The Maryland Judiciary's Self-Help Centers have been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) with the 2017 Louis M. Brown Meritorious Recognition. This accolade was announced at the ABA’s national Midyear Meeting on February 4 in Miami, where three out of 36 nominees received this recognition.
Maryland Courts Self-Help Centers provided assistance to over 55,000 litigants through various channels such as phone, live chat, email, and walk-in visits in 2016. This marked an increase of 86.5 percent compared to the previous year.
Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals stated, “Self-help resources are an essential component of the Maryland Judiciary’s strategic plan to ensure access to justice.” She added that these services help residents use technology and direct legal services for necessary information and assistance. The recognition from the ABA is seen as encouragement for further advancement of self-help services in Maryland and beyond.
The centers offer free limited legal help in civil cases for individuals without a lawyer. Operated under contract with Maryland Legal Aid, attorneys are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing support via telephone, email, and live chat across various civil case types handled by Circuit Courts and District Courts.
Three District Court Walk-In Centers provide similar free legal services during regular courthouse hours for those not represented by a lawyer. Additionally, Family Law Self-Help Centers are accessible in most Circuit Courts across the state.
William T. Hogan III, chair of the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services which awarded this recognition, remarked that they were impressed with "the Maryland Courts’ robust programming and comprehensive assistance for self-represented litigants." The ABA's Louis M. Brown Award acknowledges programs enabling affordable access to legal services for moderate-income individuals.
According to the Justice Index—an online resource evaluating states based on best practices promoting civil access to justice—Maryland ranks fourth nationally in overall performance regarding access to justice initiatives.