Maryland Advocacy Institute

You can find a sample of a PIA, along with an accompanying letter requesting additional information, prepared by Peter Sabonis regarding DLLR issues at: http://www.mdjustice.org/node/1668.

I am not reattaching it, beause that would take up a good bit of space on the website server.

Once a year, MCVRC makes a concerted effort to raise funds so that we can continue to advocate for victims’ rights as well as provide free support services to victims. 

Come share a wonderful evening with friends and supporters. Enjoy silent/ live auctions, delicious food, delectable chocolate desserts, and an awards ceremony honoring those who have made a difference in the lives of crime victims.

13th Annual MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE

Welcome & Opening Remarks by Chief Judge Robert M. Bell

Keynote Speaker: Senator Jamie Raskin

This Confrence presents a unique opportunity for legal services program staff, the public and private bar, members of the judiciary, human services agencies, elected officials and others to discuss critical issues facing the poor and underrepresented in our state. The economic downturn has impacted all aspects of society yielding an unprecedented ripple effect. The upside down housing market, rising unemployment and lack of community stability have pushed many into a new realm of poverty or near poverty to which they are unaccustomed. This causes a level of frustration and stress for legal services advocates who are already overwhelmed. Having a conference to strategize about new approaches and rejuvenate one another is that much more meaningful during these challenging times.

For more information and to register, visit www.probonomd.org/pjc.html or contact Kiah Elmore at 800-396-1274, 410-837-9379 or kelmore@probonomd.org

http://www.citmedialaw.org/blog/2011/federal-courts-discuss-smartphone-policies

"The U.S. Judicial Conference, which helps set policy for federal circuit (appeals) and district (trial) courts, has issued a memo, first reported by Wired's "Threat Level" blog, that is meant to help individual courts set policies on when and how smartphones and similar devices can be brought into and used in courthouses and in courtrooms."

From Eric P. Robinson's blog post for the Citizen Media Law Project, "Federal Courts Discuss Smartphone Policies"

The memo does not recommend that district courts adopt any particular policy, but lists several factors that courts should consider in formulating a policy, including:

* which devices will fall under the policy (the memo's list includes cell phones, PDAs, earpiece (Bluetooth) devices, laptops, and digital and other types of video cameras or recorders);

* how the policy will apply to and perhaps distinguish amongst the various types of persons entering the courthouse and courtrooms (see this post for a critique of this approach);

* the lack of court security officer resources to implement such a policy;

* the times, locations, or proceedings at which the devices may be used;

* whether the same policy should apply in every division and courthouse of the district or circuit;

* the policy's effect on access to the courts by the public and family and friends of litigants and criminal defendants, as well as the policy's effects on jury service;

* the policy's effect on other tenants and visitors to the building housing the court;

* whether the court should provide training on the risks and benefits of bringing the such devices into the courthouse or courtroom; and

* the effects of the policy on court administration.

Homeowners who pre-register for a workshop are guaranteed a free legal consult.

Homeowners do not need to be in foreclosure to obtain a consultation with a volunteer attorney.

Homeowners should bring the following documents (or copies) to the event with them:

*All paperwork related to current and former mortgages, including loan application, settlement paperwork, and lender statements.

*Information about the monthly household budget (income and expenses).

*All foreclosure notices or threats (if any).

To pre-register call Andy at (410) 837-9379 or (800) 396-1274

Or visit www.probonomd.org

Last Chance to Submit Pro Bono Award Nominations

If an individual or firm you know has made an impact by donating their professional time and expertise, this is your chance to nominate them for one of these awards. The Maryland Pro Bono Service Awards are given to individuals, law firms, programs, projects, and others across the state who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to helping the poor or disadvantaged.  The awards will be presented at the Maryland State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting in Ocean City on June 11, 2011. 

Application deadline is Friday, April 8, 2011

Visit http://www.probonomd.org/Awards.html or see attachement for a nomination form and more information.

For questions, contact: Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
email- drogers@probonomd.org
Phone: (410) 837-9379 or (800) 396-1964
www.probonomd.org

Meeting of Maryland Legal Aid staff to plan for Advocacy Institute events.

Meeting of Maryland Legal Aid staff to plan for Advocacy Institute events.