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MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE 2 0 1 9 THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2019 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER 1 WEST PRATT ST. BALTIMORE, MD 21201 THE 21ST ANNUAL PROUDLY PRESENTED BY: PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

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Page 1: MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE2 0 1 9

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 20198:15 AM to 3:30 PMBALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER 1 WEST PRATT ST. BALTIMORE, MD 21201

THE

21STANNUAL

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY: PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER OF MARYLAND

Page 2: MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

May 23, 2019

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Welcome to another year of terrific programming and networking opportunities at the21st Annual Maryland Partners for Justice Conference. We are so glad you could join us!

These past few years have continued to place unusual stressors on legal services programs, pro bono providers and advocates who believe in a fair and accessible justice system. It is difficult to know where to turn for answers and where to focus limited resources when so many people and communities face what appear to be insurmountable obstacles. What we offer is not only quality legal help to those in need but also a chance to challenge those structures, policies, laws and regulations that impose undue and unfair burdens on our clients.

Today’s conference offers an opportunity to explore how we can do what we do better and in a more strategic and effective way. We encourage creative thinking, collaborative planning and sharing tips and best practices to change the experience for our clients. Bold thinking and systemic change are in order. As we acknowledge 21 years of collaboration, partnership and shared knowledge, the need to listen to and learn from each other is crucial.

The Conference Planning Committee was determined to bring you smart, useful and thought-provoking sessions. Most of the topics came from the legal services community or you. Thank you for your ideas, willingness to work on these issues and desire to work together for the benefit of those we serve.

Thank you also for supporting the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland’s efforts and mission. We are privileged and proud to call you our “partners for justice.”

Sincerely,

Maria Chavez-Ruark Sharon E. GoldsmithPresident, PBRC Executive Director, PBRC

Thank you to our generous 2019 Conference Sponsors:

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Page 3: MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

WHO WE ARE: We are the Maryland bar’s only statewide support program – here to help sustain your work!

RECRUITS and refers volunteers to legal services providers;

PROVIDES legal training and mentoring for volunteers and staff;

MANAGES the MLSC Litigation Fund for pro bono, reduced-fee, and Judicare lawyers;

GIVES technical assistance and provides best practice tools for operating local and regional pro bono programs;

PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER OF MARYLAND

WHAT WE DO: We train and connect lawyers and advocates to give back to Maryland communities.

WWW.PROBONOMD.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION

TRACKS pro bono progress and reports to the Court of Appeals;

INCUBATES project models forlimited scope services* in areas of unmet need;

BUILDS capacity within the bar and legalservices network to impact the community;

PUBLISHES an E-Bulletin of probono cases, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming trainings and events; and

PBRC DOES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

COORDINATES regional and statewide planning programs and education, including: • Mentoring roundtables • State & local bar meetings • Pro Bono Coordinating Council• Annual Partners for Justice Conference • Annual Veterans’ Legal Assistance Conference & Training.

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Courtroom Advocacy Project: Eviction prevention and consumer volunteer lawyer of the day clinics in District Court.

Home Preservation Project: Work with seniors to age in place by avoiding tax sale and foreclosure of homes, drafting wills, POA and advanced directives, and helping with utility bills and green initiatives.

Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project: Volunteer screening and consultations in immigration court for unaccompanied children, some adults and families.

* SUBSTANTIVE PROJECTS:

Page 4: MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

9:45 AMTO 11:00 AM

11:15 AMTO 12:30 PM

12:30 PMTO 2:00 PM

SESSION ONE

8:15 AMTO 9:00 AM

Continental Breakfast & Registration

9:00 AM TO 9:30 AM

SESSION TWO

Confronting the DiscriminatoryImpact of Nuisance and Crime-Free Ordinances

Effective Events for Fundraising and Friendraising

Holding the Line: Protecting Maryland Consumers When Federal Oversight Fails

Guardianship (or not?): Advising Families on the Options

How to Grow Legal Services Leaders from Within

Tell it Like it Is: Race Equity Arguments in Court

Impact of the New Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Policing For Profit: The Ripple Effect

Learn How Estate Planning Can Keep Your Clients in Their Homes

Smartphone Evidence: Preserving, Introducing,...and Maybe Avoiding!

