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Tim Scott’s Journey: From Cross-Country Cyclist to Pro Bono Attorney

Photo of Tim Scott a young White man with short dark hair wearing a black suit, white collared shirt and orange tie.

What inspired you to volunteer as a pro bono attorney with DRM?
My inspiration to volunteer goes back to when I rode my bike from Seattle to Washington, D.C. to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities. That journey, covering almost 4,300 miles in 73 days, was the best and most rewarding experience of my life. Along our route, we visited organizations that serve people with disabilities, like The Arc. I met so many incredible people. It was life-changing and motivated me to continue giving back.

 

Can you tell me about the case you’re working on?
I’m helping a client get the support he needs to be successful at school. I work closely with his mom and behavioral health counselor. My role involves reviewing the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the accommodations provided by the school system. I consult with my client, his  mom and his behavioral counselor about additional needs, and I attend Zoom meetings with the school.

 

How do you feel your work has made a difference in your client’s life?
The impact is substantial. There’s a large, often overlooked population dealing with serious issues. When a lawyer steps in, the school systems that might otherwise ignore these families start to take them seriously. My presence brings accountability. My client’s mom and counselor are already great advocates, but having a lawyer there ensures they are taken seriously. It’s not a huge time commitment for the lawyer but makes a world of difference for the families.

 

How has your pro bono work impacted you personally and professionally?
Personally, it’s incredibly rewarding and beneficial for my mental health. Professionally, pro bono work fulfills an ethical duty that we all have in the legal profession. Additionally, potential clients consider a lawyer’s commitment to giving back when deciding whether to work with them. It’s rewarding on all fronts.

 

What would you say to other attorneys considering volunteering?
I want other lawyers to know that the process isn’t as daunting as it might seem. There’s a strong support system, and even without a background in education law, you can make a significant impact. Quit thinking about pro bono and just do it. You won’t regret it.

 

About Tim
Tim Scott specializes in defending clients against claims arising from general liability, insurance coverage, medical malpractice, complex tort and product liability matters. Tim has experience in all aspects of litigation, from inception through resolution by settlement, dispositive motions, mediations and trial. Tim takes and defends depositions, conducts motions practice, and has obtained multiple defense verdicts in Maryland Courts.

Learn more about Tim on the Wilson Elser website (link opens to external webpage).

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Take Survey to Determine Our Priorities

Man and woman with child who is in a wheelchair

Disability Rights Maryland would like to hear from you!

We are conducting our annual Advocacy Services Plan survey, asking the community to weigh in about the most important disability-related legal needs facing Marylanders and what DRM should focus on in the coming three years. We especially want to hear from people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), and others affected by intersectional discrimination and oppression. DRM’s current Advocacy Services Plan can be found here: FY-2024-Advocacy-Service-Plan-final.pdf (disabilityrightsmd.org). Our 2025-2027 Advocacy Services Plan will be finalized and issued by the end of this year.

 

There are so many issues we would like to tackle, but our resources are limited and we want to concentrate on the most important needs in our communities.

 

Here are 4 ways to take the survey by August 22, 2024:

1. Submit online in English or Spanish.

2.  Print a English or Spanish survey using link below and mail to Disability Rights Maryland 1500 Union Ave # 2000, Baltimore, MD 21211

3.  Email a completed survey to Feedback@DisabilityRightsMD.org 

4.  Call 410-727-6352 ext. 0 to complete over the phone or request to complete in-person

 

To request a paper survey, provide feedback over the phone or in-person, or if you need an accommodation or translation to participate, call us at 410-727-6352 ext. 0 or email JackieP@disabilityrightsmd.org.

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Jim Rocap: Why Pro Bono Work is Essential

Photo of Jim Rocap, a White man with short grey hair wearing a white collared shirt, grey suit and red striped tie.

Did you have pro bono experience before volunteering with Disability Rights Maryland (DRM)?

My pro bono work began in 1982. I represented a Black man on death row in Mississippi for over twenty years. Ultimately, he was removed from death row because he had a significant intellectual disability. In 2004, I represented a second death row inmate, this time in Virginia, until her execution in 2010. In the early 1990s, I began volunteering with the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH), a nonprofit that addresses the deficiency in legal resources in Washington D.C. for persons experiencing homelessness. I still provide legal representation to persons experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness, as a volunteer attorney with WLCH.

 

Why did you choose to volunteer with DRM?

In my work with WLCH, I had handled several Social Security Administration (SSA) disability cases, including at least one overpayment. When Steptoe’s Pro Bono Counsel advised that DRM was searching for volunteer attorneys, I happily agreed to take the case, along with my colleague Emily Tifft.

 

Can you share a memorable experience from your pro bono work with DRM that had a significant impact on you or your client?

While Emily and I believed we had strong grounds to reverse the overpayment decision, after the hearing, we were concerned that we might receive another negative decision from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), which we would then need to appeal. I was in the office on a Sunday in April 2024 for other reasons and found the ALJ’s “fully favorable” decision in my mail slot. I immediately called the client, shared the news, and shared her joy in having a huge burden lifted from her after having fought the overpayment decision for almost 9 years, first with the assistance of DRM and later Steptoe. Our client was committed and strong throughout this ordeal. She fought for justice and was rewarded.

