Coordinating A2J Storytelling to Drive Impactful Change
Story Hub
We coordinate increased exposure to A2J Stories to elevate understanding of the barriers and solutions in the civil justice system.
By uplifting the stories of Marylanders who encounter the civil justice system, spotlighting the work of the civil legal aid providers who provide legal help, and keeping our finger on the pulse of national conversations related to civil justice reform, the Maryland Access to Justice Commission promotes awareness among decision-makers and the public about how civil legal aid is integral to ensuring that Marylanders are housed, safe and economically secure.
Access to Justice Empowered Video Project
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission and Maryland Legal Services Corporation are proud to partner to raise awareness about the critical role of civil legal aid and right to counsel in civil legal matters. Without legal representation, hundreds of thousands of Marylanders may unjustly lose their homes, custody or their children or access to safety and protection domestic violence or elder abuse, not because they did something wrong, but because they did not understand their legal rights or how to navigate a complex legal system on their own. See what a difference supporting civil legal aid can make.
A2J Dispatch
The A2J Dispatch is a hand-curated monthly created to keep MSBA members and the access to justice community informed and up-to-date on the most current news and information related to access to justice. The Dispatch pulls from multiple local and national news outlets and includes news from the A2JC, its committees, local civil legal aid providers and national A2J organizations and news outlets. It is the go-to-source for news and information related to access to justice, providing a rich tapestry of inspiring stories and analysis that explains the current state of access to justice in Maryland and beyond.
A2JC Dispatch – January 2026 Issue
The January IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we call for candidates to serve as Chair of the Access to Justice Commission, and call attention to our…
A2JC Dispatch – November 2025 Issue
The November IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we share the significant news of Ward Coe’s resignation as the long-time Chair of the A2JC at the end of…
A2JC Dispatch – October 2025 Issue
The October IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we look at the work of the ACE and Innovations in Tiered Legal Services Task Forces, and discuss new laws…
A2JC Dispatch – September 2025 Issue
The September IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we welcome the A2JC Data and Legal Technology Committee’s new chair, and invite you to join A2JC’s Public…
A2JC Dispatch – July 2025 Issue
The July IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we welcome new A2JC commissioners and thank outgoing commissioners, highlight new energy bill assistance…
A2JC Dispatch – June 2025 Issue
The June IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we highlight A2JC’s first ever Access to Justice Leadership Award, granted to Senator Shelly Hettleman…
A2J Blogs
Find the latest A2J Blog Posts here. Blogs are written by A2JC and cover all areas of A2J, including substantive areas of law; programs and events; advocacy and more!
Legal Practitioners are the Nurse Practitioners of the Legal Profession
The access to justice gap is an enduring issue in Maryland, as many people cannot afford to hire an attorney to help them protect their rights and interests…
Maryland’s Tenant Possessions Recovery Act Increases Tenant Rights
Maryland’s legal landscape took a significant step toward a more equitable and humane eviction process in 2025 with the passage of House Bill 767 (HB…
Navigating Immigrant Resources: A Comprehensive Guide for Marylanders
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission believes the civil justice system should be accessible, equitable, and fair for every Marylander. For immigrant…
Call for Candidates! Chair, Maryland Access to Justice Commission
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) seeks a respected legal leader to serve as its chair. Current chair, the inimitable Ward Coe, has blazed…
Ending the Credit Crisis of Illness: The Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act
On October 1, 2025, the Maryland Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act (HB 1020) took effect, fundamentally reshaping how medical debt impacts the lives and…
A Clearer Path to Justice: Maryland’s Expungement Reform Act of 2025 is Now in Effect
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission celebrates the passage of the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 (SB 432), which became effective on October 1, 2025…
A2J in the Bar Journal
The Maryland Bar Journal is the MSBA’s premiere publication, with a circulation of approximately 23,000. The Bar Journal provides focused legal analysis from the experts you trust, delivered in an exclusive quarterly magazine.
A2J News
Legislation to Let Undocumented Immigrants use Md. Health Care Marketplace to get House Vote
The House of Delegates is preparing to vote later this week on a bill that would allow Maryland’s undocumented population to purchase individual health insurance plans from the state’s insurance marketplace.READ FULL STORY
Commentary: Homeowner Assistance Fund Ends Amid Persistent Foreclosure Risks
Losing source of assistance puts low-income homeowners at particular risk.Read full story
College Park Scholars to Launch Data Justice, Civic Engagement Programs
College Park Scholars in Fall 2024 will add two programs to its roster of two-year living-learning experiences for academically talented students, but one will look and sound familiar.Read full story
Ohio Sets Loan Repayment Program Helping Newly Licensed Attorneys in Underserved Areas
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey last week announced a loan repayment program that will benefit newly licensed attorneys working in underserved parts of the state, which includes the Mahoning Valley.read full story
District Court in Frederick and Washington Counties Launches Regional Veterans Treatment Court
The District Court in Frederick and Washington counties has launched a regional veterans treatment court, which will serve both counties. The regional veterans court will provide treatment, accountability, and mentoring to former military service members, while helping connect veterans who are involved with the justice system with the benefits…
Innovative New Project Launches to Increase Access to Justice for the Overlooked Middle Class
An important addition to the national access to justice landscape, the Above the Line Network (ATLN) has launched today to tackle the daunting challenges that middle-class Americans face when seeking legal help that doesn’t break the bank. read full story
75% is too high.That’s the percentage of low-income Marylanders who face at least one civil legal issue in a year. The need is overwhelming, underscoring the necessity of legal aid services.
Watch the full video here: mdaccesstojustice.org/explore-issues#FundCivilLegalAid
When you have legal counsel, you have a voice. 
For this Maryland resident, having an attorney wasn’t just about getting help; it was about being heard.: View the full video at the link in our bio and share this post to help us spread the word.#FundCivilLegalAid
We’re on a mission to make justice accessible to everyone. We are proud to share EMPOWERED, a video project collaboration in support of the life-changing impact of civil legal aid.: View the full video at the link in our bio.#FundCivilLegalAid
Did you know? As of October 2025, medical debt can no longer be used to tank your credit score in Maryland. 
The Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act (HB 1020) is officially in effect, shielding Marylanders from the “credit crisis of illness.”– f.mtr.cool/vicjkuqzrd
Maryland just changed custody law: House Bill 1191 gives parents clearer rules and courts must explain decisions. More transparency. Better fairness. Read more: f.mtr.cool/eougfxgyfw#MDLegislation #FamilyLawReform
New Dispatch Available Inside: updates on the current state of Access to Justice in Maryland and beyond 
Big win for tenants in Maryland! The new Mold Protection Act gives renters stronger rights, clear timelines for landlords, and better tools to live in safe, healthy homes.Learn more in our latest blog at mdaccesstojustice.org#AccessToJustice #HousingEquity #MDLegislation
Stay Up To Date
Join our list to receive important Access to Justice Commission updates via our curated monthly newsletter, The A2JC Dispatch.