Anne Arundel County Pro Bono Committee
Minutes December 10, 2014
Law Library Conference Room
Attending: Bill Davis, Michelle Moodispaw, Stacey Rice, Kunle Adeyemo, Joan Bellistri, Hon. Ronald Silkworth, and special guests Hon. Michele Jaklitsch, Tasnima Apol, Carole Brown, Gene Brennan, and Eileen Powers.
Minutes of 10-22-2014 approved: http://aacpll.pbworks.com/w/page/88117654/Minutes%2010-22-2014
Pro Bono Challenge Prize Drawing
Judge Silkworth congratulated those receiving prizes for taking part in the pro bono challenge by registering with a pro bono service provider and reporting it to the Local Pro Bono Committee. Tasnima Apol, Carole Brown, Gene Brennan, and Eileen Powers each received a prize from Judge Silkworth and Judge Jaklitsch. Prizes included a bottle of wine, a gift card from Mills, a gift bag from Seasons, and a gift bag from Annebeth's. All were thanked for their pro bono efforts and invited to continue to work with the committee.
Members and guests discussed the barriers to pro bono including the difficulty in handling cases in an area in which the attorney is not familiar and the knowledge of pro bono opportunities. The Barrister was considered the best way to reach AABA members.
I. Local Pro Bono Committee
A. Committee membership (MRP 16-902 (a) (3), (4) and (5) - reserved for email discussion
New members Stacey Rice and Kunle Adeyemo were introduced to the Committee.
B. Plan Review - MRP 16-902 -
C. Wiki review and demonstration of Local Pro Bono Committee page - ongoing
II. Programs and Projects
A. Education and Outreach
1. Pro bono opportunity information to the bar
a. Inns of Court and Judge Silkworth's Chambers Chats
Judge Silkworth reported that the next Chambers Chat will be held 12/18 at the office of David Diggs in Millersville. Joanie will give Judge Silkworth pro bono opportunity information for distribution.
b. AABA -
1. Bar President's Message - column and request for pro bono stories - follow up
2. Pro Bono Award
3. AABA functions
(a) Young Lawyers: Meet the Judges update - Stacey will investigate.
(b) Bar Weekend message - Stacey will talk to Brian Marsh about the possibility of pro bono seminars or sponsorship.
(c) bar events and meetings - Stacey suggested that a pro bono message be a part of all AABA functions and will bring the idea up at the next AABA board meeting.
4. Barrister Column to highlight “stars” and providers/opportunities - volunteers needed
Suggestions for articles include volunteer stories and information on trainings available.
B. Pro Bono Recruitment
1 Best Practices: Volunteer Recruitment (p.27 Best Practices for Local Pro Bono Committees)
a. AABA Pro Bono Award - Nancy Faulkner is investigating.
2. Best Practices: Collaborating with the Judiciary (p.71 Best Practices for Local Pro Bono Committees)
a. Bench Meeting presentation - Judge Hackner's chambers should be contacted.
C. Projects
1. MVLS and PBRC programs - local coordination and PBRC E-Bulletin -
a. information to Inns and the Barrister (How to register and receive email alerts)
2. Local referral service - collaboration with the bar - warm referrals - triage / centralization
a. incubator program and LRS rules
b. judges' list - MVLS partnership - Discussion included having a model including something like best interest training and/or Nagle/waiver training and reduced fee representation.
3. Pro Bono Celebration - week/month
a. Three part challenge and Pro Bono article/email
i. prize drawings awards - see aboove
ii. Challenge Part II - Judge Silkworth is investigating Orioles' tickets.
4. Homeless Resource Day - 3/28/2015
a. MDEC / waivers -
III. New Business:
A. Pro bono recognition lunch
B. Bankruptcy workshop - partnership with MVLS in the spring
C. Bill Davis reported that the Office of the Public Defender Collateral Division needs pro bono volunteers.
Next Meeting: 01/28/2015
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