Please Note: You are not an MVLS client until MVLS notifies you that your case has been accepted. There is no volunteer-client relationship with any MVLS staff attorney or volunteer until you and your volunteer have signed a representation agreement.

Applicant Certification

• I understand that MVLS may check the accuracy of the information I have provided about my household, assets, and income.
• I understand that MVLS may close my case at any time upon learning that the information provided is incorrect.
• I understand that MVLS does not guarantee it will find a volunteer who will accept my case. “Volunteer” may refer to an attorney, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA), depending on the legal issue identified .
• I understand that once MVLS refers me to a volunteer, the volunteer may refuse to accept my case if my case is deemed to have no merit; accepting my case would involve violation of law or Rules of Professional Responsibility; I am not prepared or able to pay the court costs or other expenses necessary for proper handling of my case; or any other legitimate reason.
• I understand that after my volunteer accepts my case, my relationship with my volunteer will be governed by the agreement between myself and my volunteer.
• I hereby permit and instruct any volunteer, office staff, legal or social services agency to which this matter is referred by MVLS to respond by phone or in writing to requests made by MVLS for information about the facts, progress or outcome of my case.
• I authorize my volunteer to disclose to MVLS any information that my volunteer learns about my financial circumstances notwithstanding any volunteer/client privilege.
• I understand that MVLS will seek to place my case with a volunteer who will not charge me for representation, and that my volunteer will seek waivers of fees and court costs for which I am eligible. I understand that I am responsible for the payment of any and all non-waivable court costs or other fees that may arise in association with my case.
• I authorize MVLS to release the information provided in this application to persons checking to see that MVLS has complied with the restriction on its funding.
• I authorize MVLS to utilize publicly available data to determine any potential legal issue and contact me regarding available resources.
• I authorize MVLS to contact me through all communication outlets, including but not limited to mail, phone, email and text, unless I notify MVLS that I do not want to receive that communication type. I recognize that these communication methods may incur usage costs. I acknowledge that communications received through text message or email may not be secure.
• I release Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service and its officers, directors, members, and employees from any and all claims, losses, and liability arising out of any referral made by or through the Pro Bono Placement Program.
• I certify that the information I have provided in this application is true and exact to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I have read and agree with the terms and conditions stated above. Further, I understand if it is discovered that I have falsified this document, I may become ineligible for volunteer placement with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service.
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• I accept the terms and conditions.*
  • Yes
  • No
  *If you select no, your case will not be processed and you will not be appointed a volunteer.
• By selecting “No” to the Terms and Conditions, your application with MVLS will be rejected and no further action will be taken on this matter..