Tag: selfhelp

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lawlibrary Pro Bono

Ask A Lawyer In the Library – Wednesday Wrap-Up with Chris Boucher

Chris Boucher was the “Lawyer in the Library” today. Chris has been volunteering with this program for over nine years – since the first pilot during Law Week of 2009. He now shares the second Wednesday slot with Mike Valadez – with Chris coming in the even months and Mike in the odd numbered months.  Chris’ dedication and service is greatly appreciated by the many he has served.  Today the issues included understanding summary judgment, appeals, and amending a complaint.

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Chris Boucher

Chris Boucher has practiced law for 23 years and now has a solo practice that handles corporate matters, contracts and litigation. He is also half-time general counsel for a tech company.  He is the current president of the Maryland Defense Counsel, an organization for a fair, civil justice system comprised of those who represent defendants in civil cases including in-house counsel and government attorneys. When not practicing law Chris enjoys golf, boating, music and travel.

Chris has stayed with the “Ask a Lawyer” program for so long because he likes to help people and provide access to justice wherever he can.  He enjoys helping program participants learn about legal concepts and procedures in order to orient them in the system that they find themselves in.

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.

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lawlibrary Pro Bono

Ask A Lawyer In the Library – Wednesday Wrap-Up

On Wednesday, October 5, 2016 the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. The duo Mike Ragland and Jack Paltell  were, as they have  been for years, the “lawyers in the library.” Jack and Mike have volunteered on the first Wednesday of every month since 2009. Their dedication is truly appreciated by all they have helped.Six people took part in the program and were able to  to request assistance with issues such as trusts, guardianship, tax liens and credit card debt. The next program date is Wednesday,October 12 , 2016.jack-and-mike

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 – Report for August and September

In August and September, 18 attorneys volunteered 31 hours to help 77 people with legal issues such as bankruptcy, protective orders, wills, and family law for the Ask a Lawyer in the Library program .  The Eastport program just began in June and the numbers of those using the service is increasing from 3 at the first to 7 at the program held on September 27.  We are happy to welcome the new volunteers who have helped in this new location: Jerry Williams, Stacy Rice, Michelle Smith, Kelly Kylis, Elizabeth Pfenson, Matthew Chalker, Kathleen McLaughlin and Kurt Karsten.

The MVLS Foreclosure Clinic scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday of the month is now held during the same hours as the Ask A Lawyer in the Law Library program: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lately, only one person has attended giving them ample time to discuss their case with the volunteer attorney, Susan Mays.

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 program is also held at two additional locations, monthly, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:3o p.m. On the 3rd Wednesday of the month it is held  at the Glen Burnie Regional Library and on the last (not the 4th) Tuesday of the month at the Eastport -Annapolis Neck Community Library.  For more information, please see http://circuitcourt.org/legal-help/lawyer-in-the-library.

Do you have a family law matter? Family Law matters are best addressed by Family Law Self-Help Center which is located in the back of the law library.  For more information: http://www.circuitcourt.org/legal-help/family-law

Do you have a criminal case? The Office of the Public Defender provides legal services to eligible individuals. Information about the Office of the Public Defender is available at http://www.opd.state.md.us/.

Need help with a District Court matter such as landlord/tenant, small claims (less than $5,000), consumer matters, or return of property (replevin and detinue)? The District Court Self-Help Resource Center provides limited legal services for people who are not represented by an attorney. Services are provided in-person in the  Glen Burnie District Court at   at 7500 Gov. Ritchie Highway,Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061.  More information is available at: http://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/districtctselfhelpctr.html 

 

 

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask A Lawyer in the Library Expands to the Eastport Annapolis-Neck Community Library

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Carole Brown and Joan Bellistri

Eastport Annapolis-Neck Community Library offered its first “Ask a Lawyer in the Library” program on June 28, 2016.  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.

Four attorneys volunteered for the first night: Nathan Volke of the Law Offices of Laura E. Burrows; Carole Brown, Jimmy Praley of Lessans, Praley and McCormick; and Jerry Williams of Patel and Williams.

Jimmy Praley, Amanda Spino and Jerry Willliams
Jimmy Praley, Amanda Spino and Jerry Willliams

They were assisted by librarians Amanda  Spino of the Eastport Annapolis-Neck Community Library and Joan Bellistri of the Law Library. The attorneys were able to help with issues such as divorce, breach of contract and estate planning.

The “Ask a Lawyer” program  will continue monthly on the last Tuesday of the month. This is the second Anne Arundel County Public Library branch to offer the program with the other being  offered at the Glen Burnie Regional Library on the third Wednesday. The program is offered from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at both libraries. The next date for Eastport will be July, 26. The Glen Burnie program will resume on August 17.  It is also offered every Wednesday in the Anne Arundel County Public Law Library in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

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lawlibrary

Family Law Self Help Center Expansion in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court

The Ribbon Cutting for the Anne Arundel County Family Law Self Help Center (FLSHC) was held on Friday, June 24, 2016.  The area dedicated to the Family Law Self Help Center which is located in the Anne Arundel County Public Law Library has just about doubled.  The result is increased privacy and access for those using the services of the center. The expansion was made  possible by a grant from the Access to Justice Department of the Maryland Judiciary. Family Law Division funds were used as well to supplement the grant.

