COLLABORATION INSPIRATION
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
TEAMWORK DEDICATION
HOPE COMMITMENT 2020
THE UNPRECEDENTED EVENTS OF 2020 laid bare personal protective equipment for staff and for clients, and MISSION the deeply-rooted inequities that still plague our society. developing and following enhanced health and safety It was a year that exposed the fragility of our economy, protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control To provide high-quality legal services to Maryland’s poor through a mix of services and and the ugly truths of systemic racism. It was also a year and Prevention. marked by heroism, generosity, sacrifi ce, and innovation. to bring about the changes poor people want in the systems that affect them. MLA’s mission to help poor and marginalized people It was a year of resourcefulness, resilience, refl ection, and and communities was central to MLA’s decision to re-open reevaluation. It was a year of unspeakable sadness as well its doors in the summer of 2020 to assist clients, particularly as great joy. What started as a year like any other quickly VISION those who did not have access to technology or who became a year like no other. To lead in providing high-quality legal services; to build on mutual respect for lacked the skills to use it. Throughout all of these diffi cult The onset and rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in mid- challenges—the pandemic, the economic fallout, and the clients, staff, and others; to advocate for justice; and to add maximum positive March set the stage for a series of life-altering events. The racial reckoning—MLA’s staff and board were motivated value to all who request legal assistance. emergence of the pandemic, which took the lives of millions and inspired by MLA’s deeply embedded and enduring of people worldwide and close to a half-million in the United culture of “clients fi rst.” States, was particularly devastating for poorer communities As 2021 begins to leave its mark, it is good to refl ect upon the and for people of color, who were disproportionately excellent work that has been done over the years to serve the Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is a private, MLA PROVIDES LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR CLIENTS impacted. Businesses, nonprofi t organizations, and government civil legal needs of Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens. It has non-profi t law fi rm that provides free, civil FOR A VARIETY OF ISSUES, SUCH AS: agencies were forced to shut their doors to the public and been a challenging, sometimes arduous, but always fulfi lling dramatically cut services, leaving many out of work with few legal services to low-income individuals in journey. The most enduring takeaway, though, is the memory • Fighting unlawful evictions resources to sustain themselves and their families. Baltimore City and Maryland’s 23 counties of the many extraordinary and energetic individuals and • Advocating for improvement of In the midst of the COVID-19 chaos, an event so heinous institutions that combined their efforts to protect and advance from 12 offi ces. The fi rm provides life- substandard housing and so disturbing took place that captured the attention of the noble goals of human rights and access to justice for all. changing legal help to clients by handling the entire world. The slow, methodical killing of an unarmed It is an honor and a privilege to lead an organization with cases that involve a wide range of issues, • Acquiring critical health care and subdued black man, George Floyd, by a white police wide-ranging support from staff advocates, pro bono offi cer in Minneapolis shocked the conscience of all who including family, housing, government attorneys, Board members, members of the Equal Justice • Obtaining disability and other income assistance witnessed it. As the videotape of Mr. Floyd’s killing quickly Council and Equal Justice Associates, volunteers, foundations benefi ts, healthcare, education, circulated and replayed on social media and on national • Maintaining custody of children and obtaining, and government funders—most notably the Maryland employment, and consumer law. MLA and international television, the world witnessed, for 9 minutes Legal Services Corporation and the federal Legal Services preserving, or increasing child support and 29 seconds, Mr. Floyd’s struggle to breathe, under the also represents children in CINA (Child in Corporation—and all of the community partners who make weight of the offi cer’s knee pressing on his neck and back it possible for MLA to achieve equal access to justice for Need of Assistance) proceedings in 16 • Preventing foreclosures or mitigating their effects until he could breathe no more. People took to the streets to thousands of Marylanders each year. Thank you for your jurisdictions. Other vulnerable populations, collectively voice their outrage and to demand change and • Recovering unpaid wages consistent and multifaceted support of this work. such as homeowners facing foreclosure, accountability, not just for Mr. Floyd, but for all who came • Remedying fraudulent sales practices and before him and for all who would follow. These demonstrations migrant and seasonal farm workers, people marked an important milestone in our nation’s ongoing fi ght predatory contracts with developmental and mental health for human rights and equal access to justice. disabilities, nursing home and assisted living • Restoring utilities Over the past year, with many businesses and government residents, and veterans seeking benefi ts agencies physically closed to the public and struggling • Dealing with debts and debt collectors to keep pace with the demand for social services and and assistance with related legal issues, • Obtaining unemployment benefi ts other life-sustaining assistance, MLA’s advocates met the also receive representation through challenge of COVID-19 with ingenuity, creativity, and special projects. • Obtaining protection against domestic violence fortitude. MLA mounted a courageous response to the ravages of COVID-19 by seamlessly transitioning daily Warren S. Oliveri, Jr., Esq. Wilhelm H. Joseph, Jr., Esq. • Securing educational services operations from an offi ce-based model to a work-from- Board President Executive Director home format. Outreach to communities via social media • Expunging criminal records to remove barriers to and other digital and electronic means of communication obtaining housing, employment, child custody, was increased. Every effort was employed to maximize and a driver’s license services while protecting the health and safely of all, including securing special funding to purchase appropriate
3 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 4 TIMELINE
Staff Attorney Kim Staff from MLA’s Lower Director of Marketing & Connaughton returned to Easton Shore offi ce Communications Ashley hosting in-person, socially- participated at outreaches Cheatham received the distanced clinics at the Ruth at Pittsville Elementary Daily Record’s VIP Award. Enlow Library in Garrett County. and United Way to reach migrant farm workers.
SEP Pro Bono Paralegal Sherrese MLA welcomed Campbell (right) and Stuart “Stu” Simms MLA Deputy Chief as the new Counsel Amy Petkovsek Chief Counsel. participated at a clinic at Word of God Ministries in Baltimore. MLA began a OCT CLIA (Community JAN partnership with BARCS Law in Action) AUG to provide civil legal MLA received a two- students and their assistance to pet owners year, $50K grant from the MLA mentors traveled Staff from MLA’s Lower experiencing civil Hirschhorn Foundation to to important Baltimore Eastern Shore offi ce MLA volunteer Steve Joffe was legal issues. support its Long-Term Care City institutions including participated at a recognized by the Baltimore Assistance Project. the Enoch Pratt Free FEB COVID-19 outreach Ravens for his volunteerism. Eviction advocacy in Library and Morgan and food distribution in Salisbury. MLA’s Prince George’s State University. MLA’s Lawyer in County offi ce was the Schools held featured in the NOV MLA submitted Staff Attorney Chief Operating outreach events at MLA followed appropriate Washington Post. public comments Tim Darby Offi cer Gustava Commodore John health and safety guidelines on proposed changes participated at “Gusty” Taler Rodgers and Arlington and re-opened walk-in to the continuing a legal clinic received the Daily Elementary Schools. intake at a limited capacity. Social Security held at Rodwell Record’s Most MLA held its disability recipients Elementary/ Infl uential annual All Staff Baltimore City review process. Paralegal Waleska Marylanders JUL & Board Middle School Blotny was interviewed Award. Conference and dressed as a MAR by NBC Telemundo virtually. crab for the children. on renters' rights and MLA partnered with Johns State of Emergency civil legal information Hopkins, Out for Justice, and Jobs. declared due to and resources during Opportunities Task Force for their COVID-19; MLA COVID-19. fi rst expungement clinic. temporarily transitioned DEC to remote operations MLA presented about MLA hosted its MLA’s Lower Eastern Shore and closed its programs and annual “Coats & offi ce moved to a new walk-in intake. services to the offi ce of Clinics” events. location on Main Street in Congressman Executive Director Wilhelm downtown Salisbury. Andy Harris. Joseph, Deputy Chief Counsel Amy Petkovsek, MLA’s Community MLA issued a public JUN and Supervising Attorney Lawyering statement about the Ashley Mariner received Staff Attorney Lindsay Initiative began MLA’s Equal Justice APR murder of George Floyd. the Daily Record’s Bramble co-hosted a a partnership Council and Equal Leadership in Law Award. Facebook Live event with with Paul’s Justice Associates TurnAround, Inc., “Coping Child Advocacy staff Place to host kicked off their annual with Traumatic Stress from held a socially-distanced campaign virtually Chief Attorney Sunny Desai weekly clinics. the Legal Perspective.” celebration for a former MLA during a organized a MLA staff campaign client who graduated from Zoom wine to raise close to $4,000 for the Morgan State University. tasting. Maryland Food Bank. MLA sent letters to clients and donors about its continued MAY MLA produced videos operations during the about eviction, divorce and COVID-19 pandemic. child custody, and created a special COVID-19 Legal MLA formed its COVID-19 Re-Opening Committee to Information & Resources examine and determine best practices to safely re-open web page. MLA offi ces at a limited capacity to staff and clients.
