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 – 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…
A2JC Dispatch – April 2025 Issue
The April IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we highlight A2JC’s advocacy efforts to get more civil legal aid funding and funding for the Access to Counsel…
A2JC Dispatch – March 2025 Issue
The March IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we highlight A2JC’s collaboration with MSBA to call on Maryland’s congressional delegation to address…
A2JC Dispatch – January 2025 Issue
The January IssueIn this month’s dispatch, we provide a legislative preview, discuss A2JC’s legislative priorities, and welcome new commissioners.…
A2JC Dispatch – November 2024 Issue
The November IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we highlight the work of the Access to Justice Commission, Maryland Judiciary’s bilingual staff pilot program…
A2JC Dispatch – October 2024 Issue
The October IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we highlight the work of Reena Shah, Executive Director of the Access to Justice Commission and Chair…
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!
New Energy Bill Assistance for Marylanders
Many Marylanders who face civil legal issues, do so because they cannot afford to pay their rent or their utilities. Indeed, the rising cost of energy…
Reena K. Shah Appointed to Maryland State Advisory Council on Administrative Hearings
Governor Moore recently appointed Reena K. Shah, Executive Director of the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, to the State Advisory Council on Administrative…
Staffing of the ACE Program and the Pipeline for Future ACE Attorneys
During the hearings hosted by the Task Force in the fall of 2024, a complex story emerged about capacity among civil legal aid organizations to staff the…
A2JC Dispatch – May 2025 Issue
The May IssueIn this month’s Dispatch, we highlight A2JC’s events such as the Spring Social and the upcoming “Pizza Party” fundraiser, and A2JC’s insights…
REAL ID: What It Is and Why It Matters for Access to Justice
You might have heard the term “REAL ID” thrown around, but do you really know what it means? It’s more than just a driver’s license; it’s a federally compliant…
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission Commemorates Law Day
Reena Shah, the Executive Director of the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, recently addressed the St. Mary’s County Bar Association, during Law…
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
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