Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

06/05/2026

We’re so excited to welcome our MVLS Lawterns!

Please join us in welcoming Maura Dodson, Kyla Bayton, Ryan Chernosky, and Meti Eticha to the MVLS team. Kyla joins us from the University of Baltimore School of Law (Official), and Maura, Ryan, and Meti join us from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

We’re grateful to have them supporting our work this summer and look forward to the energy, perspective, and dedication they’ll bring to expanding access to civil legal help for underserved Marylanders.

Pictured left to right: Maura Dodson, Kyla Bayton, Ryan Chernosky, and Meti Eticha.

06/04/2026

Join us on June 17 from 9 AM–1 PM for our Annual Tax Controversy Training.

This 4-hour online training will cover common issues MVLS clients face, including audits, collection alternatives, EITC denials, liens and levies, refunds, and debt cancellations.

We’re grateful to have this training presented by:
Dan Heller, Esq. — McCauley Law Offices, P.C.
Jay Maschas — Comptroller of Maryland
Candice Miller, Esq. — Azarvand Tax Law / Taxpayer Advocate Service

This webinar is ideal for new MVLS volunteers and volunteers from other legal programs who are interested in taking on tax controversy cases.

Register today: https://buff.ly/seHbCEx

06/03/2026

Estate planning laws can make a real difference for Maryland homeowners and families trying to protect their homes, plan ahead, and avoid future legal challenges.

In our latest MVLS: Know Your Rights & Resources video, Steven Kappen, Tangled Title Project Manager at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, shares an estate planning legislative recap, including what passed this session, what did not, and why these updates matter.

This year’s updates include the passage of Transfer-on-Death Deeds, changes related to who can serve as a personal representative of an estate, and new developments around heirs’ property and tax sale protections.

▶️ Watch here: https://buff.ly/xF99UiN

In this episode of MVLS: Know Your Rights & Resources, Megan Good, ...

06/02/2026

MVLS volunteers can make a meaningful impact by helping clients navigate Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Join us on June 18 for Nuts and Bolts of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, presented by MVLS Board President and commercial and bankruptcy litigator David Sommer, and paralegal Cyndi Eyler of Gallagher LLP.

This training will provide a practical introduction to Chapter 7 cases, including foundational knowledge, helpful tips, and resources for volunteers.

June 18 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Register: https://buff.ly/bCppzKO

06/02/2026

Pride Month is an important time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities and highlight the free legal resources available year-round.

MVLS provides free civil legal help to underserved Marylanders, including support with name and gender marker changes, expungement, estate planning, housing concerns, consumer debt, bankruptcy, family law, and more.

Volunteers can make a direct impact by taking a pro bono case (https://buff.ly/lqF0Hxc) to support LGBTQIA+ Marylanders. Community partners can also connect with MVLS (https://buff.ly/82GNaX5) to bring legal information, outreach, and resources to the communities they serve.

This is a great month to make an impact with MVLS!

06/01/2026

When money is tight, knowing which bills to pay first can help families protect their stability.

In a recent Afro-American Newspapers article, MVLS Housing and Consumer Attorney Courtland Merkel explains how families can prioritize debts that may threaten housing, transportation, income, or essential services.

Read the full article: https://buff.ly/Ky5fSKF

05/29/2026

MVLS was grateful to join Mayor Scott’s 4th Annual Older Adult Seminar at Mt. Pleasant Church & Ministries, where more than 450 older adults registered for a day of resources, information, and community connection.

MVLS Staff Attorney Steven Messmer spoke with attendees about the importance of planning ahead, including wills, powers of attorney, and choosing someone you trust to make decisions if you are ever unable to do so. MVLS Outreach and Communications Manager Chandler Walters also connected with attendees and community partners to support future engagement.

As we close out Older Americans Month, we are reminded that increasing accessibility to legal information is essential to helping older adults protect their homes, families, and futures.

Attorneys can make a direct impact by taking a pro bono case to support older adult clients (https://buff.ly/bfAOtIV). Community partners interested in future outreach, presentations, or engagement opportunities can connect with MVLS by filling out our community engagement form (https://buff.ly/GWkV6xc).

Thank you to the Mayor’s Office of Older Adult Affairs & Advocacy and every partner who helped make this impactful day possible for Baltimore’s older adults.

05/28/2026

Serving clients well starts with respect, patience, and clear communication.

In this MVLS: Know Your Rights & Resources: Megan Good, Tangled Title Staff Attorney, shares guidance on supporting clients with decision-making limitations.

Keeping the client’s voice, goals, and dignity at the center of representation helps build trust and strengthen advocacy.

Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/E4Xrz4H

05/27/2026

MVLS was proud to join the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland for this year’s Partners for Justice Conference, with MVLS staff featured in three important sessions focused on estate planning, heirs’ property, client autonomy, and equitable legal advocacy.

Understanding How Estate Planning Can Benefit Lower Income Clients
Moderated by Margaret Henn, MVLS Deputy Director
Panelists:
• Jake Polivka, Frost Law
• Nick Pycha, Esq., Senior Legal Services
• Muriel van den Berg, Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Urban Issues of Heirs’ Property
Featuring Steven Kappen, MVLS Tangled Title Project Manager
Panelists/Moderator:
• Nketiah Berko, Legal Aid DC
• Shari Fleming, Esq., AEP®, CAP®,The Law Office of Shari Fleming
• Moderator: John Kern, The SOS Fund

Serving Clients with Decision-Making Limitations
Moderated by Megan Good, MVLS Tangled Title Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow
Panelists:
• Jessica Emerson, LMSW, Esq., Human Trafficking Prevention Project
• Lindsay Moss, Moss Law, PLC
• Megan Rusciano, Disability Rights Maryland

Thank you to PBRC and all of the panelists, moderators, and attendees who helped make these sessions so meaningful.