Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS)

?? Maryland Renters: Know Your New Rights! READ HERE: https://buff.ly/gAb9PaI The Baltimore Times recently highlighted important updates for renters in Maryland, thanks to insights from MVLS' Housing and Consumer Attorney Courtland Merkel. Under the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act (HB 693): ? Lower Security Deposits – Max one month’s rent, and landlords must prove damages to keep it. ? Higher Eviction Fees – Landlords pay more to file, and can only charge you if they win. ? More Time Before Eviction – Landlords must wait 7 days after winning in court to evict. ? Right to Buy – If your landlord sells, you may get the first chance to purchase. ? New Tenant Support Office – Helping renters understand their rights and report issues. Learn more about how these new laws protect YOU in the Baltimore Times.

We’re so grateful to our presenting sponsor Saul Ewing LLP for your generous support of MVLS’ A Taste for Pro Bono. And to board member(s) Robin Leone and Jhonell Campbell, thank you for all the ways you and Saul Ewing LLP champion pro bono service! Learn more about the event and join us - buff.ly/HJFKA1Y.

Free Legal Help to Protect Your Home! ?? MVLS Community Clinic offers free 15-minute legal consultations to help you keep your home and pass it on to your family. ?? Get answers about: ? Property Tax Credits ? Making a Will ? Deed Transfers ? Ground Rent ? Avoiding Foreclosure & Tax Sales ? Probating an Estate ? Other home-related legal issues ?? Clinic Hours & Locations: ?? Cherry Hill – Enoch Pratt Free Library ?? First Tuesdays (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM) ?? Third Wednesdays (2:00 - 4:00 PM) ?? Mondawmin – TouchPoint Baltimore ?? First Wednesdays (10 AM - 12 PM) ?? Third Tuesdays (1:30 - 3:30 PM) ?? Appointments recommended! Scan the QR code or call Megan Good at 443-451-4069 to book your spot.

MVLS joined CASA and Byron Macfarlane to testify in support of HB 1420 because Maryland law uniquely and unnecessarily targets a marginalized segment of our community for exclusion from the estate administration process. Barriers to estate administration harm both families and communities because they heighten the risk families will lose their homes and properties will become blighted. This exclusion also imposes higher costs and emotional burdens on noncitizens trying to access the property of their deceased loved ones. Learn more in a story highlighted by The Baltimore Banner!

On Friday, March 7th our staff volunteered at Moveable Feast whose mission is to Improve the health of Marylanders experiencing food insecurity and chronic illness by preparing and delivering medically tailored meals and providing nutrition education, thereby achieving racial, social, and health equity. You can sign up to volunteer and learn more about Moveable Feast: https://buff.ly/RRn1KaK

Join us for A Taste for Pro Bono at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on Wednesday, April 23, from 6 to 9pm! ?? Indulge in a taste of Baltimore cuisine ?? with an open bar, all while supporting free legal help in our community. Explore museum exhibits, soak in waterfront views, and connect with top professionals and community leaders dedicated to justice for all. ?? Date: Wednesday, April 23 ?? Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm ?? Location: Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230 Tickets: $100 General Admission ??? Complimentary parking available for the first 150 guests. ?? Accessible via the 71 bus line (Key Highway and Boyle Street stop). ?? Bike racks available in front of the museum. BUY TICKETS HERE: https://buff.ly/3ttGFMv Let's make justice accessible together! ?? #ATasteForProBono #MVLS #BaltimoreEvents #LegalAid

Help us say thank you to our amazing volunteers who placed a case during the month of February! We could not provide free civil legal service without you. To learn more about volunteering at MVLS, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eAcfEar7

Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week with MVLS! Learn more about consumer rights and help people learn to spot, report, and avoid scams in our latest blog post. READ HERE: https://buff.ly/BPbCDD3

We are hiring! The Special Education Project is designed to match children with disabilities and their families with advocates, consultants, or attorneys to assist them with establishing and maintaining individualized educational program (IEP) to support their educational success. Learn more about each position using the link, and please spread the word! https://lnkd.in/egQ_WDYV

MVLS Staff, Megan Good, and Chandler Walters attended The Greater Mondawmin Coordinating Council's Resource Fair on Saturday, March 1st! We had direct conversations with over 25 attendees about estate planning and administration, how to access tax credits, and how to start the intake process with MVLS at: https://buff.ly/tZSSBSu. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a great success!