 

How do you feel your pro bono work has made a difference?

Assisting our pro bono clients to stand strong, push back against injustice, and insist on their rights is immensely important, not only to the clients, but to our system of justice and the rule of law. Pro Bono representation will often have an immeasurable impact on the clients’ daily lives, but equally important, it also supports stability in our communities, both local and national, and respect for the rule of law.

 

What would you say to others who are considering volunteering with or supporting DRM?

Pro bono work is not an option. It should be on the agenda of every attorney. It is our commitment to our community, to the profession that we serve, and to the rule of law in our country. Attorneys are critical components of our system of justice, writ large, and we must function for all members of the community, including those without resources to afford an attorney.

 

More about James’s legal background

I graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1975. After clerking on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, I joined Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin, a boutique law firm in Washington, D.C., specializing in high-profile white-collar criminal and civil litigation. In 2001, MCLL became part of Baker Botts, LLP. In April 2004, I moved to Steptoe & Johnson LLP (now Steptoe LLP). My career has focused at different times on white-collar defense and major civil litigation, particularly major insurance coverage litigation. I no longer do billable work but remain at Steptoe as a Senior Counsel. My time is now fully devoted to pro bono cases and to my Board work. I serve as Board president for the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH), Secretary of the DC Access to Justice Foundation, and president of the Historical Society of the D.C. Circuit.

 

Learn more on Steptoe’s website (link opens to external webpage).

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Pro Bono Honor Roll

Pro Bono Honor Roll Page Banner. it says Oct 2022-Dec 2023 Pro Bono Honor Roll Proudly Presented by DRM

Through DRM’s Pro Bono Program, volunteer attorneys protect the rights of people with disabilities, help them access crucial services, and ensure equal treatment under the law.

Our Pro Bono Honor Roll recognizes law firms and attorneys who provided a substantial number of pro bono service hours during the period of October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023. Their expertise, dedication, and generosity positively impact the lives of people with disabilities and make Maryland a better place for all.

Law Firms Honorees

  • Gordon Feinblatt LLC
  • Jenner & Block
  • Mayer Brown LLP
  • O’Melveny & Myers LLP
  • Sidley Austin LLP
  • Steptoe LLP
  • Venable LLP
  • Whiteford Taylor & Preston
  • Wiley Rein LLP

Individual Honorees

  • Alexandria K. Montanio, Gordon Feinblatt LLC
  • Allison Boyle, U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board
  • Andrea LeWinter, Law Offices of Nicole Joseph
  • Ashley Van Cleef, Law for Parents
  • Ayn Ducao
  • Benjamin Bradford, Jenner & Block
  • Beryl Gardner, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Cayla Calderwood, Sidley Austin LLP
  • Chelsea Beaupre
  • Christian Hatten, Jenner & Block
  • Daniel Orrock, Schneider Electric
  • Danielle Siegel, O’Melveny
  • Eliel Flores, Mayer Brown LLP
  • Emiliano Aguirre
  • Emily Caputo
  • Emily Tifft, Steptoe LLP
  • Jaime Seaton, BGS Law
  • Jim Rocap, Steptoe LLP
  • Marilyn Park
  • Matthew Emmick, Office of the Public Defender
  • Matthew Haws, Jenner & Block
  • Olivia Miller
  • Paul Madden, Whiteford Taylor & Preston
  • Pete Rosenbaum, Jenner & Block
  • Sarah Lang, Schneider Electric
  • Tara More, Mayer Brown LLP
  • Timothy Scott, Wilson Elser

Become a Pro Bono Attorney

If you are interested in a meaningful pro bono experience, visit our Pro Bono Opportunities page or contact our Pro Bono Coordinator.

Photo of Jim Rocap, a White man with short grey hair wearing a white collared shirt, grey suit and red striped tie.

Jim Rocap

“Assisting our pro bono clients to stand strong, push back against injustice, and insist on their rights is immensely important, not only to the clients, but to our system of justice and the rule of law.”

Photo of Tim Scott a young White man with short dark hair wearing a black suit, white collared shirt and orange tie.

Tim Scott

“When a lawyer steps in, the school systems that might otherwise ignore these families start to take them seriously. My client’s mom and counselor are already great advocates, but having a lawyer there ensures they are taken seriously.”

Photo of Marilyn Park and older white woman with short white hair wearing dangling earrings and a black blouse

Marilyn Park

It was a reminder that when people believe in you; it’s powerful. The conversation should always start with “you’re a great person, tell me about yourself” not “tell me about your challenges and failures.””

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2024 Legislative Session Highlights

Graphic says 23 oral testimonies, 33 letter sign ons, 71 written testimonies, 91 total bills advocated for or against

The legislative session was full of successes and challenges. DRM worked with partner organizations, individual allies and legislators to advocate for bills that advance disability rights and against bills that exclude people with disabilities in Maryland. This year, DRM took a position on a total of 91 bills. We submitted 71 written testimonies, orally testified on the impact of 23 bills and joined other organizations in signing 33 letters of support or opposition. Below are the highlights from this year’s session.  