5 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 6 MLA’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19
In mid-March 2020, MLA temporarily closed walk-in intake at each of its offi ce locations and many staff began to work from home. Those in need of assistance could continue to access MLA’s services through telephone and online intake. In July 2020, in accordance with the State’s Re-Opening Plan and that of the Maryland Judiciary, MLA re-opened its doors, on a limited basis, to walk-in clients.
In preparation for the re-opening, MLA formed a committee composed of employees representing different MLA offi ces, job functions, and areas of operations (e.g., client service delivery, offi ce management, technology, facilities, communications, and human resources). Over a period of two months, the committee engaged in ADVOCATES FIGHT EVICTIONS intense research and discussions, and ultimately drafted a detailed AMID THE PANDEMIC set of guidelines and procedures to help managers create plans and schedules to safely re-open MLA units/offi ces to staff, clients, and and the advocates who represent them. With Attorney visitors on a limited basis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Portnov’s help, Ms. B.'s Failure to Pay Rent case was The Committee’s work included consultations with experts from MLA advocates represented and stayed until summer 2021. fought to preserve housing for Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), Maryland’s medical Staff Attorney Barret Claunch represented two domestic health system, and other legal services providers, to learn about current clients while navigating State and violence survivors, Ms. C. and Ms. J., in a Breach of Lease safety standards and protocols and how those measures could be Federal moratoriums and other case. Both clients were separately evicted from a safe house for survivors during the height of the pandemic, effectively implemented at MLA. Their guidance, and that of others, temporary protections put in when a State of Emergency and moratorium on evictions as well as recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and place for tenants. were in effect. Prevention (CDC), helped MLA devise its own guidelines to effectively The fi nancial fallout of the pandemic will continue to MLA’s legal intervention during the pandemic helped and safely continue in-person operations and service delivery. As an impact individuals and families going forward. The both clients stay in the safe house through December pandemic has only intensifi ed the existing affordable 2020, and will enable them to rent again without a example, in addition to the purchase and distribution of signifi cant housing shortage, and the increased loss of wages, judgment damaging their records. quantities of personal protective equipment, a health assessment form, due to layoffs and closed businesses, has only made Staff Attorneys Carl Earlhardt and Walker Stump-Coale translated into several languages, was developed for anyone entering matters worse. helped Ms. N. avoid eviction during the pandemic by As courts re-open and dockets resume, MLA anticipates MLA’s offi ces to complete. MLA also created a special COVID-19 Legal proving at her Failure-to-Pay-Rent hearing that she was a fl ood of eviction cases, many of which will involve Resources & Information web page, produced a series of YouTube current on her rent. unlawful evictions. The following are snapshots of MLA videos about various legal issues resulting from or exacerbated by the clients who faced eviction during the health crisis. pandemic, and sent letters to clients about MLA's offi ce closures with Staff Attorney Nicole Portnov represents Ms. B. who In 2020, guidance on how to stay in touch with their advocates. Because of the lost her job due to the pandemic and is now facing MLA helped continued spread of COVID-19, MLA had to close its doors to walk-in eviction. Due to a legal loophole, Ms. B., and many intake again in November 2020, but was able to re-open in March 2021, others like her, did not qualify for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) eviction moratorium 1, 0 5 8 in concert with the Maryland Courts’ re-opening. and were at risk of becoming homeless during the people avoid pandemic. CNN covered Ms. B.’s story, which sheds eviction or light on how this loophole is a serious concern among foreclosure many individuals and families throughout the country
7 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 8 CRITICAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SECURED
$784,845: Total amount in under the federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This included MLA unemployment benefi ts that MLA distributing 26,000 fl yers to residents in nursing homes, recovered for clients in 2020 many of which had to be updated each time the federal government revised the CARES Act. CHILD ADVOCACY CASE In 2020, MLA’s Administrative Law advocates were Clients who applied for unemployment benefi ts were presented with an infl ux of unemployment, nursing SETS MARYLAND PRECEDENT often frustrated by the lack of information about home and long-term care cases, many of which the status of their applications. MLA used innovative resulted from the pandemic. Faced with lockdowns negotiation and litigation tactics to receive status of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, MLA Attorney Holmes appealed, challenging the trial court’s updates on clients’ applications that had gone Staff Attorney Margaret Holmes advocates relied on creative and non-traditional decision, but the Court of Special Appeals affi rmed the unanswered, resulting in clients receiving unemployment methods to reach current and prospective clients to from MLA’s Anne Arundel/Howard trial court’s decision. Undeterred, Attorney Holmes and benefi ts to help them sustain their basic human needs. inform them about their civil legal rights, as well as offi ce secured a precedent- DSS fi led a petition to request review of the decision benefi ts and provisions they were eligible to receive setting victory in a child by the Maryland Court of Appeals. Attorney Holmes argued that the imposition of the preponderance of the advocacy case argued before evidence standard at the shelter care hearing departed Unemployment Assistance in Anne Arundel County the Maryland Court of Appeals. from the norms of child advocacy practice and “would When Governor Hogan issued a State of Emergency Feeling desperate, Mr. H. tried to contact the endanger children’s lives in the future.” On August 14, Attorney Holmes represented an infant who showed order for Maryland, Mr. H. had been working as a Department a number of times over many days and 2020, the Maryland Court of Appeals issued its ruling signs of serious abuse and neglect by the infant’s bartender at a restaurant in Anne Arundel County. All months, but never received a response. affi rming Attorney Holmes’s argument that the trial court parents. Attorney Holmes and the Anne Arundel County restaurants were forced to close due to COVID-19, and applied the incorrect standard, and that the trial court With gudiance from MLA’s Chief Counsel Stuart Simms, Department of Social Services (DSS) fought to place Mr. H. found himself unemployed. With ongoing health can, indeed, take action to protect a child at the initial MLA’s Director of Advocacy for Administrative Law the infant in shelter care for his protection, but the trial issues and no job, Mr. H. was extremely concerned about shelter care hearing if there are reasonable grounds to Cornelia Bright Gordon, and Supervising Attorney court rejected the plea, citing the need for DSS to meet his livelihood during the pandemic. believe that the child is in danger of abuse or neglect. Danielle Chappell from MLA’s Anne Arundel/Howard its burden “by a preponderance of the evidence.” With The result is a major victory for child welfare advocates Mr. H. applied for unemployment benefi ts through the offi ce advocated for and negotiated on behalf of Mr. only a few hours to prepare for the shelter care hearing, and the human rights of children in Maryland. Maryland Department of Labor and received benefi ts H., who was able to receive almost $6,000 in retroactive there was no time to subpoena doctors to appear at the from April to July 2020. However, his benefi ts stopped unemployment benefi ts. hearing. As a result, the infant was returned to his parents. abruptly without any explanation or notice from the Mr. H. shared, “I really want to share my appreciation for Department. this good and great organization and how you protect In 2020, MLA helped: those who are troubled and pressed upon. Thank you.” In 2020, MLA 126 represented people obtain 8,254 254 critical medical abused and people b e n e fi t s neglected obtain children a will 9 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 10 PRO BONO SUPPORT REUNITES FAMILIES
