October is Pro Bono Month, and at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), we’re proud to celebrate the dedicated attorneys who power our expungement work. These volunteers are not only generous with their time — they are essential allies in the fight to remove legal barriers and help Marylanders reclaim their futures.

Volunteers at the Heart of Expungement

Expungement is one of the most immediate and transformative legal tools available to low-income Marylanders. But the process can be complex. Frequent changes to eligibility laws, record accessibility, and legal procedures require attorneys who are both knowledgeable and nimble.

That’s where MVLS volunteers shine.

Whether reviewing detailed criminal records, preparing petitions, or working one-on-one with clients at clinics, these attorneys step in with purpose. They adapt to evolving laws and remain committed to learning through MVLS-led trainings and updates. Their service helps ensure that clients receive the most accurate, effective support possible — often during vulnerable times in their lives.

Navigating Change, Delivering Impact

Over the past several years, Maryland’s expungement laws have shifted significantly. From the expansion of eligibility to the introduction of cannabis-related reforms and changes to how certain charges are displayed in online records, the landscape is constantly evolving.

Our volunteers have met this challenge head-on.

Many participate in our ongoing CLE trainings, while others organize firm-wide presentations or bring in colleagues to multiply the impact. In an area of law where attention to detail is critical, volunteer attorneys bring not just their legal acumen — but their empathy and determination to see justice done.

More Than a Case: A Second Chance

Behind every expungement case is a person working toward stability — someone pursuing a job, housing, or simply the right to move forward without stigma.

Our volunteers often share stories of how meaningful this work is:

• Helping a client finally pass a background check.
• Clearing charges that never led to a conviction but continue to follow someone around.
• Explaining complex processes in a way that empowers clients to advocate for themselves.

This is the human side of pro bono service. And during Pro Bono Month, we celebrate not just the legal results — but the compassion, persistence, and care that volunteers bring to each case.

Thank You to Our Expungement Volunteers

Your work matters. It matters to every individual who can walk into a job interview with confidence, apply for housing without fear, or simply feel seen and supported in the justice system.

MVLS thanks each of you for your continued dedication to expungement work — and for showing up, year after year, in service of second chances.

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