Applicant Certification

• I understand that MVLS does not guarantee it will find an attorney who will accept my case.
• You are not a MVLS client until MVLS notifies you that your case has been accepted. There is no attorney-client relationship with any MVLS staff or volunteer attorney until you and your attorney have signed a representation agreement.
• I understand that after my attorney accepts my case, my relationship with my attorney will be governed by the agreement between myself and my attorney.
• I understand that once MVLS refers me to an attorney, the attorney 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 MVLS will seek to place my case with an attorney who will not charge me for representation, and that my attorney will seek waivers of fees and court costs for which I am eligible. I further understand that I am responsible for the payment of any and all non-waivable court costs, advertising fees, paternity tests, or other fees that may arise in association with my case.
• I authorize MVLS to share any and all of my personal and financial records with my assigned attorney, law office staff, or legal or social service agencies to whom my matter is referred by MVLS
• I hereby permit and instruct any attorney, law 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 attorney to disclose to MVLS any information that my attorney learns about my financial circumstances notwithstanding the attorney/client privilege.
• 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 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 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 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 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 attorney placement with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service.