Pro Bono Attorney Nicholas they listened and helped me.” LEGAL HELP RESOLVES McDaniels and Staff Attorney Attorneys McDaniels and Nance asked the court to expedite Ms. S.’s motion for contempt and modifi cation UNSAFE LIVING CONDITIONS Jenny Nance helped Ms. S. of custody and visitation, which was scheduled as soon when she attended a MLA as the courts reopened in September. Ms. S.’s ex-husband Lawyer in the Schools clinic did not appear for the hearing, and even contacted Ms. Ms. A. had been experiencing During the four months that Ms. A. waited for her S. the night before the hearing to try to convince her that hearing, large termite mounds began to grow on to receive help with a child the hearing had been cancelled. problems with her Cambridge rental the ceiling in one of the home’s bedrooms. While the custody issue. In September 2020, Attorneys McDaniels and Nance ceiling was eventually fi xed, a tarp was placed over home since September 2019. In her Ms. S.'s ex-husband had custody of their two children won Ms. S.’s case, and she was awarded sole physical the window with complete exposure to the outside. daughter’s bedroom, rainwater under a settlement agreement that she signed after and legal custody of her children and a money Due to the pandemic, even housing inspectors fl eeing from his abuse and moving into a domestic judgement for the payments she was due under the leaked from a hole in the ceiling. had limited access to the premises. Ms. A. had to violence shelter. Ms. S. felt powerless to bargain with couple’s divorce settlement. Ms. S.’s children are now coordinate with inspectors and repairmen, all while Her landlord responded by telling her to place a tarp her ex-husband and thought that letting their children living with her again in Maryland. managing a family in the midst of a pandemic and on the roof to cover the hole. In addition to the leaky continue to live with him in the home that the children Pro Bono Attorney McDaniels shared, “I consider living in an unsafe home. However, Ms. A. continued roof, Ms. A. had also reported to her landlord that the had grown up in would maintain a stable life for them. working with MLA in the provision of pro bono services home had mold, termites, and a washing machine that to set aside the total amount of rent she owed since A few years after their divorce was fi nalized, Ms. S.’s ex- an essential part of my practice and an even more constantly leaked water. Months later, her landlord had the courts had closed before she was able to place husband quit his job and told her that he was unable central part of my duty in the practice of law. Ms. S. had not fi xed the substandard condition of the home. When the money in to escrow.. “At many times, I was very to pay his mortgage. He went to visit family out of state an incredibly high stakes case, which produced such the ceiling in her daughter’s bedroom eventually caved frustrated,” shared Ms. A. “But I remained calm and in for a few months where he planned for the couple’s outstanding results due to her devotion to her children in, Ms. A. turned to MLA’s Lower Eastern Shore offi ce in regular contact with Attorney Harris, who reassured me children to spend the summer with him, which they did. and the seamless cooperative effort between myself December 2019 for assistance. that I would be okay.” Her ex-husband planned to return to Maryland with and MLA Attorney Nance.” At the hearing in August, Attorney Harris negotiated Staff Attorney Rachel Harris assisted Ms. A. in fi ling a their children to fi nd a new place to live before the a settlement with Ms. A.’s landlord that included rent Rent Escrow action in District Court. Ms. A.’s hearing, start of the school year, and Ms. S. was fi ne with that abatement for seven months for a total of $5,250, rent which was originally scheduled for March 2020, was plan. However, after a few months, her ex-husband still paid for August and September at the reduced amount postponed twice due to COVID-19 court closures, had not returned with their children. Right before the of $400 per month, and Ms. A. was able to move out of In 2020, and the second time because Ms. A.’s landlord start of the school year, Ms. S.’s ex-husband cut off all the home by the end of September 2020. Despite the MLA helped contracted COVID-19 and was unable to appear in communication with her, leaving her without a way to interruptions to the legal process due to the pandemic, court. Ms. A. would not have a hearing until months contact her children. later in August 2020. MLA was able to resolve Ms. A.’s legal issue so that she 146 could relocate to a new home with her family. Ms. S. shared, “I tried to fi nd help at other places, parents secure but because I don’t speak English very well, people custody of ignored me. But when I came to Lawyer in the Schools, their children
11 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 12 Supervising Attorney Cindy Ye and Staff Attorney Mariel Shutinya during MLA's weekly Legal Lunch & Learn
2020 Coats and Clinics Amid the pandemic, MLA took signifi cant safety precautions to distribute free and new Macy’s coats and legal advice during its annual “Coats & Clinics” events held in December. MLA partnered with Clothes4Souls, Macy’s, and local community organizations to distribute 2,300 new coats to adults and children in need at the events, which were hosted in Baltimore City at Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries, and in MLA’s Community Lawyering Prince George's County at Spaulding Library. Initiative Financially eligible adults also received free MLA’s Community Lawyering Initiative (CLI) help to resolve their civil legal issues and brings life-changing legal assistance directly expunge their criminal records. In addition, to underserved neighborhoods. The concept MLA’s 2020 All Staff & Board Conference MLA hosted a number of smaller Coats and for the Initiative began in 2015 when MLA On November 17, MLA virtually held its 2020 All Staff & Board Conference via Zoom. The theme Clinics events with local public schools and launched a weekly Lawyer in the Library of the conference was “2020 Vision.” Session topics included Five Years after the Death of community partners. program at the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Freddie Gray; Racial Inequities during the COVID-19 Pandemic; and Managing Anxiety and Pennsylvania Avenue Branch following the Information Consumption. There were also some fun and light-hearted games for staff to enjoy. civil unrest in Baltimore. Since then, demand for this innovative program has increased signifi cantly and CLI has become an integral 2020 MCLA Update Maryland Courts Help Centers also assist part of MLA's service delivery. with a broad range of issues including The Maryland Center for Each year, CLI presents a number of weekly custody, divorce, and expungement Legal Assistance (MCLA) is and monthly legal and expungement clinics of criminal records via phone, live a wholly-owned subsidiary coordinated and hosted in partnership chat, and the walk-in of MLA. Through a contract 9 6,13 8: with community organizations from around center in Frederick. Number of visitors with the Maryland Judiciary, assisted by the the state, as well as an expansion of the MCLA operates the District In March 2020, when the Centers Maryland Courts Help Lawyer in the Library program to other library Court Help Centers in Baltimore City, Cambridge, closed due to COVID-19 and the and District Court locations throughout Maryland. This year, Catonsville, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown, Salisbury, and provision of walk-in assistance Help Centers in COVID-19 forced MLA’s CLI activities online, Upper Marlboro, and the Maryland Courts Help Centers was no longer possible, MCLA 2020 where the team hosted weekly Legal Lunch in Frederick and Annapolis (call center). The District Court successfully transitioned to remote & Learns via Facebook and YouTube. Before Help Centers are walk-in facilities that assist with District operations, which included expanding its the pandemic forced a shutdown, CLI held Court civil matters, including landlord-tenant, small claims, call center and online capabilities to continue 62 in-person clinics. debt collection and protective orders. In addition, the serving individuals. MLA staff unpacked, organized and distributed 2,300 new coats to children and adults in need
Community Law in Action Lawyer in the Schools In January and February 2020, MLA Staff Attorneys Carl Ehrhardt and MLA’s Lawyer in the Schools program connects pro bono attorneys with families of students Marja Plater gathered a team of mentors to help CLIA (Community who attend Baltimore City public schools and who are in need of civil legal assistance and Law in Action) high school students review college essays, observe criminal record expungements. MLA staff and pro bono attorneys assist families and community court proceedings, meet judges, volunteer for local non-profi ts, visit members through in-person and virtual legal clinics, Know Your Rights presentations, and and tour important Baltimore City institutions, including Enoch Pratt school resource fairs and community events. MLA has prioritized partnerships with 10 Baltimore Free Library's Central branch and Morgan State University, conduct City public schools to ensure attorneys can reach as many communities as possible. MLA also mock interviews, set career goals, and much more. After the schools leverages other school resources, such as afterschool programs, Truancy Court, and food shutdown due to COVID-19, MLA implemented a pen pal system to Staff Attorney Jenny pantries, to provide families with coordinated, holistic assistance. In 2020, MLA's Lawyer in the Nance at Furley Schools program held 57 legal clinics and conducted outreach at 107 events. (See p. 8 for keep in touch with the students. Elementary School in Baltimore City client story.)