MOBILITYLINK PARATRANSIT SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS STUDY (SB0891/HB1199)

This study establishes an objective review of the Maryland Transportation Administration’s MobilityLink. The Maryland Transportation Institute (MTI), an independent third party, will conduct the study to determine the best methods to deliver MobilityLink service.  MTI will look holistically at MobilityLink—including its service delivery model, customer service, reliability, performance, and workforce—and compare it with other paratransit providers nationwide. MTI will provide policymakers with concrete recommendations to improve service for Marylanders with disabilities. “MobilityLink riders rely on the service to access their community and unfortunately often experience poor service – like late pick-ups and drop-offs, long trips, and lengthy hold times for customer service calls. DRM is hopeful that MTI’s tangible recommendations will propel Maryland to enact sweeping paratransit reform to give Marylanders with disabilities the safe and reliable public transportation they deserve.” says DRM attorney, Daria Pugh.

NEW UNIT TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES (SB0134/HB0297)

“DRM’s investigations and monitoring of Maryland prisons over a number of years has demonstrated that people with disabilities are often subject to dangerous, violent, and unhealthy conditions.  The General Assembly’s creation of an independent, impartial correctional ombudsman for Maryland is a hopeful step forward .” says DRM’s Litigation Counsel, Luciene Parsley.  After 2 years of advocacy, Maryland will establish the Correctional Ombudsman Unit to investigate complaints and issue findings and recommendations. Increased oversight, transparency and accountability is important to address systemic issues and rights violations in Maryland’s correctional facilities. Additionally, the new unit provides a way to address rights violations that fall within the gaps of current complaint issue areas, like complaints against contractors who provide medical and mental health services for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). The unit will report annually to the General Assembly, including information about systemic issues, rights violations and how DPSCS responds to the Ombudsman’s recommendations.

FUND FOR FAMILIES TO ACCESS SPECIAL EDUCATION ATTORNEYS, ADVOCATES AND CONSULTANTS (SB0797/HB0903)

This bill establishes a program to help families with limited financial resources access lawyers, advocates and education consultants for a variety of special education matters. Currently, DRM maintains a pro bono referral program for families with very limited means, but this will enable a broader range of families to access attorneys and, for the first time, to obtain services from advocates or consultants at no cost to them. The attorneys, advocates and consultants will be paid through the program, which will be administered by the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS). DRM attorney Leslie Seid Margolis and the Education Advocacy Coalition crafted the bill that will soon help thousands of Maryland students. “I look at all the education intakes that come in and it’s hard to put into words what it feels like to turn families away, knowing how limited their options have been; this program will be so helpful in expanding the resources available to families.” This is important because families who have advocacy assistance are better equipped to secure appropriate services for their children and resolve education issues. The passing of this legislation brings us closer to ensuring all students have what they need to be successful in school.

Last year, Maryland passed a law that lets families get money back for expert costs in addition to attorneys’ fees if they win a case against a school system. This new program is different because it enables families to access legal support at all stages of the special education process, not just when they are facing a due process hearing; the program emphasizes assistance for families for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and informal dispute resolution.

SELF-DIRECTED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM (SB0988)

DRM introduced a bill that would create a self-directed mental health care pilot program for people with disabilities. Bills such as this one often take several years to pass, and DRM will continue to advocate for this program next year. Studies show that when people can manage their own care, they do better in their communities and are less likely to live in institutions. Most importantly, many people with disabilities prefer this kind of care. Right now, some people with serious needs must settle for inadequate help, join programs that might not fit them well, or go without help entirely. This new program would allow people to make a plan that fits their needs instead of making their needs fit into the current service system. Self-directed mental health care is already working in 6 states and is a good step toward fair treatment for mental health issues.

ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT (SB0453/HB0576)

DRM opposed the expansion of involuntary civil commitment laws, including the creation of an Involuntary Outpatient Civil Commitment program, termed “Assisted Outpatient Treatment” (AOT). AOT had strong support from the current administration and passed in both the House and Senate. Testimony in favor of AOT revealed many fears and stereotypes about people with mental health disabilities’ capacity to make decisions about their minds and bodies. DRM believes people with mental health disabilities should be provided with any accommodations and supports necessary to make and communicate health care decisions, and that individuals have the right to receive care in the most integrated setting available. AOT meets none of these criteria. DRM is concerned that AOT risks jeopardizing efforts to create an innovative, behavioral health system in Maryland – one that is truly focused on supporting the voices and choices of people with mental health disabilities to receive the support they need to be included in our communities.

 

Thank you!

DRM would like to thank our donors whose support enabled us to advocate for people with disabilities throughout the 2024 legislative session.

If you are passionate about creating a more equitable Maryland and able to give, please consider making a generous contribution to support our work. We rely exclusively on gifts from individuals and general operating grants to support this work.

SUPPORT DRM TODAY!

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