT law, medical malpractice, real estate, small businesses, workers’ compensation and much more! You can search for specific keywords or browse titles. However, NOLO does not provide legal advice, and you should not consider these materials as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney.

Can I access NOLO at the Library? Yes! The Law Library offers FREE, in-person access to the NOLO database.

How to use NOLO in the Library? You can access NOLO from any of the public access computers available at the Law Library.

What to do if you need help with NOLO? Please ask for help at the Law Library’s service desk. We can provide technical and research assistance.

Can I access the Law Library’s NOLO subscription from home? No. The Law Library’s current subscription permits in-person use at the library only. However, NOLO offers many free articles on topics like accidents, bankruptcy, immigration, taxes, wills, and much more. You can access this free information at www.nolo.com.

Do you prefer print resources? Then check out the Law Library’s print collection of NOLO titles, which includes the following:

  • NOLO’s Encyclopedia of Everyday Law (SELF HELP KF387 .N65 2014);
  • NOLO’s Essential Guide to Divorce (SELF HELP KF535 .D67 2014);
  • NOLO’s Guide to Social Security Disability (SELF HELP KF3649 .M6 2014);
  • Patent, Copyright & Trademark (SELF HELP KF2980 .E44 2014);
  • Contracts: The Essential Business Desk Reference (SELF HELP KF801 .S75 2011);
  • Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries & Noise (SELF HELP KF639 .J67 2014);
  • Plus many more!

For more information about understanding legal research, including the difference between primary and secondary legal resources, check out these research guides.