Special Programs

Adult Guardianship

MVLS attorneys provide legal assistance to disabled adults and their families.

Bankruptcy

MVLS offers two forms of legal assistance to income eligible clients requesting assistance in filing Chapter 7 consumer bankruptcy.  Volunteer attorneys assist clients by providing individual legal representation.  MVLS also offers a self-help bankruptcy class every other month to assist those who plan to file on their own. 

Community Development Project

The Community Development Project provides free legal assistance to nonprofit organizations and community groups engaged in strengthening and revitalizing low-income communities throughout Maryland.  These organizations face the same complex legal issues that confront any small business, but lean budgets make it difficult for them to pay for legal assistance.  We help nonprofits overcome these obstacles so they can become more effective organizations and focus their limited resources on services for disadvantaged people and communities, such as building affordable housing, providing job training, mentoring youth, offering health care, etc. 

District Court Settlement Facilitation

This project develops lawyers’ negotiation skills, enabling them to help parties reach agreement and avoid court trials.

Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project

MVLS finds lawyers for low-income Marylanders whose homes are in foreclosure. 

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

Volunteer accountants and lawyers help resolve disputes with the IRS. 

Lawyer Training Programs

Classes prepare lawyers for pro bono work in the areas of landlord-tenant disputes, consumer cases, denials of long-term Medicaid, guardian ad litem, bankruptcy, child custody, and adult guardianship.

Project HEAL at JHH

Project HEAL, which began in 2003, is a medical legal partnership between MVLS and the Harriet Lane Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.  Project HEAL is designed to offer low-come children and their families, who receive health care services from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, free legal advice and representation in the following areas: landlord-tenant disputes; school enrollment and special education matters; denial of public benefits; family law matters (divorce, custody, guardianship, child support); consumer debt collections; and wills/advanced medical directives. 

Project HEAL at KKI

In 2005, MVLS expanded Project HEAL to Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI).  Project HEAL at KKI is designed to offer low-income children and their families, who receive health care services from KKI, free advice and representation in the following areas: special education matters, public benefits, family law, and housing.  Project HEAL at KKI also conducts training programs for patients, families, and health care professionals, as well as conducts extensive community outreach.