Free Forms – Pro Bono Publico

Lawyer jokes aside, we as lawyers are not supposed to be mere money-grubbing embarrassments.  There’s nothing wrong with earning a living, including a very robust living, as an honest, diligent attorney.  But we attorneys are encouraged strongly by the Bar Associations and by our Court of Appeals to give back; giving back to the public is considered a strong moral duty, though not a mandatory one.  In Maryland, Rule 6.1 of the Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct governs attorneys “hortatory”, i.e. non-mandatory, duties to provide assistance to persons of limited means, in cases fighting systematic injustices and more generally to efforts to improve the legal profession or the legal system broadly.

One religious tradition holds that the highest form is charity is to assist someone in becoming self-reliant so as not to need charity in the future by teaching him a lawful and honest trade or lending her funds to start a business or to complete education, or the like.  While our modest law firm cannot take on such major obligations, we can help people who cannot afford legal representation to become more self-reliant in their pursuit of justice on their own, or to help reduce barriers to access to justice.

Accordingly, this page will continue to grow as an extended resource for citizens of limited means, and any lawyers who may be helping them pro bono publico (for the welfare of the public), to protect their rights.  Please bookmark this page as it will be the pro bono companion to our “Toolbox” page (which we would also encourage you to bookmark.)

Circuit Court Petition Form for Unemployment Appeals