LUNCH

Maria Chavez- Ruark, President, Pro Bono Resource Center of MarylandSharon E. Goldsmith, Executive Director, Pro Bono Resource Center of MarylandWilhelm H. Joseph, Jr., Executive Director, Maryland Legal Aid Susan Erlichman, Executive Director, Maryland Legal Services CorporationKirsten Downs, District Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender, Baltimore CityReena Shah, Executive Director, Access to Justice Commission Amy Petkovsek, Chair, MSBA Section on Delivery of Legal Services

In Search Of Safety: Unaccompanied Children in Maryland

Lawyering in the #MeToo Era

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SESSION THREE2:15 PM TO 3:30 PM

Carceral Capitalism: Challenging the Profiteers of Money Bail in Maryland

Empowering Affordable Heat and Electricity: How to Address the Energy Needs of Low-Income Households

All is Not Lost: Using Wage Laws (and Possible Criminal Remedies) when Maryland’s Low-Wage Workers Face Wage Theft

Nothing About Us Without Us: The Community as a Resource for Effective Advocacy

LGBTQ Essentials: Best Practices to Assist the Most Vulnerable LGBTQ Communities

The Keepers: Collaborating for Social Justice

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Shila Mashhadishafie, Chair, Partners for Justice Conference Planning Committee Sharon E. Goldsmith, Executive Director, Pro Bono Resource Center of MarylandHon. Karen M. Jensen, Retired Judge Natalie McSherry, MLSC Board Chair, Maryland Bar Foundation ChairIndira Sharma, YLS Chair, PBRC Board memberStephanie Joseph, Planning Committee, Montgomery County Office of the Public DefenderKeynote Speaker: Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA de MarylandRafael Rodriguez, ArtistClosing/Acknowledgements/Raffle

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Criminal Law: Practice & Policy

Building a better nonprofit

Justice in the Courtroom

Justice in 2019: Immigration and other timely concerns

Seniors & vulnerable communities

Consumer Concerns

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CONFRONTING THE DISCRIMINATORYIMPACT OF NUISANCE AND CRIME-FREE ORDINANCES RM 346

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS | SESSION ONE: 9:45 AM TO 11:00 AM

As our population ages, many families will need to act to protect an elderly loved one. At best, these decisions are difficult; at worst, they are heartbreaking. Guardianship may be an option, but by law is a last resort; it results in the significant and often permanent loss of an individual’s rights andliberties. What alternatives exist? What do families need to know about the guardianship court process? What can we all do now to avoid guardianship in the future? Panelists will answer these questions and identify resources available to family guardians and those who support them. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the Maryland Judiciary’s ongoing guardianship reform efforts.

Moderator: Joan Bellistri, Anne Arundel County Public Law Library Panelists: Hon. Karen Murphy Jensen, Maryland Judiciary; Angela B. Grau, Esq., Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny; Nisa C. Subasinghe, Department of Juvenile & Family Services, Administrative Office of the Courts Program

GUARDIANSHIP (OR NOT?): ADVISINGFAMILIES ON THE OPTIONS RM 345

Despite the protections afforded by the Fair Housing Act, discrimination in housing continues to rear its ugly head in both blatant and subtle ways. One method is the implementation of nuisance and crime-free ordinances that are popping up around the country at alarming rates. Jurisdictions like the City of Hesperia, CA have deemed any criminal activity in rental housing a public nuisance, and have thus required landlords to evict tenants if the police notify them of any criminal activity on or near the property, even if tenants were never arrested, charged or convicted. Jurisdictions use these under the radar civil citations as ways to evict undesirable tenants and developments without the oversight that a criminal standard of proof would require. This panel presentation will cover the ways in which these seemingly benign ordinances have a disparate impact on victims of domestic violence and low-income communities of color, highlight the current efforts of advocates across the nation around this issue, and present various legal and advocacy strategies for challenging them should they pop up in your community.

