BALTIMORE (August 28, 2024) – Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), the largest provider of pro bono legal services to low-income Marylanders, today announced the election of two new board members, attorneys – Nicole M. Lacoste Folks, and Lelia F. Parker.  

MVLS’ Board of Directors is responsible for governance and directing the organization’s strategic plan to deliver life changing pro bono legal services to Marylanders with limited income. Committed to advancing MVLS’ mission, board members actively contribute through program investment and volunteerism, fostering vital support for clients, staff, and community partners alike. 

Nicole M. Lacoste Folks is a part of Gordon Feinblatt LLC in the firm’s Real Estate and Energy & Environment practice groups where she focuses on renewable energy projects, commercial real estate, and complex commercial projects. Folks expressed her excitement to join MVLS, stating, “I am thrilled to join the MVLS Board where I can leverage my over two decades of experience as a real estate attorney to advocate for Marylanders facing legal challenges. My primary goal on the Board will be to actively support MVLS’s mission of removing barriers to justice and promoting a more equitable legal system for all Marylanders.” 

Lelia F. Parker, litigation associate at Gilbert LLP, is tasked with developing unique case strategies in multi-billion-dollar insurance coverage litigations intersecting with bankruptcy and front-page mass torts. As the chair of her firms Pro Bono Committee, Parker shares why she is excited to join MVLS’ board, “I am honored to contribute to MVLS’ legacy of providing legal representation to people who have historically experienced inequitable access to the legal system and its commitment to advocating for a more equitable legal system.” 

About Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service  

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) removes barriers to justice through free civil legal help, community engagement and advocacy for equitable laws. The organization matches clients with volunteer lawyers, tax professionals and staff attorneys who represent them in a wide range of consumer finance, family and housing situations, including foreclosure, bankruptcy, divorce/custody, deed changes, as well as income tax disputes, estate planning and criminal record relief. MVLS advocates for racial equity in Maryland’s legal system and works in concert with community partners to move toward a fair legal system that is free of injustice and equitably serves underrepresented Marylanders. For more information, visit mvlslaw.org.