http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/08/business/hospital-billing-varies-wildly-us-data-shows.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0

PJC recently published a guide to collecting on judgments in Maryland. It is helpful not only after you have a judgment, but may also help you decide to litigate a case where you might have thought suing someone would result in a mere paper judgment. The guide focuses on judgments for unpaid wages and related damages, but is also useful for judgments in other cases.

The three fundamental components of this manual are: (1) pre- and post-judgment defendant investigation and asset research; (2) prejudgment tools to proactively prevent employers and other potential judgment debtors from hiding or selling off assets; and (3) judgment enforcement, including enforcement for unpaid wages.

Check it out here:

http://www.publicjustice.org/uploads/file/pdf/MD_Wage_Collection_Judgment_Enforcement_Guide_PJC_FINAL.pdf

AWARD WINNING NON-PROFIT LAW FIRM SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Civil Justice Inc., a Maryland non-profit legal services program, is seeking a full time Executive Director.

Civil Justice provides legal services, including in impact cases, to people throughout Maryland and supports a network of small firm and solo attorneys to help meet the legal needs of historically underserved Marylanders.

About Civil Justice

Civil Justice was established in 1998 to increase the delivery of legal services to clients of low- and moderate-income while promoting a statewide network of community based lawyers who share a common commitment to access to justice.

Since it was founded, Civil Justice has become a recognized leader nationally and in Maryland by: (i) helping solo and small firm lawyers integrate public interest and private practices; (ii) successfully pursuing impact ligation on consumer and housing issues affecting Marylanders; (iii) providing policy advocacy at all levels of government; and (iv) providing other essential services to homeowners in foreclosure, debtors in bankruptcy, and other vulnerable consumers who have been victims of predatory practices.

About The Position & Qualifications

The Civil Justice Board of Directors seeks applications from candidates who have the commitment and capacity to lead the organization, including in new ways. It will give preference to candidates who have five years of related professional experience (including a background in consumer, foreclosure and/or housing law and solo or small firm practice), and three years or more of active litigation practice (federal and/or state courts), and who are licensed or eligible to practice law in Maryland within one year of the hire date.

Candidates should have the ability to:

• Provide support and vision to the organization’s network of solo and small firm attorneys;
• Direct/manage the organization’s active litigation practice, create and implement a litigation plan, and coordinate with staff and outside counsel;
• Oversee the organization’s various projects;
• Lead the organization’s Development Program (which heavily relies on grant proposals);
• Direct the administration and financial management of the organization;
• Lead and implement strategic planning initiatives; and
• Exercise creativity and vision in leading the organization and developing new legal services delivery mechanisms.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply by sending a confidential resume and cover letter detailing (i) the candidate’s interest in this opportunity and (ii) salary requirements and expectations for a position to: Civil Justice Inc., Attention: Executive Director Search, 520 W. Fayette Street, Suite 410, Baltimore, MD 21201, or via E-mail at cj@civiljusticenetwork.org.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice settled a case against Countrywide for discrimination in fair lending practices among Hispanic and African-American borrowers who received loans from Countrywide between 2004 and 2008.  Awards range from $200-$15,000.  

Letters were sent to borrowers in November 2012 with a deadline of January 7, 2013.  (See sample letters attached.)  THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED for two weeks UNTIL JANUARY 25, 2013. 

Only borrowers contacted as part of the settlement are eligible.  Sample letters are attached.  Questions about the settlement should be directed to (800) 843-5148 or info@CWFLSettlement.com.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/pnc-among-banks-changing-policies-following-lawsuits-over-overdraft-charges-662345/

Free Training Opportunity for Pro Bono Attorneys: VETERANS' BENEFITS

Co-Sponsored by Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) and Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (PBRC)

Monday, October 22, 2012

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

MARYLAND BAR CENTER – 3rd Floor Conference Room
520 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Topics:

• Working with homeless clients
• Taking a pro bono case with HPRP
• Representing veterans in obtaining service-related disability benefits

Participating attorneys must be barred in Maryland and agree to take at least me pro bono case from Homeless Persons Representation Project. Access to a mentor, case support, and malpractice insurance will be available to attorneys taking a pro bono case.

To register, please visit www.probonomd.org/veterans-benefits and download a registration form. Completed registration forms should be returned to PBRC by email, fax or regular mail at:

Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
520 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Fax: 410-385-2616
kelmore@probonomd.org

Questions? For more information about the training, please contact Kiah Elmore, Recruitment & Training Coordinator for the Pro Bono Resource Center, at 410-837-9379 x3046 or kelmore@probonomd.org. 

Please join us on September 10, 2012 for the Free 90 Minute Webinar:  

Promoting Diverse Communities and Communicating Fair Housing 

Offered by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), funded in part under a HUD Fair Housing Initiatives Program Grant.

In this third webinar in NFHA’s series about affirmatively furthering fair housing, we will discuss how communicating effectively about fair housing, disparate impact, and equal opportunity can be challenging, but is paramount to creating change in your community.  Drawing from his expertise in messaging and public opinion research about how Americans view these issues, Alan Jenkins, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Opportunity Agenda, will discuss strategies for framing fair housing issues that advocates may use to engage allies and decision-makers about the importance of fair housing. 

When:                         Monday September 10, 2012   2:00 -3:30 P.M. EASTERN TIME 

Presenter:                   Alan Jenkins, Executive Director
                                    The Opportunity Agenda

Who May Attend:     Registration is open to employees of fair housing organizations, disability rights organizations, nonprofit housing counseling agencies, affordable housing advocates and non-profit housing developers, nonprofit legal services organizations, Fair Housing Assistance Programs, state and local housing and community development agencies, and other local, state and federal agencies.   

Register at:  http://nationalfairhousing.org/September102012registrationpage/tabid/4201/Default.aspx

You may also access the registration page from the Fair Lending Training tab on our homepage at: www.nationalfairhousing.org and scroll down to the link for the September 10, 2012 webinar.

Pro Bono Fair & Reception: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

• Visit tables staffed by Maryland legal services providers!
• Learn about available pro bono opportunities!
• Accept pro bono cases on-site!
• Visit mentoring table with experienced attorneys!
• Lite fare, beer and wine!

For more information and to register, visit www.probonomd.org (look for the link under “Highlights & Upcoming Events”) or contact Kiah Elmore of Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland at 443-837-9379 ext. 3046 or kelmore@probonomd.org.