Moderator: Swapna Yeluri, Homeless Persons Representation Project Panelists: Sarah Carthen Watson, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Linda Morris, ACLU Women’s Rights Project; Gregory Countess, Maryland Legal Aid

Events can be an effective way to engage existing and potential donors and volunteers - but they’re not for the faint of heart! They also require careful planning to ensure a return on investment. Learn how organizations large and small can decide if events are an appropriate tool to reach their goals. Panelists will discuss their experience with a wide range of events, from small get-togethers to walks with more than 1,000 people. Discussions will also include setting strategy, engaging board members, addressing event fatigue and incorporating your organization’s mission into the event.

Moderator: Deb Seltzer, Maryland Legal Services Corporation Panelists: Kimberly Lennon Weiner, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; Jen Vido, Harford County Bar Foundation; Vince Fiduccia, Best Buddies Maryland

EFFECTIVE EVENTS FOR FUNDRAISING AND FRIENDRAISING RM 347

More than ever, our lives are recorded by our smartphones - where we were, what we saw, who we called, when we texted, what we said... This session will provide practical steps to seek, access, preserve, print, authenticate, and successfullyintroduce evidence from smartphones. The session will also explore how we might advise clients regarding the evidence-factories they carry - and give us some ideas for ourselves.

Moderator: Dave Pantzer, Pro Bono Resource Center of MD Panelists: Michele Gilman, UB Law; Dennis O’Brien, Dennis O’Brien P.A.

SMARTPHONE EVIDENCE: PRESERVING, INTRODUCING, ... AND MAYBE AVOIDING! RM 348

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was created in 2011 in response to the financial crisis that caused millions of consumers to lose their homes to foreclosure and slide into ever-mounting debt. Its purpose is to protect consumers from predatory and abusive business practices. However, in recent years, the Bureau has stepped aside, and created a vacuum of oversight that is sorely needed to protect consumers from new and continuing problems in the financial sector. As federal oversight of consumer issues continues to decline, state actors in Maryland are stepping up to protect Maryland consumers. The state legislature, Attorney General, consumer rights groups, lawyers, and others have come together to make sure consumers in Maryland are protected, regardless of what is happening on the federal level. This panel will discuss the efforts of advocates and others in Maryland to protect consumers to date, what is working, the roadblocks to progress, and what is planned for the future.Moderator: Ellyn Riedl, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Panelists: Marceline White, Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition; Emanwel Turnbull, The Holland Law Firm; Delegate Erek Barron, Maryland General Assembly

HOLDING THE LINE: PROTECTINGMARYLAND CONSUMERS WHEN FEDERAL OVERSIGHT FAILS RM 349

SESSION ONE CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE4

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IMPACT OF THE NEW TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT RM 347

Maryland is one of the highest receiving states of unaccompanied children (UACs) in the United States, with over 10,000 UACs released to Maryland sponsors in recent years – including children separated from their families at the border under the Administration’s “zero tolerance” policy. UACs arrive in the United States seeking haven from abuse, neglect, abandonment, gang violence, and other dangerous conditions. Once here, UACs face a myriad of legal and non-legal challenges. This panel will provide an overview of the plight of UACs; discuss how service providers are working to meet their needs;identify gaps in protection and services; and recommend ways in which Maryland can do more to protect vulnerable immigrant and refugee children.

Moderator: Jenny Bayer, Catholic Charities ILS, Esperanza Center Panelists: Elisabeth Lopez, Kids In Need of Defense; Joshua Agren-Barnes, Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital; Diego Uriburu, Identity, INC.

