What is the Access to Justice Empowered Video Project?
The Access to Justice Empowered Video Project represents a collaborative effort amplifying the critical need for civil legal aid throughout Maryland. Developed through a robust partnership between the Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) and the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), the initiative seeks to illuminate the impact of legal representation on the lives of low-income Marylanders.
The project lies in the shared understanding that civil legal issues, ranging from housing disputes to domestic violence, disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Without access to legal counsel, individuals can face challenges that jeopardize their stability, safety, and fundamental rights. A2JC and MLSC are both working together to advocate for justice and equity in Maryland, recognizing the need for a public awareness campaign to highlight this reality.
The narrative focuses on real-world scenarios, particularly highlighting the difference legal representation makes in housing security. The collaboration among these key organizations allowed for diverse expertise and resources. The A2JC provided strategic guidance on access to justice issues, the MLSC brought its deep understanding of legal services funding and delivery, and Maryland Legal Aid contributed its invaluable on-the-ground experience and client perspectives. This collaboration was crucial in creating a message that is both impactful and authentically reflects the experiences of those served by civil legal aid.
Organizations featured in the video:
Maryland Access to Justice Commission
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) is an organization committed to dismantling barriers within the civil justice system, striving to make it accessible, equitable, and fair for all Marylanders. The Commission addresses the critical issue that most civil legal matters do not guarantee a right to an attorney, which disproportionately affects low-income individuals, those with modest means, and communities of color. To achieve its objectives, the A2JC engages in advocacy, shares impactful stories to drive systemic change, and works towards establishing a data-informed civil justice system. A key part of their mission is to increase funding for civil legal aid and champion the right to counsel in civil cases that involve fundamental human needs.
Maryland Legal Services Corporation
The Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) is a state-established organization dedicated to ensuring low-income Marylanders have access to essential civil legal services. Since its founding in 1982, MLSC has granted over $376 million to various nonprofit organizations across the state, supporting legal aid in more than 4 million cases.
A primary source of MLSC’s funding comes from the Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, which it also administers. The corporation helps individuals with non-criminal legal issues, including critical areas like child custody, foreclosure, consumer debt, and domestic violence. By funding legal aid providers, MLSC plays a crucial role in promoting fairness and equity within Maryland’s justice system.
Maryland Legal Aid
Maryland Legal Aid is a statewide private, nonprofit law firm that provides free, civil legal services to low-income and vulnerable people to address their most fundamental legal problems. From our 12 offices throughout the state, we help our clients preserve and access safe and affordable housing, maintain and regain custody of their children, and be safe from domestic violence. Maryland Legal Aid increases our clients’ economic security by defending against consumer debt, including foreclosures and tax sales, removing barriers to employment, and accessing critical income supports such as unemployment, food stamps and other vital public benefits. Through special projects, we represent elder adults, nursing home residents, children in alleged abuse and neglect cases, and migrant farmworkers. In its advocacy, Maryland Legal Aid seeks systemic change through impact litigation, in our advocacy, and by storytelling.
Additional Legal Aid Resources
Just Fund It Amplification Toolkit – https://www.nlada.org/sites/default/files/NLADA_JFI_Full-Toolkit_v3.pdf
Maryland Court Help Toolkit – https://www.courts.state.md.us/courthelp
211 Maryland – https://211md.org/resources/legal-services/
PBRC Legal Help – https://probonomd.org/for-legal-help/
MLSC Legal Help – https://www.mlsc.org/news-resources/find-legal-help/
National Legal Aid & Defender Association Toolkits