Family Law Self Help Center moved to the law library 5 years ago on April 25, 2011.  Since that time the law library and FLSHC have worked together to serve the needs representing themselves in family law issues such as divorce, child custody, visitation and name changes.  The law library provides a self-help computer room and collection of materials written for the non-attorney. Librarians are able to guide Center users to appropriate resources when referred by FLSHC staff.

Law Library Intern, Chi Song, was responsible for the grant application and management; research and ordering of the workstations and computer equipment;  and the planning and reorganization of the law library, including the moving of thousands of books.

View the slideshow to see the before and after.  

The event was covered by the Capital. Please see the 6/27 online article, “Self-help family law center expands, thanks to grants” written by Lauren Loricchio for more information, pictures and a video. (It was also published  in the  print Capital  on June 28, 2016 but titled “Fulfilling a growing need.”)

 

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lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer in the Library: Wednesday Wrap-Up

Richard Ronay
Thank you Richard!

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, June 29, 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. Five people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to worker’s compensation, property, civil procedure, landlord/tenant, and business litigation matters. The next program date is Wednesday, July 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.

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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, June 15, 2016, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Evelyn Spurgin of Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A., for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Four people took part in the program and were able to speak with the attorney to request assistance with discovery, insurance, and trust issues.

In addition, on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, the Law Library coordinated the Ask A Lawyer In The Library program with Paul Farmer of Gormley Jarashow Bowman LLC as our volunteer attorney. Five people took part in the program and were able to speak with the attorney to request assistance with guardianship, property, appeals, and estate issues. The next program date is Wednesday, June 29, 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

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, June 8, 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. Seven people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to small claims, traffic violations, wills, collections, foreclosure, bankrtupcy, and civil procedure. The next program date is Wednesday, June 15, 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
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, June 1, 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. Seven people were able to meet with the attorneys to discuss issues related to business litigation, foreclosure, lemon laws, worker’s compensation, and mechanic’s liens. The next program date is Wednesday, June 8, 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.
poster-paltell (1)
Thank you Jack!

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

Upcoming Clinics

The Law Library serves a wide range of communities, including self-represented litigants. In addition to providing self-represented litigants with reference, instruction, and referral services, the Law Library coordinates and hosts programs that provide limited legal advice and assistance for civil matters with various partners, including the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, the Anne Arundel County Local Pro Bono Committee, and the Anne Arundel Bar Association. Check out these upcoming clinics and programs!

Ask a Lawyer in the Library

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. 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.

Anne Arundel County Public Law Library

WHEN:  Every Wednesday
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: 8 Church Circle, Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401
Sign-Up Via Lottery at 10:45 a.m.

Eastport-Annapolis Neck Community Library

WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: 269 Hillsmere Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403
Sign-Up Via Lottery at 4:15 p.m.

Glen Burnie Regional Library – The Ask a Lawyer in the Library program at the Glen Burnie Regional Library is on hiatus for the summer. The next program date is Wednesday, August 17, 2016, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., with sign-up at 4:15 p.m.

SIGN-UP IS VIA LOTTERY for all three program locations. Sign-up begins fifteen minutes before the program’s start time on the day of the program. Names are pulled from the lottery to determine time slots. If there are more attendees than available time slots, the lottery will determine who is able to meet with the volunteer attorney.

Bankruptcy Clinic

Talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney about your personal bankruptcy matter.

WHEN:  Tuesday, June 7, 2016
9:00am-12:00p.m.
WHERE: 8 Church Circle, Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this program. Call the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers service at (410) 547-6537 or (800) 510-0050 or register online at http://mvlslaw.org/get-legal-help/apply-for-services. To learn more about bankruptcy and bankruptcy-related resources, check out this page.

Foreclosure Clinic

WHEN: Wednesday, June 15, 2016
1:00-3:00 p.m.
WHERE: 8 Church Circle, Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401

This program is FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED. Consultations typically last for 20 minutes. Please sign-up on the day of the program at the Law Library’s service desk. To learn more about foreclosure and foreclosure resources, check out this page.

Expungement Clinic

Volunteer attorneys provide program participants with free legal assistance and information concerning criminal records, including expungement and shielding.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 27, 2016
WHERE: 8 Church Circle, Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401

To learn more about expungement and expungement related resources, check out this page.

Are you looking for additional clinics and assistance? Then check out these resources for additional programs and service providers.

Please note that FAMILY LAW issues (e.g., divorce, custody, child support, name change) are best addressed by the Family Law Self-Help Center, which provides walk-in and telephone services, Monday through Friday. Follow the link for the center’s telephone and walk-in hours. If you are looking for family law assistance outside Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Courts website provides links to similar programs in other Circuit Courts here, with walk-in assistance programs available in most Circuit Courts.