IN SEARCH OF SAFETY: UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN IN MARYLAND RM 350

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS | SESSION TWO: 11:15 AM TO 12:30 PM

In a world of limited resources, it is typical for employers – legal services providers and otherwise – to promote existing employees as openings arise and needs change. It can be faster and less expensive to promote from within, and dedicated, go-to employees are often hungry to grow and take on new challenges. Yet, many organizations struggle with the important task of developing employees into leaders. This session will create an open dialogue on common leadership skill gaps and challenges in legal services; explore strategies for instilling diversity and inclusion in leadership development efforts; and identify resources and best practices for attendees. Moderator: Annie Brinkmann Speedie, Pro Bono Resource Center of MD Panelists: D. Jill Green, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School; Adrienne Peres; The Park School of Baltimore; Rhodia Thomas, MidPenn Legal Services

HOW TO GROW LEGAL SERVICES LEADERS FROM WITHIN RM 345

As legal services advocates, we are working to eliminate racial disparities in access to housing, income, health, education and transportation. The courts can be a tool where legal advocates can turn to advance racial equity. But what are race equity arguments and how do we develop them? How do we obtain and analyze data to support our arguments? Are there certain arguments or types of cases that lend themselves to explicitly framing arguments in this way? What is theclient’s role in developing the argument and how can attorneys communicate about this legal strategy with our clients? What other opportunities are there for judicial education and training? Panelists will share strategies and experiences incorporating racial equity arguments in impact litigation and appellate advocacy, and engage the audience on whether raising these issues in direct services representation in trial courts and administrative hearings is a viable strategy. Moderator: Nicole McConlogue, University of Baltimore School of Law Panelists: Ejaz Baluch, Public Justice Center; Ralikh Hayes, Client Community; Ryan Downer, Civil Rights Court

TELL IT LIKE IT IS: RACE EQUITYARGUMENTS IN COURT RM 346

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed. This was a comprehensive tax reform bill which brought significant changes in many sectors, especially on its effects on the poor. Join speakers from the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Maryland Legal Aid, CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope Campaign of Maryland, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service for a discussion of the impact of the new law. Moderator: Janice Shih, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Panelists: William Steinwedel, Maryland Legal Aid; Rob Bader, CASH Campaign of Maryland; James Leith, Tax Payer Advocate Service

Civil Forfeiture, the process by which property is seized and kept after an arrest, but not necessarily a conviction, is something that adversely affects many Marylander’s when they come in contact with the police. Panelists from Legal Aid, MVLS and the Office of the Public Defender will discuss the different situations residents face whether they have a car, cash, or other property seized. Panelists will elaborate on the collateral consequences of these losses and the profound impact it has on our clients. Further, the panel will address how advocates can work towards collaborative solutions for identifying and representing clients who face these seizures and who are eligible to request their property back. Attendees will receive a Civil Forfeiture toolkit and roadmap, including draft pleadings and forms. Finally, the panel will engage attendees in different hypothetical scenarios. Moderator: Christina Ochoa, Maryland Legal Aid Panelists: Todd Cagwin, Maryland Legal Aid; Amy Hennen, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; Shomari Taylor, Office of the Public Defender

POLICING FOR PROFIT: THE RIPPLE EFFECT RM 348

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUED | SESSION ONE: 9:45 AM TO 11:00 AM

SESSION TWO CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE5

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Learn about recent efforts in Maryland regarding estate planning, estate administration and deed transfers and how these efforts have directly impacted low-income individuals ability to stay in their homes. The presentation will highlight innovative efforts, new partnerships and community engagement to systematically debunk the myth that poor people don’t need to do estate planning. The panel will include the basics of estate planning and probate,the impact the lack of estate planning has on low-income communities and tips on how to begin to talk to your clients about this often overlooked tool to keep families in their homes. Moderator: Margaret Henn, Pro Bono Resource Center of MD Panelists: Susan Francis, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; N’neka N’namdi, Fight Blight Baltimore; Marina Nellius, MedStar Health

LEARN HOW ESTATE PLANNING CAN KEEP YOUR CLIENTS IN THEIR HOMESLEARN HOW RM 349

This session is sponsored by the MSBA Deliveryof Legal Services section. The #MeToo Movement gave a voice to oft silenced women across the nation, but what impact has the movement had, if any, on family law, employment, and advocacy for low income Marylanders? Join our expert panel as they tackle these tough issues, including recent Maryland employment law changes, clients working in a hostile work environment, the intersection of domestic violence and employment, and legal services family law advocacy in these changing times. Be ready for a vibrant, engaging discussion with takeaways for all practice areas. Moderator: Amy Petkovsek, Maryland Legal AidPanelists: Bobbie Steyer, Maryland Legal Aid; Michelle Siri, Women’s Law Center; Denise McCain, Family Justice

