Bridging the Justice Gap: The Vital Role of Volunteers in Increasing Access to Justice in Maryland
THE IDEAL OF "JUSTICE FOR ALL" stands as a cornerstone of our society. Yet, for a significant portion of Marylanders dealing with the civil justice system, this ideal remains frustratingly out of reach. Unlike in criminal cases, there is no constitutional right to an attorney in most civil legal matters. This stark reality leaves individuals facing life-altering issues, from housing and economic security to instances of abuse, to navigate a complex legal landscape without professional guidance, simply because they cannot afford it. This disparity disproportionately affects low-income individuals, those of modest means, and communities of color. Astonishingly, nearly 40% of Marylanders struggle to meet basic needs, making the prospect of hiring legal counsel an impossibility. Compounding this crisis, a staggering 75% of this vulnerable population will likely confront at least one civil legal issue annually, with a shocking 92% receiving little to no adequate legal assistance, often leading to dire and unjust outcomes.
Recognizing this critical imbalance, the Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) was established to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent equal access to the civil justice system. The Commission works tirelessly to ensure that justice in Maryland is not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it, but a right accessible, equitable, and fair for all. To achieve this ambitious mission, the A2JC engages in a multifaceted approach. It amplifies the voices of those navigating the civil justice system through compelling stories, highlighting both the obstacles they face and potential solutions. Furthermore, the A2JC tackles the critical issue of data scarcity within the civil justice system by developing innovative data tools that collect, visualize, and analyze fragmented information, providing crucial insights for data-informed policy decisions. Through its Data Hub and Advocacy Hub, the Commission promotes transparency, advocates for policy changes before key decisionmakers, and empowers the public to lend their voice to reform efforts. Ultimately, the A2JC champions increased public funding for civil legal aid and the expansion of the right to counsel in civil matters, proven solutions to bridge the justice gap.
However, the profound challenges inherent in ensuring access to justice for all Marylanders necessitate a collective effort. With only one paid staff member, the A2JC relies heavily on the dedication and expertise of volunteers to plan and implement its vital projects. These committed individuals form crucial partnerships with community and legal organizations, lending their time and skills to a wide range of initiatives. From assisting with outreach and communication to contributing their legal acumen and organizational prowess, volunteers are the backbone of the A2JC's operations. Their passion and commitment are indispensable in amplifying the Commission's reach, expanding its capacity, and ultimately bringing Maryland closer to a reality where justice is truly accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances.
We recently interviewed some of A2JC’s volunteers to highlight their work, which is not just helpful but absolutely essential to the Commission's mission of breaking down barriers and building a more just society for all.
I'm lucky to be where I am and with who I am. And I owe much of that to the Maryland Bar and the legal profession as a whole, where I swore to act honorably and support the laws and Constitution.
Brian Thackston
Tell us about yourself:
I'm a marketer, operations consultant, lawyer, and agency founder. I help other attorneys, accountants, and professionals save time by improving their firms’ systems.
I am a proud graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, home of the great Eubie. I am a SUPER LAWYER ® Rising Star and a member of the Maryland State Bar Association.
I do not actively practice law. I get my energy from supporting professionals who want to build on great ideas. Websites, apps, ad campaigns, systems, processes, and more. Ideas are easy; it’s the concerted execution that is invaluable.
Why did you choose to volunteer with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission?
A2JC made it easy to volunteer. As a non-practicing attorney on an atypical professional path, the MSBA team gave me creative ways to support important legal efforts. I had no real excuse other than to get involved and walk the walk.
I'm lucky to be where I am and with who I am. And I owe much of that to the Maryland Bar and the legal profession as a whole, where I swore to act honorably and support the laws and Constitution. I’m grateful for the volunteering opportunities to support that mission and meet wonderful new people in ways that suit me best.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, you may find me doing some work combining genuine and artificial intelligence. And I hope I’ll continue to work with other interesting people and technologies shaping the legal profession.
Otherwise, the day you stop learning is the day you start dying. So I aim to keep learning and applying what I learn in the legal industry and beyond. I want to do work that is that kind of powerful alongside the folks I’ve met through institutions like A2JC and other satisfying projects.
I love working together with good folks who want to build great things. So, I hope anyone reading this considers doing the same by connecting and working with A2JC.
