Looking for a lawyer? Let LawyerSearch help!

At some point in all our lives, we find ourselves in need of an attorney. Reasons vary from car accidents, medical errors, real estate or wills. No matter your station in live, there is always the need for a lawyer.

Here at MAJ, we receive several calls a week from individuals who are in desperate need of an attorney's services. In response to this we created LawyerSearch, MAJ's online portal, allowing members of the public to seek out attorneys in a variety of practice areas. From administrative law to zoning, we feature more than 75 listing areas with attorneys from all over Maryland. 

Want to learn more? Click here to visit LawyerSearch today. 

MAJ Report – MAJ Members Give Back This Holiday Season

Gifts from the 2010 Angel Tree Project.

As we celebrate the holiday season, it is so important that each of us think beyond our own situation, and consider those less fortunate. It has been the practice of the Maryland Association for Justice, Inc. (MAJ) and its philanthropic arm, the Maryland Association for Justice Foundation, to take this thought to heart and adopt holiday projects each year. In past years, it has been a toy drive for the children of Maryland’s CASA chapter and a partnership with YWCA of Anne Arundel County, adopting families from their Angel Tree.

This year has been no different. Both our Women’s Caucus and New Lawyers Section have each adopted projects aimed at helping those in need.

As part of their pre-holiday celebration, the Women’s Caucus hosted a drive for Suited to Succeed, a non-profit aimed at providing the professional attire needed to sustain or retain continued employment.

The New Lawyers Section teamed up with the Salvation Army for two special projects, their “Stuff-a-Stocking” and Angel Tree programs, for the second year running.

Thanks to the very generous support of members and friends, this project was able to support efforts in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, fulfilling 60 angel tree family requests and 70 stockings.

And what they ask for is not much. Each Angel has the first name of a needy child, his/her clothing size and a special toy that will make that Angel’s little eyes light up on Christmas morning. With the “Stuff-a-Stocking” program, the Salvation Army supplies the stockings and each stocking comes with a tag that lists the child’s sex and age enabling donors to fill the stocking with appropriate items.

A special thank to New Lawyers Section chair, Karen Authement for heading up this wonderful project. If you are interested in supporting MAJ and the MAJ Foundation’s outreach efforts, please contact us at (410) 872-0990 or visit our website at www.marylandassociationforjustice.com/majfoundation.

Whether you participate with MAJ’s efforts or do so on your own, please consider adopting a holiday project. Check with your local food bank, women’s shelter, soup kitchen, or civic organization. Donate your time, your food, or your money. Every little gesture counts.

Happy Holidays!

AAJ Resources for Representing Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Reposted from AAJ's Fighting for Justice blog 

As many Americans continue to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, AAJ is offering several resources with practical tips and insights for AAJ member and non-member attorneys representing those affected by the storm.

Free Webinar

Join fellow plaintiff trial lawyers from Florida and Louisiana–well versed in handling post hurricane flood and wind claims–at AAJ’s Representing Victims of Hurricane Sandy Webinar: Obtaining Justice From Insurance Companies.

• Program Highlights:
  • Timeline for handling claims 
  • Wind versus flood issues 
  • National Flood Insurance Program 
  • Tips for helping clients work with contractors and public adjustors
• Wednesday, November 28 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET.  
• All AAJ members and non-AAJ members are welcome to attend this free CLE program. 

Weekend with the Stars Seminar

Claim related issues will also be covered during a special session at AAJ’s Weekend with the Stars Seminar.

• December 7–8, 2012 at Hilton New York Hotel. 
• Visit www.justice.org/weekend to learn more about the seminar and to register.

AAJ Exchange’s Hurricane Claims Litigation Packet

• An AAJ member resource offering tools and advice for case investigation, filing, discovery, common insurer tactics, common plaintiff motions, and flood versus wind damage.  
• For more information, contact the AAJ Exchange at 800.344.3023 or 202.965.3500, ext. 8615 or exchange@justice.org.

MAJ Report – What is MAJ?

When our members mention the Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ), one of the most frequently asked questions is: What is MAJ? 

Formerly the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), we are a professional association, dedicated to serving the trial lawyers of Maryland and beyond. Our mission is a deep dedication to improving the civil justice system through legislative advocacy and the professional and ethical development of attorneys who represent the injured.

Simply put, we provide our members with three key services: professional development, legal resources and advocacy. As the largest and most active specialty bar association in the state, our goal is to help our members best serve their clients.

Beginning with professional development, we offer an extensive list of programs and services, keeping our members on the cutting edge of their field. Throughout the year, you will see notices for at least 10 CLE programs a year, covering a wide spectrum of practice areas of topics. These widely attended events bring in acclaimed speakers and are consistently well attended and rated. Beyond the classroom, we offer key resources such as list servers and practice-related sections. These tools allow our members to connect with those most closely working in their area of practice and exchange ideas and information on an incredibly large scale. Additionally, our new lawyer members benefit from a comprehensive program, deeply focused on mentoring, free/low-cost educational programming and career assistance. Throughout the year, MAJ also offers case evaluation clinics, networking events and opportunities to volunteer with MAJ and shape the direction of the association.

With our extensive array of legal resources, we give even the smallest law firm access to research and information most large firms dream of. Our document and deposition banks host more than 10 million documents, compiled nationwide, making case research as simple as the click of a button. We also offer directories for both experts/legal services and lawyer referrals (LawyerSearch). For additional member benefits and resources, members have access to the MAJ website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and MAJ staff are always happy and willing to answer any inquiries.