13 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 14 MLA’s Pro Bono Program MLA's Pro Bono Program provides attorneys with opportunities to learn new areas of law through trainings, legal clinics, participation Equal Justice Council Equal Justice Associates in MLA's task forces on substantive areas of law, and mentorship. In MLA’s Equal Justice Council MLA’s Equal Justice Associates Christopher Conn 2020, 204 pro bono attorneys provided legal assistance to clients. (EJC) actively promotes (EJA) is a group of attorneys Venable’s Loaned PRO BONO ATTORNEYS equal access to justice for under the age of 40 that Maryland’s most economically support MLA’s mission of Associates Program Castell Abner, Jr. Gina Cuomo Will Hudson disadvantaged and vulnerable providing equal access to civil Since 2016, Venable LLP and MLA Richard Adams Aaron DeGraffenreidt Glendora C. Hughes residents by increasing and legal assistance for low-income have engaged in a unique partnership Sarah Adkisson Stephanie Delang Daraius Irani diversifying MLA’s resources, Marylanders through pro through Venable’s Loaned Associates Scott Alban Jason DeMarchi Kendall T. Jaeger fi nancial and otherwise, bono service and fundraising. Program. Through this program, Venable Mary Albrecht-Jordan Rina Desai Christopher Jennison and serving as ambassadors In addition to organizing pro EJA/EJC 2020 associates work for six months at a time Christopher Anderson Connor Desmond Marilyn Harris on behalf of MLA. The EJC bono service opportunities, Virtual Campaign Kickoff at MLA. This signifi cant support means Tasnima Apol Joanna Diamond Janell Johnson is composed of managing fundraising activities, and that MLA and its clients benefi t from the Patrick Arban Timothy Dickens Jennifer Jones On December 3, 2020, the EJC attorneys from Maryland’s top social networking events, EJA work of experienced lawyers at no cost, Jo Bahn Alyssa Domzal Jordan Jones and the EJA held a joint Campaign law fi rms and other prominent members also receive high- as Venable covers their salaries. In turn, Angelica Bailey John Driscoll Cheree Jones Kickoff event virtually by Zoom. members of the Maryland Bar quality training and mentoring the associates have opportunities to Rebecca Baird Herb Dubin Ashley Jones The event included a wine tasting and corporate community. from MLA attorneys in a variety enhance their litigation skills, manage Michael Bakhama Elizabeth Duncan Elizabeth Kameen and a presentation from Chief of practice areas. their own cases, and take the lead with Timothy Barkley Louis Ebert Julian Karpoff Equal Justice Council Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the client interactions. Hasson Barnes Mark Edelson Clayton Keir Leadership EJA Leadership Maryland Court of Appeals. The Mark Bell Courtney Edmonds Megan Kemp Co-Chairpersons: combined efforts of the EJC and Christopher Conn joined MLA's Chair: Daniel Bird Karen Elliott William Kiniry Martin S. Himeles, Jr., Esq. Darryl L. Tarver, Esq. EJA throughout the year helped to Baltimore City Housing/Consumer Unit in Deborah Birnbaum Raenetta Ellison Laura Klein Lee H. Ogburn, Esq. raise more than $280,000 in 2020. December 2020 as a Venable Loaned Vice Chair: Michael Blow Meaghan Falkanger Kimberly Knipe Ernie Dominguez, Esq. Associate. He received his law degree Jacob Bradshaw Abbie Flanagan Richard Lebovitz Secretary: from Georgetown University Law School Kimberly Braslow Josh Friedman Jaime Lee Aaron DeGraffenreidt, Esq. and his Masters of Public Health from Marc Broady Alan Garten Michael Levin Treasurer: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Cheri Brooks MacKenzie Garvin Adam Levine Alicia Shelton, Esq. Public Health. Christopher’s previous Kevin Burke Chanekqua Geddis Ryan Lewis Member-At-Large: experience includes working as a legal Melissa Buskirk Leesha M. Gillis Kim Lewis Megan E. Davis, Esq. intern with the Mental Health Division Haesun Burris-Lee Joseph Githuku Kenneth Libby Pro Bono Chair: of the Maryland Offi ce of the Public Joanna Diamond, Esq. Charles Butler Maureen Glackin Richard London Defender. Renee Byrd Chaitra Gowda Yong Lu “Working at MLA during the COVID-19 Sherrese Campbell Nakita Green Camille C. Malone pandemic has been a transformational Jennifer Cardin Sibilla Grenon Christopher Magnani and humbling experience,” Attorney Cate Cardinal Melanie Griffi th Lauren Maher Jenna Morris Nick Patten Cecelia Scheeler Cheryl Taragin Carrie Weinfeld Conn shared. “The pandemic has Pamela Carmody Sara Gross Dondrae Maiden Tom Morris Alison Peteranecz Sara Schwartzman Darryl Tarver Rachael Westmoreland had an outsized effect on many of Shannon Carroll Edward J. Gutman Kimberly Mann Joanna Moskwa Jason Piatt Lila Secener Gene Thieroff Linda Wiles MLA’s clients, and I am grateful for the Lucy Chang Wendy Hadfi eld David Manoogian Aron Mozes Lisa Piccinni Jason Shafer Brian Thompson Scott Williams opportunity to advocate on their behalf. Christopher Chaulk Kay Harding Stephen Martin Jordan L. Myers Heather Polzin Alicia Shelton Neill Thupari Cameron Williams I also cannot say enough good things Peter Chin Michelle Harner Elizabeth McClellan John Nasta Tary Porzio Tracy Shelton Muriel Tinkler Jasmine Williams about the team that MLA has assembled. Katy Clemens Christopher Hatfi eld Nicholas McDaniels Molly Nicholl Emily Puhl Ivan Shutinya Meredith St. Clair Trego Alicia Wilson In addition to providing high-quality Monica Coaxum James Heintz Audrey McFarlane Jeff Nesson Nijah Richardson Kerri Smith Tracy Tyler Flavia Wilson legal services to their clients, MLA’s James Collins Stan Hellman Rob McGarrah Lee Ogburn Meaghan Richmond Brandon Sousa Angela Vallario Wendy Wolock lawyers and staff have found time to be Gary Compton Kira Hettinger Michelle M. McGeogh Marilyn Ogburn Debra Rosenman Eric Sprague Peter Vanderloo Viola Woolums terrifi c mentors and instructors. I am so John Condliffe Brandyn Hicks Patricia McLean Sean O’Keefe James Rzepkowski Franzell Starkey Allyson Veile Caylin Young thankful for their willingness to always Stephen C. Craig, Jr. Brian Hochheimer Sayra Meyerhoff Olamide Orebamjo Stephen Salsbury Robert Summers Laura Venezia discuss the challenging legal issues that Leonard Croft Alexandria Hodge Kristina Miller Chelsea Ortega Krystle Sanders Jamshed Suntoke Gerard Vetter impact clients on a daily basis.” Eric Crowder Lorenzo Holloway Gregory Mokodean Stephen Park Jane Santoni Amanda Swietlik Matthew Vocci Zoe Cumberland Ryan Horka Alexandria Montanio Octavia Parks Andrew Scott Elizabeth Symonds Derek Van De Walle
