Maryland lawyers have collectively donated over one million hours of pro bono legal services to support the state's underserved communities, according to a recent report. The period covered by the report spans from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, including the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges posed by office closures and limited client access during this time, lawyers continued their efforts to assist those in need.
The report titled "Current Status of Pro Bono Service Among Maryland Lawyers, FY 2020" was submitted to the Maryland Court of Appeals by the Administrative Office of the Courts. It compiles data from 40,165 lawyers who reported their pro bono hours through the Attorney Information System (AIS).
Findings indicate that about 44.9% of full-time practicing lawyers in Maryland provided free or reduced-fee legal services to individuals with limited means and other vulnerable groups. Although there was a slight decline in participation rates for free legal work, nearly 16% of attorneys contributed 50 or more hours. Additionally, financial contributions from lawyers to organizations serving people with limited means amounted to $7,413,443.
Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty of the Court of Appeals of Maryland expressed satisfaction with these efforts: “It is gratifying to know that Maryland’s attorneys remain committed to providing pro bono service whenever possible.”
The report highlights that longer-practicing attorneys are more inclined towards volunteering their expertise on a pro bono basis. Sole practitioners and those in small or extra-large firms were more active in offering their services compared to peers in larger firms. Approximately 73% of these services involved direct legal assistance or support for organizations aiding low-income populations. Rural areas like Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore showed higher levels of pro bono engagement.
Senior Judge Karen Jensen emphasized the importance of these contributions: “The volunteer hours and financial contributions made by attorneys throughout Maryland help to fill the gap in serving those who simply cannot afford legal services.”
Challenges identified include a mismatch between practiced law types and areas with high legal needs; many attorneys being retired or working outside Maryland; and government lawyers facing restrictions due to conflicts of interest.
Sharon E. Goldsmith highlighted future goals: “These data are critical as we strategize ways to raise the level of volunteerism by the bar and give those without the means equal access to the justice system.”