LAWYERING IN THE #METOO ERA RM 350

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUED | SESSION TWO: 11:15 AM TO 12:30 PM

LUNCH AND KEYNOTE ADDRESS: GUSTAVO TORRES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CASA DE MARYLAND

Mr. Gustavo Torres is the Executive Director of CASA, the largest Latino and immigrant organization in the Washington DC metro area. He is nationally and internationally recognized for his leadership and vision in the immigrant rights movement in the United States. Mr. Torres came to the United States due to the political and economic unrest in his country of origin, Colombia. He joined CASA’s staff as a community organizer and became CASA’s executive director in 1994. Under his leadership, CASA has grown from a small social serviceorganization with a handful of staff members to a nationally awarded, multiservice, advocacy, organizing and support agency with a staff of nearly 150 and a membership of over 97,000, which operates in multiple states including Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

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Gustavo has spearheaded several ambitious campaigns locally, statewide, and nationally. Mr. Torres helped to lead CASA in 2012 to pass the Maryland DREAM act, which provided in-state tuition to undocumented students. He has established Welcome Centers that have served as a model for organizations across the nation and led efforts to allow all Maryland drivers to obtain a driver license, regardless of status. CASA and its partners helped to increase the minimum wage in Maryland, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore City. Most recently, he helped to pass housing protections for tenants in Montgomery County and Police Accountability legislation in Maryland. He also served as a member of multiple transition teams for city Mayors, state Governors and County Executives and on numerous task forces and leadership groups addressing issues of diversity, immigrant rights, and multiculturalism.

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CARCERAL CAPITALISM:CHALLENGING THE PROFITEERS OF MONEY BAIL IN MARYLAND RM 345

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS | SESSION THREE: 2:30 PM TO 3:30 PM

The system of money bail in Maryland has not only led to the systematic pretrial detention of criminal defendants solely due to poverty, but has also entrapped the family members and friends of defendants in cycles of inescapable debt as a result of contracting with the for-profit bail industry to secure their release. As a standard industry practice, bail bonds companies require multiple loved ones of defendants to co-sign bail contracts, which subject the loved ones to joint and several liability for non-refundable fees. From 2011-2016, $256 million in non-refundable fees were charged at Maryland’s indigent co-signers. Despite widespread abuse and illegality in industry practices, bail bond companies routinely file debt collection actions against co-signers in Maryland state courts. This panel will address (1) the commercialization of money bail in Maryland, and its ramifications for bail reform, (2) direct representation strategies to defend against collections actions filed by bail bond companies against co-signers, and (3) affirmative litigation strategies to challenge bail industry players. Moderator: Shila Mashhadishafie, Legal Services Corporation Panelists: Melissa Rothstein, Office of the Public Defender; Jane Santoni, Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC; Veryl Pow, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

All Maryland households should have access to affordable electricity and heat in their homes. This panel will specifically explore the profiles and energy burdens (defined as the share of annual household income that is used to pay annual energy and water bills) of low-income and vulnerable Marylandhouseholds, as presented in a report recently prepared for the Office of People’s Counsel (“OPC”). This panel will also examine Maryland’s energy supply market, where some unscrupulous energy suppliers may engage in deceptive marketing or inflate the costs of energy services, and why this is a major hurdle for low-income households as they attempt to find ways to decrease their energy burdens. Finally, the panel will discuss a novel Critical Medical Needs Program, developed by OPC and others to expedite energy assistance to medically vulnerable customers. Ultimately, the panel will enable attorneys, paralegals, and other advocates to identify energy-related issues and help clients find solutions to these essential problems.

