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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

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.

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.

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 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

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, January 26, 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.

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 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.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

MVLS Annual Report

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.

Categories
lawlibrary Pro Bono Self Represented

Ask a Lawyer In the Library: Wednesday Wrap-up

photo 1 (3)
Thank you, Chris!

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, December 9, 2015, the Law Library hosted another successful Ask A Lawyer In The Library program. Thank you Chris Boucher for volunteering and providing this service to the public. Four people were able to meet with the attorney to discuss issues related to foreclosure, contracts, wills and injunctions.

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.