2025 Annual Report

MVLS has a dedicated team of legal advocates devoted to answering the calls of potential clients and guiding them through the process of applying for a pro bono attorney or tax professional. They work with clients to gather documentation, complete the required forms, and then assist with matching their cases to a volunteer. Our team is experienced and thorough, and more importantly, empathetic and kind. 

The intake line at MVLS receives thousands of calls over the course of the year, and in FY25 3,233 cases were placed and closed, making a difference in the lives of 6,770 clients and family members.  

This impact requires teamwork and a shared commitment between legal advocates and our panel of volunteers. Whether it’s navigating technology or a lack thereof, challenges with transportation, or language barriers – our team is prepared to find a solution. 

“We are here to serve our clients as we can – ‘no period’ because what we do here for our community has no end. We won’t allow any barriers to stop us from supporting the most vulnerable people,”

Novlette Haughton, MVLS Senior Legal Advocate

In April, 2024 Novlette received a call from Doris Murray seeking help with her Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Ms. Murray was referred to MVLS by Maryland Legal Aid through their Senior Legal Helpline. 

Ms. Murray is a proud mother and grandmother that resides alone in Baltimore City. She has a family that loves her and would do anything for her, but she is adamant about remaining independent as long as possible. Ms. Murray is on a fixed income, receives $25 a month in SNAP benefits, has a mortgage free home, no spouse, and no vehicle. Ms. Murray cannot afford internet, and she will tell you she doesn’t need it. 

Novlette helped Ms. Murray through the intake process, identifying technological and transportation barriers, and navigating some age biases Ms. Murray experienced as an older adult while working through her legal case. Correspondence was limited to handwritten letters and phone calls. Novlette also researched the nearest public library to secure internet and computer access.  

Throughout working with Ms. Murray, Novlette gave her personalized and individual attention, addressing many of the barriers faced in this case.  

Novlette is a prime example of the kind of empathy and kindness with which MVLS advocates treat our clients every day. After working with Ms. Murray to get her settled in the MVLS intake process, Novlette reached out to Sheereen McNair. Sheereen is one of our most dedicated volunteers and is considered one of our “go-to” pro bono attorneys for older adults. 

With older adults, there are unique barriers related to new technology and isolation, as well as age bias they can face in the world. This, compounded by an increase in targeted scams, often leaves older adults overwhelmed and cautious. These factors make it even more important that we provide individualized attention, patience, and understanding. It’s also crucial to have passionate volunteers willing to do anything to help those in need. 

“For me, volunteering is more than a duty; it’s a calling. I love helping people work through challenges and discover a new outlook on life. Every time I take on a case, I’m reminded that even a small act of service can change someone’s path,”

MVLS Volunteer Sheereen McNair 

At the time, Sheereen was pregnant and had already paused cases for two months when Novlette reached out and asked her to consider taking this case. Reflecting on being matched with Ms. Murray, Sheereen stated,

“I will never tell MVLS no”.

Sheereen’s dedication is immense. 

Sheereen and Novlette were able to work with Ms. Murray to meet at a local library to submit the 93-page documents for her case. When the U.S. Bankruptcy Court required $338 to file, Ms. Murray called to withdraw because the fee was too much with her limited income. Sheereen stepped in, noting that “she needs our help”, and submitted a successful fee waiver to address the financial barrier. 

Sheereen, at 38 weeks pregnant, saw this case to the finish line. Ms. Murray’s case is now closed, her financial stability has drastically increased, and she now has access to a bank account. Sheereen gave birth to a healthy baby in December and has since returned to taking cases for MVLS.  

Sheereen has been a volunteer for over a decade and has made MVLS a core part of her practice. Throughout her time as a volunteer, Sheereen has taken three cases each month like clockwork. 

“Being a solo practitioner gives me the flexibility to choose my cases, and if I could, I’d dedicate my entire practice to pro bono work. That’s how rewarding it feels. Working with MVLS clients has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career… What keeps me coming back is the joy I find in giving my time and resources to uplift other people. To watch someone gain hope, stability, or simply a fresh start. That’s what drives me.”   

MVLS Volunteer Sheereen McNair 

Novlette and Shereen are just two examples of the kind of commitment that exists within our staff and volunteer panel. MVLS is fortunate to be surrounded by so many wonderful, dedicated, and passionate people that care so deeply about the mission of MVLS and about the people we serve. 

“I would tell [others] if they have the time and patience to help in anyway, they should.” … “[This] has made me aware of other things more important than money.” … “Thank you”

Ms. Doris Murray 

---

Interested in volunteering? Visit our Pro Bono Portal to take a case today.