Moderator: Paula Carmody, Maryland Office of the People’s CounselPanelists: Matthew Lyons, APPRISE; Laurel Peltier, Independent Journalist; Cynthia Riely, Maryland Office of People’s Counsel

EMPOWERING AFFORDABLE HEAT ANDELECTRICITY: HOW TO ADDRESS THE ENERGYNEEDS OF LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS RM 346

ALL IS NOT LOST: USING WAGE LAWS (AND POSSIBLE CRIMINAL REMEDIES) WHEN MARYLAND’S LOW-WAGE WORKERS FACE WAGE THEFT RM 347

This session is a follow-up to the 2018 Partners for Justice session entitled “Death by a Thousand Cuts: How Wage Theft Keeps Families in Poverty and What to do About It.” Participants asked for more nuts-and-bolts information on litigating wage and hour cases on behalf of low-wage workers. This session aims to walk attorneys through the process, from intake to collections, as well as to provide information on using the criminal justice system to advance your clients’ interests. The panelists’ goal is to create a community of practitioners who will represent low-wage workers in wage and hour cases, even when the amount in controversy is relatively modest. Moderator: David Rodwin, Public Justice CenterPanelists: Daniel A. Katz, Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs; Dr. Katie Tracy, Center for Progressive Reform; Cheryl-Lyn Bentley, Outten & Golden

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This session will provide attorneys from all areas of practice in-depth exposure to best practices when working with LGBTQ clients, with a specific emphasis on being affirming of transgender and gender non-conforming people. Attendees will learn about the lived experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming people, learn essential terms and definitions, receive an introduction to understanding transition, and learn guidelines for how to effectively advocate on behalf of LGBTQ clients. Panelists will share their own experience working with LGBTQ clients, provide live role play scenarios to demonstrate best practices discussed, and discuss how privilege and intersectionality deeply impacts representation of clients living at margins. Moderator: Laura McMahon, Office of the Public DefenderPanelists: Elyse Pine-Twaddell, Chase Brexton Health Care; Ezra Halstead, FreeState Justice;Merrick Moses, LGBTQ Liaison for Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City

LGBTQ ESSENTIALS: BEST PRACTICES TO ASSIST THE MOST VULNERABLELGBTQ COMMUNITIES RM 348

Page 9: MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS CONTINUED | SESSION THREE: 2:15 PM TO 3:30 PM

The recent Netflix series, “The Keepers” shared the tragic story of the murder of a Baltimore nun and community efforts to solve her case. This panel will explore the Netflix series and how non-lawyers and lawyers collaborate and innovatively coordinate a strategic campaign for justice, by doing community organizing, MPIA/FOIA requests, civil and criminal cases, plus legislative efforts. Moderator: Stephanie Joseph, Office of the Public DefenderPanelists: Teresa Lancaster, The Suder Law Firm / The Keepers; Gloria Larkin, The Keepers; Joanne Suder, The Suder Law Firm

THE KEEPERS: COLLABORATING FORSOCIAL JUSTICE RM 350

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCEUSE HASHTAG #PartnersForJustice

PANEL MATERIALS ARE ONLINE: WWW.PROBONOMD.ORG/PARTNERSFORJUSTICE Enter the password pjc21years Click on the link and follow the prompts to download materials. Do not forward these materials/access codes to anyone; those interested in the materials should contact the Pro Bono Resource Center directly.

TWEET @PBRCMD ABOUT ATTENDINGTHE PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @PBRCMD

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As advocates, we speak up and stand up for populations that are historically stigmatized and underserved, like individuals living in poverty. Our clients face many seemingly insurmountable barriers to accessing justice within systems that claim to serve them. Every year, we ritualistically select a few advocacy priorities aimed at eliminating some of the barriers that prevent our clients and their communities from moving forward. But how do we ensure that our priorities are reflective of the most pressing issues that the community needs and expects us to address? How can we support communities to energize and mobilize themselves to fight alongside us for justice? This panel will discuss how to conduct a needs assessment of the community to set your organization’s advocacy priorities and community capacity building to effectively carry out the mission of your organization with a focus toward achieving race equity. Moderator: Debra Gardner, Public Justice CenterPanelists: Ashley Black, Public Justice Center; Iman Freeman, Baltimore Action Legal Team; Ashley DeVaughn, Advocates for Children & Youth

