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The People’s Guide to the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session

The People’s Guide to the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session

It can often feel difficult to figure out what is happening in our state legislatures. However, knowing about the bills that our lawmakers are passing into law empowers Marylanders to exercise and protect their rights and privileges.
The People’s Guide: 2026 Legislative Session identifies key issues—such as housing, immigration, and consumer protection among others—and explains in easy-to-understand language how new laws will help fix the problems that Marylanders face.

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Maryland Task Force Takes on Closing the Justice Gap

Maryland Task Force Takes on Closing the Justice Gap

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Marylanders walk into a courtroom alone. Not because they did anything wrong — but because they couldn’t afford a lawyer. In Maryland, that’s an estimated 461,000 civil cases where one side has representation and the other doesn’t.
Maryland is now taking a serious look at a solution that nearly 20 other states have already begun to adopt: building new tiers of services into the legal profession itself.

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Back-to-School Success Starts with Family Stability 

Back-to-School Success Starts with Family Stability 

Back-to-school season is an exciting time for children and families. New teachers, new opportunities, and a fresh start bring optimism for the year ahead. But for many families, unresolved legal challenges can create stress and uncertainty that make it difficult for...

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Is Bankruptcy Right for You?

Is Bankruptcy Right for You?

When debt becomes overwhelming, it can feel impossible to see a way forward. Missed payments, collection calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, and the fear of losing a home or vehicle can take an enormous emotional and financial toll. The good news is that you do not...

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Avoiding Scams

Avoiding Scams

Scams targeting renters and people dealing with debt are on the rise — and they’re getting harder to spot. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

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A New Strategic Plan for Shore Legal Access

A New Strategic Plan for Shore Legal Access

More than a planning document, the strategy reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Eastern Shore communities and ensuring every individual has greater access to the civil legal support and resources they need to build stable, secure futures.  

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Will You Meet the Moment With Us?

Will You Meet the Moment With Us?

Times of crisis for low-income families are often hard to see. It’s easy to miss the eviction papers taped to a neighbor’s front door. It’s impossible to see the weight of debt on your colleague’s shoulders, her worry about how she’ll feed her children tonight. But...

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Civil Legal Services for Eastern Shore LGBTQ+ Residents

Civil Legal Services for Eastern Shore LGBTQ+ Residents

Everyone deserves the right to dignity, recognition, and respect within and by the law. At Shore Legal Access, we make sure that happens. Regardless of your family structure or relationship status, we’re always here to help LGBTQ+ clients navigate free and low-cost...

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CORE VALUES

Integrity

Service Oriented

Compassion

Professionalism

Respect

Collaboration

Dignity

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access Goal

Shore Legal Access seeks to acknowledge and honor individual differences by fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging for all service recipients, staff, volunteers, and leaders. 

Discover how you can get involved below

Volunteer as an attorney

Help us provide civil legal services to more individuals and families in need.

Provide additional volunteer services

Speak another language? Help provide translation services!

Intern with us

For those who are interested in law, social justice, and community service.

Partner with us

Help us provide civil legal services to more individuals and families in need.

Make a gift

With your help, we can continue making the law accessible and affordable.