15 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 16 2020 DONORS *Law Firms of Distinction Susan Dishler Shubin - Suzzanne W. Decker Paula M. Carmody Carl Lewis Moore Dennis Baird Loretta Cook Judith D. Heimlich Daniel Mayer Victoria Sims contributed a minimum In memory of Dr. Charles Shubin Justin Elszasz R. Stephen Carroll Charles R. Moran Angela Ball Honorable Charlotte M. Cooksey Bruce M. Herschlag Virginia Mayer Everett Smith of $300 per attorney. Gustava E. Taler Kirsten M. Eriksson Susan J. Chaitovitz- Sarah Morgan Jamar Barnes Gordon M. Cooley Terrence Hickey George McAleese Steven W. Smith PINNACLE PARTNERS Richard Ufford Howard R. Erwin, Jr. For MLA’s Frederck Offi ce Susan Howe Baron Melinda Coolidge Brian Higgins John E. McCann, Jr. $100,000 TO $500,000 Carlton Moss Jasmine Solomon Daniel Stephen Volchok Honorable Deborah & Jonathan E. Claiborne Steven Mullen Cecily E. Baskir Thomas B. Corey- Simba Hodari Doris A. McCleod The Leonard and Andrew P. Sonin Richard L. Wasserman Honorable James Eyler Christine M. Clements In honor of Charles Dorsey Sasha Hodge-Wren Michelle McGeogh Helen R. Stulman Timothy Munn Samuel Bayne Raymond Speciale Annette R. Fries John Connolly Robert S. Beasley Carol Crawford Diane J. Curran & Michael McGinn Charitable Foundation PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE John H. Murray Tawanda Spence $1,000 TO $2,499 Antonio Gioia Graham Cowger James Becker Gia Cribbs Ferdinand Hoefner Charitable Darius McHenry PREMIER PARTNERS Hong Park Shelley Spencer Heather Croft Scott Horne Clifton McKee $50,000 TO $99,999 Mark Anderson Alexandra Gordon- In honor of Christopher Crawford Matthew R. Paulson Herbert J. Belgrad Cornelia Bright Gordon Martin F. Cunniff Katerina Horska Cheryl McLeod Kathryn A. Stackhouse Mental Wellness Foundation, Inc. Blades & Rosenfeld, P.A. Alexander P. Creticos Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Deon Woods Bell Jonathan J. Huber John Curran Arthur G. House Thomas McMohan Michael Steffen The Venable Foundation, Inc. Courtney Ann Blair Megan Davis Garrison LLP Juliana Bell Patrick Hughes Theresa Czarski Jacob Howley William Steinwedel Carlos A. Braxton Anthony Hayes Davis, II Susan M. Pellegrino Honorable Robert M. Bell Michael McRae MVP PARTNERS Milos Jovanovic Gislin Dagnelie Susan Huber Ann Stephanos Ward B. Coe, III Kathleen M. Donahue Marc Postman David E. Beller Brendan McTaggart $25,000 TO $49,999 Hilary Dalin- Dedicated to Reed Hunter Andrew Keir Caressa Bennet Melissa Meek Alice L. Sternberg The David and Barbara B. Vincent Daly James C. Doub Marc W. Pound MLA’s Lawyers & Advocates Brian Kelly Hina Hussain Jana Meyer Hirschhorn Foundation Law Offi ces of Frank F. Daily, P.A. Zachary S. Ehudin Kelly A. Powers Howard Benowitz Sheila Stewart Mira Davidovski Carla Jablonski- Paul W. Kim- For Luther Blackston Cindy Berardino Barbara A. Meyers Cynthia Stewart George W. McManus Jr. Jessica A. duHoffmann Mahasin S. El Amin Zachary S. Price Celia Anderson Davis In memory of Sylvan Sack Foundation Fund of the Baltimore Mary M. Kwei Abigail Bertumen Robert E. Michelson Lynne M. Durbin Thomas Farrington Eric Ransom Michael A. Dean Jean Jacquermetton Jonathan Stoian Community Foundation Sravant Lavu Chanda Betourney John R. Mietus, Jr. Ellin & Tucker Molly Ferraioli Jeffrey D. Renner Pamela de Coteau Theresa Jaffe Sarah Story Brian P. Hochheimer & Stephen M. LeGendre Rachel Wolpert Bitter Christian Miller Marjorie Wax Kathryn & Honorable Maria Filardi Russell R. Reno, Jr. Michael M. DeLong- In honor of Marcus Jenkins Jennifer Streets Susan H. Longley George Blumenthal Mr. & Mrs. David B. Mitchell John F. Fader, II Jessica Finberg George K. Reynolds, III Annie Lord’s Birthday LaShawn Johnson Jarrett Stroman Kramon & Graham P.A.* Jeffrey Moore Jason W. Fernandez Michael Love Hilary Bok Edward Dexter Open Society Foundations Scott W. Foley Melissa Rhea Zita Johnson-Betts James A. Sullivan, Jr. Cullen Macbeth James Boland Ranjit Dhindsa Daniel Moylan Dr. Henry E. Fessler David G. Rhodes, Jr. Amanda Joiner Steven M. Sullivan VIP PARTNERS Mark Freedman Rajesh Nair William K. Freienmuth Anna A. Mahaney Marcus Boston Neil J. Dilloff Stephen Jorden $10,000 TO $24,999 Elaine K. Freeman Jeffrey Rhodes Stephanie Napier Vilecia Summers Honorable Brian Frosh Laurence Marder Megan Bowen Joanne M. Dix Kristin Josey The DLA Piper Foundation Andrew Freeman Darling R. Richards Stefanie Neubert Rei Suzuki Jo M. Glasco Yvonne Mathews Susan Boyce Danielle Dolan Jonathan P. Kagan Gallagher, Evelius & Jones, LLP Steven D. Frenkil Ronald E. Richardson Stephanie Norfolk Judith K. Sykes Kevin G. McAnaney Milton Boyd Francis Dolard Hylton & Gonzales* Linnette M. Garber John Q. Riegel Joshua Kahn The Laverna Hahn Jennifer L. Brady Joseph L. O’Connor James Sylvan Robert Gonzales Jennifer l. Meschino Morgan Doolittle, III Jonathan Kaufman Charitable Trust Gibb & Riley, LLC Darren Riley Adanwimo Okafor Lewis J. Taylor Kevin Mills James Bragdon Roger A. Doumar Ross Kelley Sayra & Neil Meyerhoff Nancy Whiteman Greene Judith Ringle Alper Ozinal Louisa Goldstein Christina Brenha Sylvia Doyle Robert Testoff Amita Gupta & Charlotte Sumner Mitchell Yale Mirviss Matthew Kessler Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Francis J. Gorman Philip Roberts Lauren J. Pair Joseph B. Tetrault Joseph T. Moran, Jr. Michael J. Brennan Alton Drew Jeanette J. Ketcham Oliveri & Tammadge, LLC* The Gorfi ne Foundation, INC. Lawrence S. Greenwald Honorable Lawrence F. Rodowsky Christopher Patterson William J. Murphy John Briski Suzanne Drouet & Mark Foley Jung-Hoon Samuel Kim Ashley Thomas Sally S. & Decatur H. Miller William L. Henn, Jr. Keith Haddaway Scott Sargrad PayPal Giving Fund Kip J. Naugle John M. Broaddus Susan DuMont William Kladky Anthony Thomas Private Foundation Samuel Henry Keith Hagg Elliott L. Schoen Lisa Perez James J. Nolan, Jr. Elena Broder-Feldman Jacqueline Renee Duobinis Amy Klein Rosalee Thomas Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP Charles S. Hirsch Ann & Michael Hankin- Matthew R. Schroll Thomas G. Peter Joy Brown William Durkin Jeffrey Klein Tracy Thomas The George L. Shields Edward F. Houff Stephen J. Nolan- In honor of Marilyn & Lee Ogburn Lynn E. Pickens Angela Shemuha Ria Brown Morgan Eichensehr Foundation, Inc. In honor of Herbert Garten Brian Knestout Susan Thompson Jackson Lewis P.C. Jayne Hansen Ellen Silbergeld Judith Finn Plymyer Beth Pepper Justin Browne Debra Elfenbein Jessica Kosteva Warren S. Oliveri, Jr. & Lane Potkin Paul Thomson Louise T. Keelty Kelvin L. Harris Nathan E. Siegel Mont Brownlee Peter Engel McGennis Williams Wende Peters Peter Kovar- Laia Tiderman Peter E. Keith Angela K. Hart Catherine Potthast Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP Joan M. Pratt Cortney Slager Beth Buckler Christopher Erickson In honor of Ed King’s Birthday Thomas M. Kelly, III Joy Hatchette Ericka Powell Laura F. Tilley Jeffrey P. Reilly Craig E. Smith Carolyn Buppert Facebook Kathryn Marie Kowalczuk William O. Goldstein Fund Donna Primrose-Brown Jennifer L. Tosky Anthony W. Kraus William Hatchl Cindy E. Burda Face to Faith Ministries Gordon Krabbe Zuckerman Spaeder LLP* Michael B. Rosenzweig Lynn Strott Francine and Allan Krumholz Jacquenette Helmes Ruth Pritchard-Kelly Ronald Travers Dorene Rothmann Honorable Dennis M. Sweeney Maurice Burnstein Steven Ferrell Janet E. LaBella CORNERSTONE PARTNERS Thomas Quinn Daniel Travostino Joan F. Little Emily Higgs Anna Marie Tabor Katherine Burrows- Liz Fischmann Benjamin J. Lambiotte $5,000 TO $9,999 Sanford D. Schreiber Jordana Ravick Carole Martens Van P. Hilderbrand In honor of Jessica duHoffmann Arija Flowers Andrea M. Leahy Elizabeth Tucci Marjorie Shapiro Maurice C. Taylor Denise and Philip Andrews Alton K. Burton Peter Rellas Emmett F. McGee Joseph Hill Adrianne Threatt Rosemarie Forrester Ellen L. Lee Karen Underwood Paul D. Bekman Kathryn Smits Arthur Rettinger Megan K. Mechak Eve Hill Mary Bushel Tessa L. Frederick Heather Lee Ephraim Unell Darryl and Julianne Tarver Catherine Toner Bekman, Marder & Adkins, LLC* Elana R. Byrd- Douglas Rice Daniel Mendelsohn Anne Hoogstraten Damon Trazzi Stanley Freeman Michael Legum- Gerard R. Vetter