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US: THE COMMUNITY AS A RESOURCE FOR EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY RM 349

ADD US ON FACEBOOK: PROBONOMD

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IN APPRECIATION

PBRC STAFF Sharon E. GoldsmithExecutive Director

Annie Brinkmann SpeedieDirector of Programming

Jennifer Clark Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day Program Contract Attorney

Sydney DunningDirector of Courtroom Advocacy Project

Dean Fleyzor Tenant Volunteer Lawyer of the Day Program Manager

Caitlin Goldblatt Project Coordinator

PROVIDER SPONSORS Bar Association of Baltimore City – Senior Legal Services ProgramCommunity Legal Services of Prince George’s County

Kiah E. Pierre Training & Records Manager

Linzey Powers Development Director

Kiki Rist Project Coordinator

Margaret Rudmann Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project Staff Attorney

Catherine D. Scenna Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project Manager

PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER BOARD MEMBERS

Jordan BailowitzLauren K. BenkoPamela S. ForesmanMichael J. GoeckeDavid Scott “DS” Gray

Maria Ellena Chavez-Ruark, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr, LLP – PresidentJames R. Benjamin, Gordon Feinblatt LLC – Vice PresidentSima G. Fried, Thomas & Libowitz, P.A. – TreasurerRyan P. Nolan, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. – SecretaryVictor L. Velazquez, Maryland State Bar Association – Executive Vice PresidentJoseph J. “Joe” Dyer, Seyfarth Shaw, LLP – Immediate Past President

Elizabeth Grove Executive Assistant Margaret Henn Director of Home Preservation Project

Leta “Shelly”Jackson Home Preservation Project Staff Attorney

Jaci Jones Marketing and Communications

Monica Larsen Maryland Immigrant Legal Assistance Project Paralegal

Dave PantzerDirector of Education, Outreach, and Technology

Thank you to all those whose hard work made this conference enriching and meaningful!

CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE & COORDINATORS

Ejaz Baluch

Jenny Bayer

Joan Bellistri

Ashley Black

Annie Brinkmann Speedie

Sarah Carthen Watson

Chair: Shila Mashhadishafie

Nora Eidelman

Pam Foresman

Susan Francis

Debra Gardner

Sharon E. Goldsmith

Amy P. Hennen

Stephanie Joseph

Elisabeth Lopez

Nicole K. McConlogue

Christina Ochoa

Dave Pantzer

Amy Petkovsek

Kiah E. Pierre

Veryl Pow

Mikhail Raykher

Ellyn Riedl

David Rodwin

Anna Scholl

Deb Seltzer

Hon. Cathy H. Serrette

Janice Shih

Nisa Subasinghe

Swapna Yeluri

Leah HauserKristin P. HerberAllen E. HonickCatherine “Cate” HopkinWilhelm H. Joseph, Jr.

Frederick L. KobbMelissa L. MackiewiczShila MashhadishafieLaura McMahonAmy Petkovsek

Indira K. SharmaTracy L. SteedmanHon. Keith R. Truffer Brian T. TuckerDana O. Williams

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Harford County Bar Foundation Maryland Legal AidMaryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

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PRO BONO IN YOUR PAJAMAS: VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS NEEDED FOR: MARYLAND.FREELEGALANSWERS.ORG Answer civil legal questions online at your own convenience.

