Mission & History
Our Mission
Civil Justice is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding legal services for low and moderate-income Marylanders facing life-altering legal issues, using innovative solutions that create positive change.
Our Vision
A Maryland where every family, regardless of their legal challenge or financial standing, can access efficient and impactful legal assistance.
Our Approach
Empowering Marylanders: With our deep understanding of the legal services ecosystem, Civil Justice uses innovative technology platforms and personalized support to ensure that Marylanders access the legal help they need. We empower individuals to find the right resources and the right organizations to help them. Through this approach, we're demystifying the legal services delivery system, transforming how people find legal help, and improving outcomes for Marylanders facing life-altering legal issues.
Our Approach
Access to Affordable Legal Services: Through compassionate intervention and access to crucial legal assistance, Civil Justice connects individuals with vital services, enabling them to resolve legal issues and empowering them toward financial stability. We provide support and training to a robust network of private attorneys who offer Marylanders access to high-quality, affordable legal services. Civil Justice leverages its in-house legal expertise to create change through both individual and impact litigation.
Our History
Civil Justice, Inc., a Maryland non-profit corporation, was founded in 1998 by faculty members at the University of Maryland School of Law and leaders of the Maryland State Bar Association, including Clinton Bamberger and Michael Millemann. In June 1998, with a grant from the Open Society Institute, Civil Justice was incorporated.
Today, CJ is responding to two main challenges. First, CJ works to provide legal services to those who do not qualify for free legal services nor can afford fees typically charged by attorneys. Second, CJ also bridges gaps where legal services organizations lack capacity to provide direct representation. CJ addresses these two challenges through a combination of in-house litigation and representation through our statewide network of attorneys through the following programs:
Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) Coordinated Intake Program
The Access to Counsel in Evictions Intake Line connects eligible tenants with free legal help to fight evictions or subsidy termination cases. The first of its kind in Maryland, this system screens tenants in danger of eviction and places them with legal services providers across Maryland, while also connecting them to the social services they need.
Economic Justice Program
Through a combination of in-house services and representation through our statewide network of consumer protection attorneys, CJ’s Economic Justice Program (EJP) provides representation to low- and moderate-income Marylanders exploited by illegal housing, lending, and debt collection practices.
Foreclosure Legal Advice
Since the 2008 foreclosure crisis, CJ has advocated on behalf of financially-distressed Marylanders facing the loss of their homes. CJ’s Foreclosure Legal Advice program offers free, one-hour legal consultations to financially-eligible Maryland homeowners.
Maryland Justice Passport
The Maryland Justice Passport is a free, trauma-informed technology that helps Marylanders find the legal help they need. The Justice Passport is available via a website and mobile app. A Justice Passport can be used to track applications for services, store important documents, and keep all case information organized.
Lawyer Referral Network
Through our Lawyer Referral Service, CJ bridges the gap in services between those who do not qualify for free legal services and those who cannot afford the hourly fees typically charged by lawyers. Unlike many lawyer referral services, CJ does not charge potential clients for this service. Additionally, CJ members agree to charge affordable, reduced rates for their services making CJ’s the only reduced fee referral service in Maryland.
Legal Clinic for Small Businesses
Offered by Civil Justice and the Maryland State Bar Association, small business owners can access a one-hour session with an experienced attorney to get answers and legal guidance tailored to their needs. The Legal Clinic for Small Businesses makes essential legal support affordable and accessible, helping small businesses build a strong foundation to thrive and serve their communities.
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