Finally, one of our most important duties is to represent our members and their clients interests in both Annapolis and the courtroom. Each year, our legislative team works tirelessly during the General Assembly to fight for bills which protect the citizens of Maryland, and battle those which seek to restrict their rights. In the courtroom, our active Amicus Committee supports several cases on appeal through amicus curiae briefs in the Court of Appeals.  MAJ’s work even extends to helping our local community through the MAJ Foundation. Through this public outreach members are encourage to volunteer and support several projects throughout the year focused on public safety and education.

MAJ membership is more than just an annual dues payment. It is a portal to the trial lawyer’s professional success. To join or learn more, please visit our website.

Hurricane Sandy Update from the American Association for Justice

Reposted from AAJ's Fighting for Justice blog 

Our hearts go out to the people up and down the Eastern Seaboard and beyond who are affected by Hurricane Sandy. Coastal cities have been devastated and the death toll will likely continue to rise. There are many—both consumers and fellow trial lawyers—who may need assistance in the days and weeks ahead. I'd like those who are able, to help where and when we can.

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) is coordinating with the National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives (NATLE) and individual state associations to bring you information about trial lawyers whose offices may have been damaged or destroyed in the storm. If you are in (or close to) an affected state and have office space you can share, or, if you can donate some of your staff time to assist with emergency tasks or to take calls, please notify your state association and AAJ.

Right now, you can make donations through the Red Cross. As we hear from lawyers and state associations we can share information about more specific areas of need and places to donate. If you know of any unmet needs that we should address please let us know. You can find additional links to organizations, including legal services information here. 

As we did after Hurricane Katrina, AAJ Education is preparing a webinar—free for AAJ members — on handling insurance-related cases. We are working on scheduling it now. The most up-to-date education information is always on the AAJ homepage.

AAJ will post updates on our internal list servers about how to help. You will also be able to access updates via the AAJ homepage Disaster Help banner and the AAJ facebook page. This will be an evolving plan of action.

Thank you for staying tuned and helping!

As the world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) works to make sure people have a fair chance to receive justice through the legal system when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others—even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. Learn more at www.justice.org.

PRESS RELEASE: MAJ Foundation Teams Up With BCFD for Annual Thrill Show

The Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ) Foundation is excited to serve as official sponsor of the 2012 Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) Thrill Show.

Its largest public education event of the year, the BCFD Thrill Show will host a variety of up-close demonstrations and fun activities geared at educating people of all ages on the importance of fire safety. Several controlled burns will be held, including a car fire, large tanker fire and a Christmas tree fire in a burn cell. Activities for children will include carnival rides, craft tables, safety skill booths and a Junior Fire Chief contest. Additionally, the BCFD will host the “Firefighter Combat Challenge,” an entertaining event which tests firefighter contestants’ athletic and firefighting skills. Attendance is expected to be as high as 2,500.

Sponsorship for this year’s Thrill Show was provided through the generous support of MAJ Foundation donors, who contributed more than $5,000 for the event. Additionally, at least 20 volunteers will also provide on-site assistance. This is the fourth year the MAJ Foundation has sponsored the BCFD Thrill Show.

WHEN: This Saturday, October 6 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

WHERE: Baltimore City Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore City.

PRICING: FREE

About the MAJ Foundation

The MAJ Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Maryland Association for Justice, was founded in 2009 to give trial lawyers the opportunity to make a greater impact in their community. It supports projects that keep families safe, educate the public about the civil justice system, and help those who need it most in Maryland. For more information, visit marylandassociationforjustice.com/majfoudation or facebook.com/majfoundation.

Contact

Ashley Hodak Sullivan

MAJ Foundation Liaison

(410) 872-0990

ashley@marylandassociationforjustice.com

Calling all volunteers: BCFD 2012 Thrill Show

Calling all volunteers! The MAJ Foundation, in partnership with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), is proud to sponsor the 4th Annual Thrill Show and we are looking for volunteers to join us for a day of fun and service to our community. 

Its largest public education event of the year, the BCFD Thrill Show will host a variety of up-close demonstrations and fun activities geared at educating people of all ages on the importance of fire safety. Several controlled burns will be held, and activities for children will include several carnival rides, craft tables, safety skill booths and a Junior Fire Chief contest. Additionally, the BCFD will host the “Firefighter Combat Challenge,” an entertaining event which tests firefighter contestants’ athletic and firefighting skills. 

MAJ Foundation volunteers for the event will assist with food service and logistical support. Bring your spouse, significant other, kids, friends and neighbors – this is a wonderful family oriented event. Come early and help set up, stay late and take home leftovers from the grill.  Whatever part of the day you can spend, we'd love to have you. Last year, the MAJ Foundation was represented by more than 15 volunteers and we’re hoping to double that turnout this year. Click here to volunteer. 

The Thrill Show will be held at Baltimore City Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway Baltimore, Maryland 21237 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Can't make it on October 6? The MAJ Foundation is also collecting donations to not only support this event, but many other projects the Foundation plans to take on throughout the year. Click here to donate. 

Want to see photos from previous Thrill Shows? Visit our Facebook albums: 2011 Thrill Show; 2010 Thrill Show; 2009 Thrill Show. 

Questions? Contact Ashley Hodak Sullivan, MAJ Foundation Liaison, at (410) 872-0990 or ashley@marylandassociationforjustice.com. 

MAJ Foundation, also known as the Maryland Trial Lawyers Foundation, is the philanthropic arm of the Maryland Association for Justice, Inc. and was created to give trial lawyers the opportunity to make a greater impact in their communities. The MAJ Foundation supports projects that keep families safe, educate the public about the civil justice system, and help those who need it most in Maryland. For more information on the MAJ Foundation's initiatives and past projects, please click here or like us on Facebook.