Anne Arundel County Local Pro Bono Committee
Minutes of the Meeting of August 31, 2011
Law Library Conference Room

Attending: Hon. Pamela North, Hon. Eileen Reilly, Bill Davis, Shaneka Henson, Chris Brown, Joan Bellistri, Jean Bateman, and Chris Poulsen.

Approval of Minutes: Minutes of May 11, 2011 and July 27, 2011 were approved.

Local Pro Bono Committee

             Annual Report AACO Local Pro Bono Committee 2010 filed by Joan Bellistri was distributed.  A copy will be available on the wiki. (http://aacpll.pbworks.com/f/Annual%20Report%20AACO%20%20Local%20Pro%20Bono%20Committee%202010.doc)

             Committee Roster page has been created on the wiki.  Members are encouraged to add their own contact information.  Contact Joanie if you need assistance. (http://aacpll.pbworks.com/w/page/44464630/Anne%20Arundel%20County%20Local%20Pro%20Bono%20Committee%3A%20Roster)

            Membership recruitment

                    Judge Manck and the firm of Michele Moodispaw were recommended as additional consultants for the committee and will be contacted.

            Plan evaluation and review : Pro Bono Recruitment   

Joan Bellistri reported that Renee Hood of MVLS said that 249 members of the MSBA Young Lawyers Section are from Anne Arundel County.  Judge Reilly will talk to AABA president Dick Duden on how the Local Committee might promote pro bono at AABA Young Lawyers Events.  Joan Bellistri will see if we can get a copy of the MSBA roster.  

Judge North will speak with Judge Silkworth to arrange another presentation at an Inns of
Court meeting.

Shaneka reported that  the YWCA private bar custody project, a Judicare program, waiting list is closed until there is someone who can manage the program.

Jean Bateman contacted the Mid-Shore Pro Bono to investigate whether the program could serve as a model for Anne Arundel.  It was suggested that we start with a partnership with MVLS.

Chris Brown explained how the AABA LRS no longer provides for pro bono or reduced fee sign-ups.  He will talk to the board about adding a Pro Bono box on the bar membership form.

            Resources   

Binders containing The Court of Appeals Standing Committee Best Practices Manual and Best Practices Manual for Pro Bono Providers were available for review.


Programs and Projects  

             AABA Crab Feast Pro Bono Promotion and Recruitment
An easel was set up at the crab feast encouraging signing up for pro bono work, especially the Pro Bono Week Lawyer in the Law Library program.  Eleven of the eighteen slots were filled.  Chris Brown also got cards from others interested in pro bono in general.

             National Pro Bono Week

                    Local service program - lawyer in the law library still needs more volunteers.  Volunteers solicited by Chris Brown, Garland Hall, Rob Henley and Mary Jordan, will be contacted.  Publicity for the event will include notices to local news sources and public libraries.  
                        
                    Recognition event - luncheon will be held in January when certificates showing annual pro bono hours can be distributed.  It would be difficult to do during pro bon week because of the service program.
                        
                    Training\program - Meet the Judges and Pro Bono Night - is scheduled for                  October 11, 2011 at 5:30 at the Wild Orchid.  The cost is $25 for members.
                       
             Anne Arundel County Government Attorney Pro Bono Service
Discussion postponed

             Ask A Lawyer in the Library
Discussion postponed
                       
    Legal Aid 100th Birthday Celebration
Discussion postponed - birthday Cake during a Pro Bono week event?    

     Homeless Day 2012 : Judicial component   
Discussion postponed

     Barrister Column to highlight “stars” and providers/opportunities
Fran will be contacted to see if we can get an article in the Barrister before Pro Bono Week.

Next Meeting and Committee Meeting Schedule
    The Committee will continue with the 4th Wednesday of the month schedule.  The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 28 at 5:00 in the Law Library Conference room in order to plan for the October 11 pro bono presentation.  MVLS and PBRC will be invited to discuss ways Anne Arundel can recruit and provide opportunities.