ACC NCR: Pro Bono Clinic: Security Deposit Advice & Assistance with Pro Se Forms with Maryland Legal Aid

You are invited to volunteer for a Pro Bono Clinic with Maryland Legal Aid

Topic: Security deposit advice and assistance with pro se forms.
Clients: Low-income individuals and families
When: Thursday, March 13, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Training begins at 9:30 AM (1 hour) followed by scheduled 1 hour client meetings from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM.
Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams.
Who: Maryland-barred attorneys and non-attorney professionals (non-attorney professionals will be paired with a Maryland-barred attorney).
Experience: None required.
Training: 1 hour live training followed by 1 hour of client consult time. Prerecorded Training and resources also available at: Security Deposits for Pro Bono Volunteers: Video, Resource Folder
Support: Maryland Legal Aid attorneys will be available for questions during the client meetings.
Time: Limited, with no ongoing commitment.
Work: Meet virtually with a low income Maryland client to discuss options for return of a security deposit the client feels was improperly retained by a prior landlord. For many residents a security deposit can present a substantial barrier to their ability to obtain housing, particularly when they are living paycheck to paycheck. When a landlord improperly withholds a deposit it can create a significant hardship on the client and their family. Maryland has created a statute specific to security deposits that clearly articulates a landlord's responsibilities and provides tenants a recourse through small claims court. Often these matters can be resolved through a strongly worded demand letter or properly filed complaint. By helping tenants understand their rights and assisting with drafting a persuasive demand letter or small claims complaint you can have a significant impact on the client and their likelihood of obtaining a positive outcome.
Insurance: Provided by Maryland Legal Aid to all volunteers.

Note: If you are interested in participating but are not barred in Maryland, please contact Angus Derbyshire at ADerbyshire@mdlab.org for information on waiving into the Maryland Bar for purposes of providing pro bono services with MDLAB. MDLAB covers the fees and provides the paperwork. Please allow 45 days for this process.

*Please respond by March 6.