Mid-Shore Pro Bono makes ‘Business of the Year’ list

Mid-Shore Pro Bono Inc. does good business.

That’s the conclusion of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce. It chose the nonprofit, most of whose clients would otherwise be pro se parties in family law disputes, for its 2014 Business of the Year award in the not-for-profit category.

According to a feature in The (Easton) Star Democrat, Mid-Shore’s miniscule staff — none of whom are attorneys — fills an oversized need in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester counties.

“Because the Eastern Shore is primarily solo, small firms, what we have done is we have fostered an excellent partnership with our attorneys,” [Executive Director Sandy] Brown said. “We let them use our office. We help them gain access to litigation funds across the state. We help them offset the administrative costs to taking a case because they’re giving their legal expertise for free.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono reports that in fiscal 2012, 77 percent of lawyers in its coverage area reported donating legal services, compared to 57 percent statewide; and 40 percent in its area offered 50 or more hours, compared to just 23 percent statewide.

Brown told The Star-Democrat that Mid-Shore’s lawyers took on 1,400 new cases in fiscal 2013 and helped close 363 family cases including Judicare. It also offers clinics in several assistance with foreclosure prevention and a wide range of other civil matters, including consumer finance, wills, trusts, power of attorney, employment, and health care cases and other individual rights.

The award will be presented on Aug. 26 at the Harbourtowne Resort and Conference Center. For more information, go to the Talbot Chamber’s website.