2024 Annual Report

Dawn McCartin called MVLS because she needed help with her divorce and custody of her three children, ages 6, 10 and 12 years old. Divorce can be very difficult for someone to accept and to understand, especially when children are involved. Such was the case with Dawn and her young family. 

Family law cases are the most common legal problem that cause people to seek help from MVLS. Given the complexity of the legal system and the fact that family law clients often feel alone as they struggle to cope with what is often the most difficult time in their lives, they frequently feel they have nowhere to turn for help.  

Dawn was desperate to find an attorney who practiced in Baltimore County where she resides with her children.  According to Dawn, MVLS entered her life and with the help from her volunteer attorney she was able to empower herself to change her situation for the better for both herself and her children. Dawn describes her experience as life changing. 

In these moments, it takes a special volunteer to accompany clients. Dawn was placed with one such volunteer, Michael Cochran. She shared that having MVLS and especially Michael by her side “gave her a voice”. Her feelings of being “trapped” turned to feelings of “freedom and independence” because of the competent and compassionate representation she received. 

Clients feel great relief once they are assigned to their volunteer attorney. Dawn shared that Michael made her experience easy and much less stressful as he stood by her side and fought for what she and her children deserved. She encourages lawyers to consider volunteering their time.   

“The world needs you. You can change someone’s life.” 

In Dawn’s case, the benefits were extraordinary. Together, she and Michael achieved results beyond her expectations. Michael was able to negotiate a fair Marital Settlement Agreement in the face of an acrimonious divorce, which included primary physical custody of her daughters, a sizeable property settlement award, and child support which exceeded her hopes.

“I am so much happier now having gone through this experience and am now living on my own with my three daughters, free and independent.” 

Family law cases are continuing to increase throughout the state of Maryland, and pro bono programs like MVLS continue to see growing numbers of family law clients like Dawn. The high demand means clients who are unable to access or afford family law representation often wait a long time to get help. MVLS has bridged that gap through our robust Family Law Program. 

In FY23 we increased family law clients assisted by 42%. In FY24, we continued to see demonstrated impact with another 8% increase in opened cases and 20% increase in closed cases. Importantly, MVLS clients waiting more than 60 days for placement have dramatically decreased. 

Clients like Dawn don’t have to be alone in navigating the complex legal system. Programs like MVLS and volunteers like Michael Cochran are here to help.

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