Julianna Wells
Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in New Jersey, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, graduating summa cum laude with additional Certificates of Undergraduate Studies in Spanish and Public Policy. I come from a second-generation immigrant household and am proud to be the first in my family to graduate from college. Some of my most meaningful college experiences came from serving as President of the United Latino Association, competing with the Equestrian Team, and participating in the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. These roles not only strengthened my leadership skills but also deepened my commitment to advocacy and community-building.
Since graduating nearly two years ago, I have focused on preparing for law school while gaining hands-on experience through my internship with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission. In addition to interning, I work nearly full-time at a local restaurant, where I was recently promoted to a management position.
Why did you choose to volunteer with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission?
I chose to volunteer with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission because I truly believe that civil justice should be available to everyone, no matter their background or income. In college, I took a range of classes, from poverty and civil law to state and local government, that really helped me understand how closely civil justice issues are tied to the everyday lives of people in our communities. My time leading the United Latino Association was a big influence, too, as it pushed me to keep advocating for underserved communities even after graduation. Volunteering with the Commission felt like a natural next step. It gave me the chance to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it in a way that actually supports people and aligns with the kind of work I want to do long-term.
After graduating, I spent a lot of time searching for volunteer opportunities that would help me get more experience in the legal field. I regularly checked local county websites, hoping to find something that combined hands-on learning with meaningful impact. That’s how I came across the Maryland Access to Justice Commission. It really stood out to me as a place where I could grow, contribute, and stay connected to the kinds of issues I’m passionate about.
What are your plans for the future?
Attending law school has long been a central goal of mine. I am currently preparing to apply to programs along the East Coast, with the ultimate aim of pursuing a career in public interest law. I’m especially passionate about advocating for women’s rights and immigration reform, and I hope to work at the intersection of these fields to help create a more just and equitable legal system for all.
In addition to my professional aspirations, I also have a long-term personal goal: to one day own a horse of my own. Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine, and being able to care for and ride one regularly would be a dream come true. It’s a goal that keeps me motivated both in and outside of my career path.
Carolyn Lichtenstein
Tell us about yourself:
I have a Ph.D. in Statistics. I moved to Washington, DC, after graduate school so I could work on projects related to the Federal government. I did not want to work for the government per se because I did not think the jobs for statisticians were particularly interesting. I initially worked at several consulting firms that were not, in fact, supported by Federal contracts. Finally, in 1990, I pivoted slightly to learning about program evaluation as a field and working on program evaluation projects – for consulting firms with Federal contracts. I found program evaluation to be very interesting and satisfying. I subsequently spent my career working at various firms conducting and managing evaluations of Federal public health and behavioral health programs.
Why did you choose to volunteer with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission?
During the COVID pandemic, I decided to volunteer with an organization working on social justice issues. I particularly wanted to use my data and statistics skills and experience, and I thought that it made sense to work with a Maryland organization. When I searched online, the Access to Justice Commission was one of the organizations that popped up and its home page included a call for volunteers with data experience. I was not very familiar with the civil justice system, so I did some research and decided it sounded interesting. I submitted my resume and talked with Reena, who described the Attorney General’s newly formed COVID Task Force and a couple of data-related projects she was interested in pursuing.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m retired, so my future plans are to continue my current pursuits—enjoying my new granddaughter (and hopefully additional grandchildren), traveling, and engaging in a few hobbies.
Travis Polite
Tell us about yourself:
I hail from Rockland County, New York. For over a decade, I proudly served as a Firefighter and EMT, during which I made history as the first African American President of Rockland Hook & Ladders, a prestigious organization established in 1908. I earned my undergraduate degree from Monroe College, now Monroe University, located in the Bronx, New York. Later, I relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, to pursue advanced education and immerse myself in a community I am passionate about serving. I am on track to graduate in May 2025 with a Master’s degree in Conflict & Negotiation Management, and I will soon begin law school in Sacramento, California.
Why did you choose to volunteer with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission?
I chose to volunteer with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission because it perfectly aligns with my professional aspirations. When presented with various internship options, I prioritized this opportunity to engage closely with legal professionals in a setting that reinforces my goal of becoming an attorney. This experience offers invaluable insight and
I
connections as I prepare to start law school this summer, enhancing my understanding of legal access and justice.
What are
your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my immediate plan is to graduate from law school, pass the California Bar exam, and specialize in Family Law practice. Beyond that, I am considering pursuing a Ph.D. program focused on Family Studies and Interventions, which will deepen my expertise and enable me to make a more significant impact in supporting families through the legal system.