Curio Wellness James L. Thompson In honor of Jonathan Byrd In memory of Sylvan Sack John Ritchie Dr. John O. Meyerhoff Nick Hoogstraten Rachel Urdan Kathryn Frey-Balter Jeff Viohl Honorable Andre M. Davis Tria Tucker Honorable J. Norris Byrnes Lilian Leifert Rachel Roberts Joseph Mitchell Wei-Chung Huang Mark Fuller Jessica Wack Varner & Goundry, P.C. Dhananjay Vaidya Lauren Calia Diane Robertson Grace Anne Dorney Koppel Donnell Fullerton Michael F. LeMire Jeffrey Natterman Simon P. Wing Masamichi Inoue Robin H. Villanueva Arlene Callender Donald B. Robertson Jaclin Warnerwiggins Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP* Charles Gamper- In honor of Erica LeMon Nelson Mullins Riley & Frances A. Wright Honorable Ronald H. Jarashow Claudia Vitale Emily Caputo Harriet M. Robinson Traci K. Weaver Elizabeth K. Moser Scarborough LLP Stephen Salsbury’s birthday Isaac Levey Roger C. Jones Jeffrey Weiss Donna Marie Rodney Tess Weaver Law Offi ces of Peter T. Nicholl* Jefferson V. Wright Gregory Care Tonja Gaskins Victoria Levine Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP Melissa Junge Anonymous Douglas S. Whitney Jennifer Carlisle Charles Robert Gayle Stephen H. Levitt Katherine Roe Brian Weeks Marilyn and Lee H. Ogburn Joanne E. Pollak Wendy L. Kahn Louis Willemin Zachry Carls Maria Rosales Olivia Wein Silverman|Thompson|Slutkin| SUPPORTERS FOR JUSTICE Jerome G. Geraghty Louis Joseph Levy Stuart Simms William A. Kahn White LLC $200 TO $499 Kim Wilson David Carmack Manuel R. Geraldo Jason Levy John Ross Gregg M. Weinberg Matthew Smith James A. Kenney, III Samuel Sperling Nolan Aiken Abby Wright Jean Carmalt- Mark Getchis Jonathan Levy Michael Rothberg Thomas Welshko Bobbie G. Steyer Janis F. Kerns In memory of Sylvan H. Sack Jeremy Rountree Kerry D. Staton Burton A. Amernick Charles E. Yocum Ranya Ghuma Terry Li Kathleen M. Werner Steuart H. Thomsen Dennis V. Kinslow, Jr. Frank Carpenter Reuben Sack Schochor, Federico and Rose Audette Mark Yost Edward J. Gilliss Danielle Lindermuth Nora Whalen Erin Troland Jeffrey D. Komarow Colleen Castle Elizabeth Piner Sahu Staton, P.A.* Nathaniel Balis Josephine B. Yuzuik Ralph Godfrey Steven Link Glenda M. Wheeler Gwen B. Tromley Joseph La Flamme Mark Cather Pouria Saidi Anonymous Paul J. Ballard David Zierler Kevin Goldberg Donald Logan Nicole K. Whitecar Tydings & Rosenberg LLP Anne Langley- Mark G. Chalpin Leonard Goodman Frank London Asha Sampat LEADERSHIP PARTNERS Ruben G. Ballesteros Linda M. Zumbrun Angela N. Whittaker-Pion Ralph S. Tyler, III Dedicated to Susan Leviton Jacqueline Chan Sedica Sawez $2,500 TO $4,999 Thomas Barnett ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE Matthew Goodman Mario Lovo Honorable Thomas J. S. Waxter, Jr. Howard Lavine Frederick P. Charleston, Sr. Jennifer Schauffl er Madelon Willard Ballard Spahr LLP Kimberly J. Barr UP TO $199 Andrew Gordon Robert P. Lynch Alicia Wilson Clark Lee Ashley Fails Cheatham Paul Schneider Melissa Wisniewski Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. Michael Beder Ingrid Abbott Julia Gordon Victoria Lynch-Draper Edward J. Levin Erin Cheikh Robert Scholz Lisa Wolf John C. Eidleman ASSOCIATES FOR JUSTICE Rayanne T. Beers Arnold Abraham Lily Graves Leonard A. Maisel $500 TO $999 Andrew Lin Regina Chester Rashage Green Frederick Mandir Jeremy and John S. Wood Heidi Ann Hansan Russell J. Bennett Fannie C. Alston Garciela Vazquez de Schwartz Honorable Karen H. Abrams Ava-Lisa F. Macon Paul Chin Kim Hall Joy Marchone Seth Yaffo Paula & Martin S. Himeles, Jr. Jennifer Berkeley Amazon Smile Terrance Scott Jean Choma David W. Young Costas Avrakotos Elena D. Marcuss Allan W. Anderson, Jr. Lisa B. Hall Laura Maroldy Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Samuel Berman Anthony F. Christhilf Rajni K. Sekhri Brennan, P.C.* Honorable Carol Baumerich Honorable Albert J. Matricciani, Jr. John Richard Annand Lois Hanshaw Cathryn Martin Harold Young, III John K. Boitnott Beverly Cihan Jody Shaw Wilhelm H. Joseph, Jr. Michael J. Baxter Jolie Matthews Teisha Marie Anthony Glenn T. Harrell, Jr. Belhia Martin Joseph Zerafa Carol Borden Margaret Clark Stephen Shaw Brian Bayne Thomas McDonough Dana-Marie Harris C. Amanda Martin- Sufen Zhang Maryland State Bar Association L. Tracy Brown Ronald Kelvin Antill Alicia Shelton Keefe Clemons Robin E. Harvey In honor of Scott Martin and McMillan Metro, PC Neil Bloom Alex J. Brown Monica L. McGill Richard Arsenault Kristine Kaske-Martin Kristina D. Sherman Aviva Zierler Susan Cohen- Tiera Hawkes Patrick A. Moulding Cora L. Brown Gregory M. Burgee Natalie McSherry Simma Asher In memory of Sylvan Sack Jonathan Massey Hyunjae Shin Emily Zobel Caroline Hays- Maureen T. Cannon Phoebe & Ray Meyer Lesley Atkins Nati Nadia Zongo Gerald Daniel Shealer, Jr. Brendan Burns Jessica Cole In Honor of Susan & Bruce Hays Laura Mateczun Nina A. Shore William E. Carlson Pamela Milan Lauren Axley Saiontz & Kirk P.A.* Holly D. Butler Angela Coleman Thomas Heeter- William T. Mathias Jonathan Sills Claudia Zuckerman Shapiro Sher Guinot & Michelle Cohen David L. Cahn Charitable Fund- Susan Milligan Alexander Ayer Michelle Compton In Honor of Matthew Smith Frances May Karen Simpson Anonymous- 10 Sandler, P.A. Honorable Donna Dawson In honor of Ruben Ballesteros Maurice J. Montaldi Michele Baelen MLA sincerely appreciates the support of the following fi rms whose work resulted in a signifi cant cy pres award in 2020: Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P.; Leonard Carder LLP; Harwood Feffer LLP; Siegel Brill, P.A.; Marchetti Law, P.C.; Zimmerman Reed, P.L.L.P. 17 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 18 Board of Statewide Staff Law Sierra Abaie Stephen Claussen Directors Advocacy Tara Adele Gunn Eleanor Marie Meschino Janine Scott Luyao Zhang Clerks & Sara Adams Andria Cole President Norman Hagerman Jennifer Meschino Sara Sellers Emily Zia Support Kunmi Ageh Barbara Coleman Interns Warren S. Oliveri, Jr., Esq. Jayne Hansen Jana Meyer Carol Sellman Christopher Ziemski Director of Advocacy for Housing and Charlotte Ahearn Natalie Coley-Lawrence Mckenza Aldridge Vice President Community Economic Development Avril Harding Karen Michaels-Johnson Rhonda Henderson Serrano Chijioke Akamigbo Kimberly Connaughton Gwendolyn Johnson Gregory L. Countess, Esq. Janay Harris Phillip Middleton Aayushi Shah Danielle Anderson Koakbar Ali Alexander Teresa Cooke Volunteers Treasurer Kanise Harris Annette Miller Lauren Sharrock Stephanie DeLang Director of Advocacy for Consumer Law Nasim Aminnia Deborah Corley Malia Cygan Richard L. Wasserman, Esq. Rachel Harris Carolyn Mills Nina Shore Anita DiCarlo Anthony H. Davis, II, Esq. Robin Amy Gregory Countess Wilma Davis Secretary Kyneashia Harrison Megan Mishou Mariel Shutinya Briah Gray Alice Anderson Sunny Cowell Taylor Diehr Marquita Wise-Jones Director of Advocacy for Sandra Harrison Amber Mitchell Amy Siegel Kathy Anderson Graham Cowger Herb Dubin Mei-Ting Hsing Member At Large Administrative Law Sequoia Hayes Harrison Mont Marianne Aumick Sierra Cornelia Bright Gordon, Esq. Lisa Marie Anderson Seth Crisler- Smith Jacob Dziubla Benjamin Johnson Jo M. Glasco, Esq. Lee Heithoff Krystal Montgomery Stuart Simms Alle McNorton Andresen Justin Cummings William Elliot Geenen Carlos A. Braxton, Esq. Director of Advocacy for Children’s Rights Lorna Henry Alice Mutter Shareice Simpson