THANK YOU TO OUR RAFFLE PRIZE DONORS: Cazbar

HomeSlyce

Newseum

Toka Salon & Day Spa

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LEONARD & HELEN R.STULMAN FOUNDATION

WELLS FARGO FOUNDATION

BALTIMORE BAR FOUNDATION

Law O�ces of Frank F. Daily • Bar Association Insurance Trust • Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld, Chtd. • Morgan Stanley Foundation • Potter Burnett Law

Law O�ce of John E. Reid • Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White • Elville & Associates

Gordon Feinblatt • Thomas & Libowitz • Zuckerman Spaeder • Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company • Law O�ces of Peter T. Nicholl

Yumkas, Vidmar, Sweeney & Mulrenin • Goodell DeVries • Lerch, Early & Brewer • Law O�ces of Thomas J. Zagami • McCauley Lyman

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE PRO BONO RESOURCE CENTER

Page 12: MARYLAND PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE CONFERENCE · maryland partners for justice conference 2 0 1 9 thursday, may 23, 2019 8:15 am to 3:30 pm baltimore convention center 1 west pratt st

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019 | 8:00 AM TO 4:45 PM University of Baltimore School of Law, 1401 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201

JUDGE ROBERT M. BELL AWARD: José Z. Canto, Esq.

DISTINGUISHED PRO BONO VOLUNTEER AWARD: Howard R. Majev, Esq.

LEE A. CAPLAN AWARD:Andrea Ross, Esq.

We hope that the extraordinary dedication and remarkable accomplishments exhibited by this year’s recipients serve as a model for others and testimony of Maryland’s commitment to equal justice. The 2019 awards will

be presented on June 15, 2019 at the Maryland State Bar Association Annual Meeting in Ocean City.

Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland is proud to announce the...

LAW FIRM PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD: Mulinazzi Law Office MEMBER OF THE JUDICIARY AWARD:Immigration Judge Denise N. SlavinImmigration Judge Lisa Dornell CORPORATE OR GOVERNMENTALAGENCY AWARD:Exelon Corporation

Designed for lawyers, law students, veterans, policymakers, and other service professionals, the conference will provide a forum for discussion of critical legal issues facing our veterans. REGISTER: PROBONOMD.ORG/VETERANSCONFERENCE

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 | 7:30 AM Meadowood Regional Park, 10650 Falls Rd, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093Run or walk a 5K to raise money for Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland’s mission. REGISTER: PROBONOMD.ORG/RUN

WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY, JUNE 12 - 15TH, 2019 Clarion Resort Fontaineblue Hotel – Oceanfront 10100 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, MD 21842MSBA’s Legal Summit & Annual Meeting is the biggest event of the year for Maryland’s legal professionals. Join professionals from every segment of the legal community at this annual gathering, combining learning, camaraderie, and fun.

PBRC offers free and reduced fee online trainingsthat can be viewed at a time and place convenient for attorneys who make a pro bono commitment. A wide variety of topics are covered including:

Consumer Bankruptcy | Consumer Protection Copyright & Art | Criminal Record Expungement

Domestic Violence | Elder Law | Family LawForeclosure Prevention | Immigration | Intake

LGBTQ Rights | Litigation | Medicaid | Nonprofit Law Property | Special Education | Tax Sale Prevention Tenant Rights | Veterans Assistance | Utility Bills

Youth Homelessness

2019 MARYLAND PRO BONO SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS AND TRAINING WITH PBRC:

VISIT: WWW.PROBONOMD.ORG/TRAINING FOR MORE INFORMATION

11

5TH ANNUAL RUN FOR JUSTICE

MSBA ANNUAL MEETING

The MSBA and PBRC are offering free and discounted slots for a selection of MSBA CLE courses. Volunteer attorneys are eligible for one of three (3) free slots in exchange for accepting a pro bono case referral from a recognized pro bono legal services program. Staff legal services attorneys may register for one of three (3) discounted slots offered at 50% off the regular course cost. Slots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. For a listing of eligible courses and to register, visit WWW.PROBONOMD.ORG/MSBA-CLE.

MSBA CLE DISCOUNTS

ONLINE TRAINING COURSES:

11TH ANNUAL VETERANS LEGAL ASSISTANCE CONFERENCE & TRAINING

YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION ALEX FEE MEMORIAL AWARD: Thomas K. Prevas, Esq.

MSBA SECTION ON DELIVERY OF LEGAL SERVICES, OPEN ANNUAL MEETING

THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PMLexington Market, 400 West Lexington Street, 2nd Floor, Lexington Room A, Baltimore, MD 21201