Pro Bono Opportunities
Pro Bono Program
Every year, thousands of individuals with disabilities turn to Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) for legal assistance. Through our Pro Bono Program and partnership with the private bar, volunteer attorneys extend crucial legal advocacy services to children, low-income individuals, and veterans with disabilities statewide.
Why volunteer with DRM
Pro bono attorneys make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities. By offering legal expertise, you can help protect their rights, access to services, and ensure equal treatment under the law. Benefits include:
- Contribution to social justice efforts
- Professional skills enhancement
- Professional network expansion
- Fulfillment of pro bono goals
- Recognition on DRM’s website, social media, and potential award nominations
Maryland suggests that full-time practicing attorneys provide 50 hours of service pro bono publico each year. Attorneys admitted to practice in another state can do pro bono work in Maryland.
Types of Cases
Most cases referred to the Pro Bono Program involve issues of:
- Special education
- Access to medically necessary healthcare services
DRM screens all cases submitted to the pro bono program to assure the referrals are a good match.
The Impact of Pro Bono
A 6-year-old child with intellectual disabilities and speech impairments received essential school support after successful mediation.
A 13-year-old with anxiety disorder, autism, and behavioral issues secured safe transportation to school through diligent advocacy.
Wiley Rein LLP secured an important victory on behalf of DRM in a lawsuit against Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), stemming from allegations that the school system disproportionately subjected students with disabilities to inappropriate and exclusionary forms of discipline. Read more about this case.
How DRM Supports Pro Bono Attorneys
Attorneys do not need prior experience to be an effective advocate.
- Comprehensive training and materials (in person or online)
- Professional liability insurance
- Ongoing technical support and mentoring for confident and effective representation
Become a Pro Bono Attorney
Testimonials
“I take every chance I have to work with Disability Rights Maryland. The attorneys and staff are exceptional, and their dedication to protecting the rights of people with disabilities is unparalleled. In every case, I learn more and more about how to be the best advocate I can for people whose voices are far too often stifled by stereotypes and misconceptions. It has, and always will be, an honor to work alongside DRM.”– Anthony May, Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP
“I’m proud to volunteer with DRM. My family was a recipient of pro bono services via DRM on behalf of my younger sister when I was still a high school student and long before I imagined I would become an attorney myself. The pro bono support navigating a technical and often opaque system was profoundly impactful for not just my sister, but for everyone who cared about her. The fact that I am now able to start paying forward that support to other families (with the mentorship of my sister’s original pro bono attorney who I now work for roughly 15 years later) is very special to me because I know firsthand the powerful sense of relief you can get from having someone in your corner.” -Alexandria K. Montania Esq., Gordon Feinblatt LLC
Working with Disability Rights Maryland as a pro bono attorney has been an absolute bright spot for me over the past year. I feel supported in my effort to provide zealous advocacy for children and their families as they navigate access barriers in challenging systems. I am grateful to play even a small role in DRM’s mission.” -Jack Mirabella Esq, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service