Ex officio: Tammy M. Brown, designee of Governor; Joshua N. Auerbach, designee of Attorney General; vacancy, designee of Senate President; Kathleen M. Dumais, designee of House Speaker.
Pamela C. Ortiz, Esq., Executive Director
Judiciary Education & Conference Center, 2011-D Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 260-1258; fax: (410) 260-3560
e-mail: pamela.ortiz@mdcourts.gov
web: www.mdcourts.gov/mdatjc/index.html
In October 2008, the Maryland Access to Justice Commission was initiated by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. In March 2010, the Commission's duties and functions were established by Administrative Order. The Commission coordinates efforts of the Maryland judicial system to improve and expand all people's access to the State's civil justice system, including access for those of limited means and those who choose to represent themselves in court without legal assistance.
The Commission identifies and addresses existing barriers to civil justice, such as language, literacy, and cultural differences. To strengthen the legal services delivery system and better assist litigants representing themselves, the Commission develops and implements policy. The Commission also promotes public education and comprehension of the civil justice system.
For the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Commission administers the process by which all practicing lawyers in Maryland annually are required to submit a lawyer pro bono legal service report.
In November 2009, the Commission submitted an interim report to the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Among other barriers, the report cited insufficient funding for legal services for the poor which leaves many without meaningful access to the courts or the help they need to resolve their legal problems.
CRITICAL BARRIERS COMMITTEE
Cathy Hollenberg Serrette, Chair
DEFINITIONS, STANDARDS & AWARDS COMMITTEE
Katherine Kelly Howard, Esq., Chair
PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Herbert S. Garten, Esq., Chair
SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY & CONVENIENCE COMMITTEE
Joseph P. Rosenthal, Chair
The Safety, Accessibility and Convenience Committee completed its work in March 2011. It had reviewed security assessments for each court location and evaluated the physical access to court buildings for persons with disabilities.
SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS COMMITTEE
Michael A. Millemann, Chair
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