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Supporting Maryland Legal Aid – Social Impact Report 2017-18

“Thanks to the
kindness and support

of law firms such as

Miles & Stockbridge,

nourishing meals can
continue to be provided

to those children, seniors

and families in need.”

— Christel Hair
Jessica duHoffmann, Principal DC Capital Area Food Bank

to a panoramic understanding of was in the best position to help than what I could ever do with my “There’s an unfortunate mis- But money is a player at every as well as by serving as ambassa-
the kinds of issues with which her these people with their particu- level of experience in these ar- conception,” DuHoffmann as- strata of our society, and this in- dors for the organization.
homeless, working poor and at- lar critical needs. And that has eas,” duHoffmann argues. Mary- serts, “that because it is a non- cludes the legal industry. DuHoff-
risk pro bono clients most needed always been one of my core be- land Legal Aid lawyers are equally profit, Legal Aid employs lesser mann feels it is her duty to sup- “I could never just go to work
help. “There was no overlap, real- liefs—they deserved the best well-positioned to ably represent lawyers, or strictly volunteers. port Legal Aid’s efforts personally, and go home and keep the blind-
ly,” duHoffmann says. “We have representation available.” clients facing wrongful evictions, Not only could this not be further as well as advocate on its behalf ers on regarding what is hap-
great, great lawyers in this firm those seeking to have their re- from the truth, the very miscon- across Miles & Stockbridge and pening to others around me,”
doing great pro bono work—Ste- So duHoffmann did what cords expunge for employment ception exposes some of the pre- beyond, to the legal community DuHoffmann admits. “I support
ven Cullen for instance, and his she always does—she found the and marginalized individuals who conceived notions that have infil- of Maryland as a whole. In 2008, Legal Aid because they represent
efforts regarding international straight line. And the straight line, have been discriminated against, trated our industry—namely, that she joined the Maryland Legal the best of our profession. If you
kidnapping, which is a specialty, in this case, was Maryland Legal among countless other legal chal- revenue equals quality.” In fact, Aid board, where she remains an can alleviate your neighbor’s suf-
obviously, but not foreign to his Aid. Maryland Legal Aid is a pri- lenges. Maryland Legal Aid law- Legal Aid is the largest law firm in active member. She also serves fering, and you can do it simply by
other work as a family law lawyer.” vate, nonprofit law firm that pro- yers specialize is serving at-risk Maryland, and home to a cohort as co-chair of the Law Firm Cam- supporting colleagues that share
vides free legal services to low-in- communities, including senior of talented, creative lawyers well- paign of the Equal Justice Council, your calling, whether it be finan-
“For me, though, and with my come individuals across the state. citizens and migrant workers, trained and experienced enough a subcommittee of civic-minded cially or through your own time—
background and skill set, not only The firm handles civil cases involv- and the organization partners to represent the vulnerable of so- Maryland lawyers in private prac- why wouldn’t you?”
was there an incredible effort ing a wide range of issues, from with other nonprofits, including ciety from initial filing to final ap- tice who promote equal access to
spent in just playing catch-up on matters of custody and housing Goodwill and the United Way, to peal. “Not everyone is profession- justice by increasing and diver- The answer is almost always
the issues, but I was becoming to those of benefits and consum- provide further legal assistance ally driven by money,” DuHoffman sifying Maryland Legal Aid’s re- a straight line: “It’s just the right
increasingly unconvinced that I er law. “Their impact is greater where it can. states matter-of-factly. sources, financial and otherwise, thing to do.” ■

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