Reflections from the Field, Part 3: Heartly House, Inc.

Courtesy of the University of Baltimore School of Law and the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend my summer working at Heartly House, Inc. in Frederick, Maryland.  Heartly House is a non-profit organization serving victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and/or child abuse by providing shelter, counseling, legal services, and 24-hour support.

While working in the legal department, I conducted outreach in the courthouse to pro se petitioners seeking temporary protective or peace orders informing them of Heartly House services, did trial preparation for clients, drafted pleadings and motions, met with clients to help them file for divorce and/or custody, observed mediation, attended seminars throughout the state, and educated clients on Maryland’s new landlord/tenant laws providing benefits to individuals who have received final protective or peace orders.

Having the opportunity to serve the community of Frederick County, Maryland, the community I grew up in, this summer was an unforgettable and fulfilling experience.  The connections I made with clients and colleagues and the knowledge I acquired affirmed my decision to work in the field of public interest.  Thank you, University of Baltimore School of Law and the Maryland Legal Services Corporation for providing this grant allowing me to give back to my community.

Carin Janet, 3L

Reflections from the Field, Part 2: Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP)

This past summer I had the opportunity to work with the Homeless Persons Representation Project in Baltimore, MD. HPRP provides a number of legal services to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, including direct representation in housing and public benefits cases as well as expungement of criminal records. My work this summer focused on public benefits cases (Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid, etc). 

Working alongside staff attorney Francine Hahn, I was able to gain valuable experience in public benefits and administrative law. I also worked directly with the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, negotiating with agency appeals representatives to secure positive outcomes for our clients. I had a lot of direct contact with clients, conducting initial intake interviews, investigation, and on one occasion accompanied a client to her local DSS office. Working one on one with our clients was particularly eye-opening and rewarding at the same time. Many of our clients were families with young children - families who were living in homeless shelters, but were being denied the assistance they needed to purchase basic necessities like food. 

I also had the opportunity to work on matters of public policy, conducting legal research and drafting memoranda on issues related to public benefits. I found this work particularly rewarding, so I recently accepted a position back at HPRP as the Linda Kennedy Fellow in Advocacy for the 2012-2013 academic year. My experience this summer was truly transformative and would not have been possible without my MLSC/UBSPI grant. 

Spencer Hall, 3L 

Reflections from the Field, Part 1: Maryland Disability Law Center

This past summer I had the opportunity to intern full-time at the Maryland Disability Law Center thanks to the UBSPI Public Interest Grant, and my primary focus was working on the issue of access to transportation.  While I had interned with MDLC during the Spring 2011 semester, this time allowed me to intensify my work on accessible transportation issues, including work on paratransit eligibility and transportation options available to people with disabilities living outside of the paratransit service area, with a focus on individuals on dialysis who require transportation to medically necessary services.

Public transportation plays a vital role in the lives of most individuals living in urban and suburban areas.  The ability to use the bus and taxicabs provides people with increased and easier access to employment, education, entertainment and recreation, and medical services.  However, access to public transportation services is limited for many individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.  A client once told me that, to her, transportation represents freedom, and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with MDLC on improving access to this service for people with disabilities.

Kathryn Anderson, 3L 
UBSPI Co-president