All active Maryland attorneys are required to meet specific compliance requirements by September 10, as mandated by the court. These obligations include paying the annual Client Protection Fund (CPF) assessment, confirming their tax identification number if applicable, and submitting reports on pro bono legal services and Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA).
Attorneys who do not fulfill these requirements by the deadline may face a late fee or risk temporary suspension or decertification from practicing law. Notifications were sent via email around July 10, reminding attorneys to complete these tasks through the Attorney Information System (AIS) available at www.mdcourts.gov/lawyers/ais.
While payment of the CPF assessment can be made online or through mail with an invoice from AIS, pro bono and IOLTA reports must be submitted online. The Maryland Judiciary uses data from pro bono service reports to enhance and promote such activities. Meanwhile, interest generated from IOLTA accounts supports civil legal aid programs within the state.
Maryland Rule 19-802(b) mandates all attorneys in Maryland to register with AIS for future communications regarding their law practice licenses. This system consolidates attorney information and facilitates electronic communication following changes effective January 1, 2019.
For more details about compliance requirements and AIS, visit https://mdcourts.gov/lawyers/ais.