Soumyo Lahiri-Gupta Valerie Cunningham Erica LeMon, Esq. Gregory Andrews Marilyn Harris Patience Moore Phyllis Butler Erica Herndon Jennifer Nance Miriam Sincell Natasha Andrews Makeda Curbeam Debra Huebner Director of Advocacy for Family Law Gary Herwig Caroline Neal Alexis Leigh Sisolak Shaniqua Nelson Jessica A. duHoffmann, Esq. Mary Aquino Barry Dalin Teresa Iannoconi Bobbie G. Steyer, Esq. Margaret Holmes Monique Nettleford-Bruce Barbara Rose Smith Danielle Newsham Guy E. Flynn, Esq. Tiffany Ashton Timothy Darby Jessie Joseph Jumel Howard Douglas Edward Nivens, II Deborah Lewis Smith Regina Ann Bacote Anthony Hayes Davis, II Hameed Khan-Tareen Linyanta Nwosu Manuel R. Geraldo, Esq. Patricia Hughes Mayer Eileen Nnoli Shelly Smith Anita Bailey Nelda Renae Davis Althea Landymore Grace O'Malley Robert T. Gonzales, Esq. Chief Kathleen Hughes Christina Ochoa Tina Clements Smith Jordan Baker Janet Day William Leahy Elizabeth Paige Brian P. Hochheimer, Esq. Attorneys Robin Jacobs Nnenna Ochuba Brett David Smoot Ruben Ballesteros Stacey Day John Leary Alexandra Lee Preston Cecil/Harford Offi ce Rashad James Debbie Oliver Sheila Snowden Ora Johnson Cheryl Barkley-Chiccone Carly Deegan Alyxandyra McClelland Arlene Callender, Esq. Sandy James Zita Orji Mark David Stave Ni'Jah Richardson Beth Pepper, Esq. Jamie Diane Miliman Barr Fasika Delessa Elizabeth Paige Intake Services John Jeffcott Britt-Marie Orr William Steinwedel Rose Richardson Stacy Bensky Angus Derbyshire Danielle Tingler-Coggins Ronald E. Richardson, Esq. Natalie Coley-Lawrence, Esq. Chloe Eileen Johnson Katherine Anne Palazzolo Bobbie Steyer Cynthia Berardino Sunny Desai Jeffrey Wetstone Michelle Nicole Sloan G. Daniel Shealer, Jr., Esq. Baltimore City General Legal Services Vicki Johnson Sarah Parsons Phillip Stillman Dorcey Berndt Desiree Diggs Michael Williams Paulina Taniewski Sunny K. Desai, Esq. Nicole Andrews Jones Carla Patino Joycelyn Stinson Donna Bernstein-Ness Joyce Diggs Lisa Wise Alexis Tolson Southern Maryland Offi ce Wilhelm Joseph, Jr. Lisa Payne Chasta Stokes-Hagans Executive Rachel Ellen Wolpert Bitter Yewande Dina LeJuene Wynn Lee Heithoff, Esq. Karwolo Kamei Ashley Penater Walker Stump-Coale Misty Viner Leadership Scott Black Sheryl Dixon Baltimore City Child Advocacy Unit Jeffrey Kaplan Richard Perry Gustava Taler Executive Director Clarina Blackden Claudia Dock Joan Little, Esq. Yaebsra Kassaye Amy Petkovsek Julianne Tarver Each list represents Wilhelm H. Joseph, Jr., Esq. Denise Aileen Blake Nichelle Dorsey Lower and Upper Eastern Shore Offi ces Adina Katz Ashley Phillips Megan Tawes calendar year 2020. Russell Bloomquist Beverly Duffy Chief Counsel Nancy McCaig, Esq. Megan Kemp Marja Plater Zachary Tiblin Stuart O. Simms, Esq. Waleska Blotny Jessica Earlbeck Prince George's County Offi ce Keith Kinack Gina Polley James Toliver Molly Bodendorfer Julianne Edwards-Ransom Chief Operating Offi cer Erica LeMon, Esq. (Acting) Kim Kitchings-Wilson Nicole Portnov Alicia Tracey Gustava E. Taler, Esq. Lindsay Bramble Belinda Edwards-Taylor Montgomery County Offi ce Mary Kosman Javaneh Pourkarim Andre Tremper Natalie Branch Carl Ehrhardt Deputy Chief Counsel Gilda Claudine “Dini” McCullough, Esq. Althea Landymore Sabrina Pyle Yulia Tsifrina Chijioke Akamigbo, Esq. Matthew Braun Robin Emerick Community Lawyering Initiative Elizabeth Lattanzi Alana Quint Timothy Turner Linda Darnell Brooks Ani Escobar-Martinez Deputy Chief Counsel Meaghan McDermott, Esq. Mary Jo Lazun Margaret Ramin Marianne Vanderwiele Amy L. Petkovsek, Esq. Edward Brown Hunter Eubanks Baltimore County Offi ce Erica LeMon Lisa Rednowers Gerald Vaudreuil Jacqueline Brown Veronique Felix Chief of Human Resources Janine Scott, Esq. Joan Leatherman Joseph Risch Kristopher Vicencio Phillip C. Stillman Shelia Brown Keith Ferrier Midwestern Maryland Offi ce Shauna Lee Jurgen Rivero Frank Vitale Sheree Bryant Davidson Blake Fetrow Director of Marketing & Nina Shore, Esq. Margaret Leonard Nohora Rivero Frank Voso Communications Erica Bullo Wanda Fields Allegany/Garrett Offi ce Joan Little Mary Roberts Katherine Wade Ashley F. Cheatham John Butler Jacob Fishman Miriam Sincell, Esq. Charles Long Victoria Robinson Patricia Waldman Director of Development Todd Cagwin Jordana Forbes Anne Arundel/Howard Offi ce Terrell Love Ana Rodriguez Kamila Walker Graham Cowger Arlene Callender Karen Foxman Joycelyn Stinson, Esq. Kimberly Anne Lusby Daniel Rosenberg Beth Wanger Director of Information Technology Zachary Cardin Janelle Williams Frantzen Sara Magette LeighAnn Smith Rosenberg Tammy Levrone Watts John Jeffcott, Esq. Timothy Carey Christopher Freeman Helen Maness Gabriel Hersker Rubinstein Sabrina Wear Director of Administrative Services Louise Carwell Patricia Freeman Ashley Mariner Colleen Russell Shannon Weaver Colleen Russell Cheryl Chado Alex Gadd John Marshall Theodosia Saffo Cassandra Weck Director of Grants, Danielle Chappell Gabriel Garcia Yvonne Mathews Jennifer Saltzman Jennifer Weil Contracts & Compliance Alec Chase Ashkan Geramifar Jennifer Schauffl er Charnita Mathias Asha Sampat Haimanot Wentworth Ashley Fails Cheatham Mitra Ghahramanlou Margaret Ann Maupin Elsie Sanchez Shye Williams Controller Kateryna Choma-Knapp Beilul Golfi n Byrd Mitra Ghahramanlou Erin Maze Cristen Sargent Lolita Wilson Joshua Sloane Cicala Cornelia Bright Gordon Nancy McCaig Lisa Marie Sarro Morgan Winn Katrina Cioni Alexis Greene Hannah McCartan Darlene Savoy Sandra Wooten Avery Clark Patricia Greenwell Meaghan McDermott Briana Scarborough Winfi eld Scott Yaw Barret Claunch Jaleisha Guerrero Michelle Medlock Jennifer Schauffl er Cindy Ye Carrie Claussen Karmin Gulley
19 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 20 2020 Financial Report EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
2020 2019 2020 2019 Fundraising: 1.0% 1.1% TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES & SUPPORT* $25,832,123 $29,856,620 Administration: 13.6% 13.2% TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $28,837,354 $28,952,987
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $25,369,661 $25,557,849 Program 2020 CLIENT CASE TYPES: Services: 85.4% 85.7% Without donor restriction: $15,212,994; With donor restriction: $10,156,667
38% 25% SELECTED FUNDING RECEIVED Federal: Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) Family Legal Services Corporation $4,861,673 $4,595,359 Representing abused and neglected children Maintaining custody of children and obtaining, Legal Services Corporation - Pro Bono Innovation Fund $107,312 $53,656 Legal Services Corporation - COVID-19 $422,690 — Securing educational services preserving, or increasing child support Obtaining protection against domestic violence Legal Services Corporation - Telework Capacity Building $24,190 — Baltimore City Community Development Block Grant $51,361 $75,000 Acquiring critical health care Frederick County - Coronavirus Relief $23,854 — SERVED BY COUNTY 2020 Legal Assistance to Victims Grant (OVW) $180,868 $193,851 MLA MLA MCLA CASES PERSONS MATTERS Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant $12,538 $1,728 SERVED HANDLED* Montgomery County - COVID-19 Eviction Prevention Grant $18,791 — Allegany 567 1,645 592 Prince George's County - Community Development Block Grant $22,961 $68,510 Anne Arundel 3,052 6,522 17,220 5% 9% Prince George's County - Family Justice Center (VAWA) $15,975 $18,000 Baltimore City 7,103 19,542 13,114 Consumer Employment Prince George's County - Family Justice Center (VOCA) $120,000 $120,000 Baltimore County 2,009 6,211 3,099 Finance Ryan White / HIV / AIDS Legal Assistance $134,941 $113,488 Calvert 276 377 1,245 14% Tahirih Justice Center - Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) $7,129 $23,670 Caroline 72 247 404 Talbot County Cares Legal Services Program $12,017 — Carroll 119 439 1,314 Housing Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA) $45,000 $45,000 Cecil 282 1,600 1,534 Fighting unlawful evictions Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA)-Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) $468,989 $361,570 Charles 393 558 2,951 Advocating for improvement of Title III-B/Elderly Assistance: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, $262,996 $336,808 Dorchester 71 322 363 6% Income Maintenance substandard housing Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Frederick 783 2,364 4,663 Preventing foreclosures or Queen Anne's and St. Mary's Counties; Lower and Upper Eastern Shore Garrett 352 1,085 136 1% 1% mitigating their effects 1% State: Harford 856 3,051 2,305 Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) $11,786,351 $11,786,180 Howard 321 1,025 3,229 Other MLSC grants for: Kent 35 187 155 Obtaining disability Each less than 1% Remedying fraudulent Health <1% Extended Representation $324,503 $389,465 and other income sales practices and Montgomery 1,896 6,881 8,751 Education Foreclosure Prevention $400,050 $266,700 Prince George’s 2,440 6,364 15,618 assistance predatory contracts Recovering unpaid wages Juvenile Stipend for Public Interest Students — $7,454 Queen Anne’s 44 224 403 Restoring utilities Obtaining unemployment Workforce Development $399,000 $210,000 St. Mary’s 373 603 1,381 Wills/Powers of Attorney/Trusts benefi ts Dealing with debts Contracted provision of services for self-represented litigants and representation Somerset 79 721 476 and debt collectors Expunging criminal records of abused and neglected children, victims of domestic violence, developmentally Talbot 48 174 421 to remove barriers to disabled and mentally ill persons confi ned to mental health institutions through Washington 257 1,423 1,608 employment the Maryland Department of Health, parents in child custody matters, Wicomico 288 1,983 2,646 and the Maryland Center for Legal Assistance. $7,124,135 $8,788,342 Worcester 85 521 913 County Grants-in-Aid: Out of State 75 189 401 Anne Arundel $27,142 $36,000 Undetermined – – 1,124 Baltimore City $249,605 $138,647 Baltimore $40,833 $75,833 TOTAL 21,876 64,259 96,138 WAYS YOU CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE Harford $35,750 $31,250 Howard $143,750 $110,445 Your tax-deductible donation makes justice a reality for low-income Marylanders. Circuit Court Pro Se Grants: * Includes pro se litigants assisted by the Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) through the District Court Help Anne Arundel County $176,000 $178,000 Resource Centers in Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Dorchester, Prince George’s, Washington, and Wicomico counties, Donate Online Gifts of Stock Planned Gift/Bequest Private Donations: the Maryland Courts Help Centers in Annapolis and Frederick, Visit mdlab.org to make a one-time Charles Schwab Include a charitable gift to MLA in your will Contributions $529,501 $901,039 and the Anne Arundel Family Law Self-Help Center. Foundations $304,354 $307,000 gift or set up monthly donations. Account Name: Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. with a call to your lawyer. The Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides DTC# 0164 free civil legal services to low-income people in every Maryland For more information, contact community. A copy of our current fi nancial statement is available Mail a Check Account #78352614 This report contains a summary of 2020 fi nancial information and selected funding sources. Graham Cowger, Director of Development, Complete audited fi nancial statements are available from MLA upon request. upon request by calling our offi ce: (410) 951-7719. Documents and Maryland Legal Aid information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland at [email protected] or 410-951-7706. *SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan proceeds received: $4,393,600. PPP loans Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Offi ce of the Resource Development Unit Workplace Giving received and expended during 2020 awaiting forgiveness decisions by the Small Business Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, for the cost of 500 E. Lexington Street United Way: 54 Administration as of December 31, 2020. copying and mailing. Baltimore, MD 21202 Maryland Charity Campaign: 520591621 All funds received by the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. are spent in accordance with the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974, as amended 1977, Combined Federal Campaign: 15755 42 U.S.C. §§ 2996 et. seq., its implementing regulations, 45 C.F.R. § 1600 et. seq., and other applicable law.
21 | MARYLAND LEGAL AID 2020 REPORT | 22 Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. 500 East Lexington Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Designer: Bill Geenen Editors: Ashley Cheatham, Alec Chase, Graham Cowger, and Asha Sampat Printing by Pavsner Press, Inc.
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Maryland Legal Aid Offi ce Locations
Allegany/Garrett Cecil/Harford Prince George’s County STATEWIDE PROGRAMS & 110 Greene Street 103 S. Hickory Avenue 8401 Corporate Drive RESOURCES Cumberland, MD 21502 Bel Air, MD 21014 Suite 200 Community Lawyering Initiative (301) 777-7474 (410) 836-8202 Landover, MD 20785 (443) 451-2805 (866) 389-5243 (800) 444-9529 (301) 560-2100 Farmworker Program (888) 215-5316 (800) 444-4099 Anne Arundel/Howard Lower Eastern Shore Foreclosure Legal Assistance Project (888) 213-3320 229 Hanover Street Dorchester, Somerset, Southern Maryland Annapolis, MD 21401 Wicomico, Worcester Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s Long-Term Care Assistance Project (410) 972-2700 201 E. Main Street 15045 Burnt Store Road (866) 635-2948 Salisbury, MD 21801 (800) 666-8330 Hughesville, MD 20637 Maryland Senior Legal Helpline (410) 546-5511 (301) 932-6661 (866) 635-2948 3451 Court House Drive (800) 444-4099 (877) 310-1810 Veterans‘ Hotline 2nd Floor (443) 863-4040 Ellicott City, MD 21043 (410) 480-1057 Midwestern Maryland Upper Eastern Shore TTY Users: Call Maryland Carroll, Frederick, Washington Caroline, Kent, Relay, Dial 7-1-1 22 S. Market Street Queen Anne’s, Talbot Baltimore City Suite 11 106 Washington Street 500 E. Lexington Street Frederick, MD 21701 Suite 101 Baltimore, MD 21202 (301) 694-7414 Easton, MD 21601 (800) 679-8813 (410) 763-9676 Telephone Intake: (800) 477-2543 (410) 951-7750 866-635-2948 Montgomery County Business Line: 600 Jefferson Plaza (410) 951-7777 Suite 430 (800) 999-8904 Rockville, MD 20852 (240) 314-0373 (855) 880-9487 Baltimore County 215 Washington Avenue Suite 305 Towson, MD 21204 (410) 427-1800 Cover photos from Unsplash: loading car (877) 878-5920 by Ismael Paramo, donning mask by Sj Objio, store shelves by Isaiah Villar, removing mask by Obi Onyeador
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