BALTIMORE, MD – [DECEMBER 12, 2025] — Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), the largest provider of pro bono legal services to low-income Marylanders, today announced the election of three new board members – Stephanie A. Polk, Monica R. Basche, and Kimberly H. Neal.

The MVLS Board provides strategic guidance and oversight to help advance the organization’s mission of connecting individuals in need with pro bono legal support. The newly elected board members bring a wealth of legal experience, leadership, and a shared commitment to access to justice in Maryland.

Stephanie A. Polk joins MVLS with more than 25 years of leadership experience across government, nonprofit, and educational sectors. She serves as Deputy Counsel at the Naval Air Systems Command, advising senior Department of the Navy officials on legal matters including civilian personnel law, investigations, fiscal and environmental law, and ethics. Polk previously served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County and is actively involved with Leadership LINKS, Inc. and the Junior League of Prince George’s County.

“I am drawn to MVLS because I believe in its mission to break down barriers to equal justice and recognize the importance of expanding access to legal support for Maryland residents in need,” said Polk.

Monica R. Basche is an associate at Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, where she represents clients in civil rights, disability rights, housing discrimination, and employment matters. She previously clerked for the Honorable George L. Russell III of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the Honorable Sally D. Adkins of the Supreme Court of Maryland, gaining extensive experience in complex civil litigation. Monica has also been a dedicated MVLS volunteer through the Consumer Protection Project, which deepened her understanding of how limited-scope representation can meaningfully improve outcomes for clients in underserved communities.

“MVLS’s mission aligns closely with my values as both an attorney and Baltimore City resident,” said Basche. “I’m honored to support its work expanding access to justice.”

Kimberly H. Neal brings extensive experience in education law, employment law, and business litigation. She serves as General Counsel for Harford County Public Schools and has held leadership roles with The Children’s Guild, Inc., the Maryland State Bar Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel. Neal has been recognized as a Top Leader in Law by The Daily Record.

“MVLS provides quality legal services while giving attorneys meaningful ways to give back,” said Neal. “I am honored to serve on the Board and will give it my all.”

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.