The Harford County Bar Foundation is a non-profit community resource providing educational and referral services to the residents of Harford County. it provides placement of financially disadvantaged individuals and their families with qualified attorneys who provide pro bono (for free) legal services. It also places income eligible individuals with Harford Countv attorneys who will represent them on a reduced fee basis. The areas of law in which the legal services are placed include: domestic relations, domestic violence, child support, criminal defense, housing (including tenant/landlord), bankruptcy, and unemployment benefits.

In addition, the Bar Foundation is the legal referral source to members of the Harford County Bar Association who participate in our various programs. It refers the public to attorneys for representation in all areas of law.

The Harford County Bar Foundation also serves as a community resource directing the public to a broad range of local and state private and public programs for services. It is also a source of education promoting a better understanding of the legal system among members of the public and promoting the continuing legal education of members of the Harford County Bar Association.

The Harford County Bar Foundation was founded in 1991 as an educational, charitable, and non-profit organization. At that time, a pro bono program was established to provide legal representation for those individuals who were financially disadvantaged.

Since that time, the program has grown to include other services. At the present time the Harford County Bar Foundation holds Child Support Modification classes for Harfard County residents. In addition the Bar Foundation provides an attorney to teach the Pro Se Bankruptcy Class. This program is co-sponsored with the Legal Aid Bureau to qualified Harford County residents.

Since 1991 there has been approximately 10,000 reported hours of pro bono (for free) legal services performed. At the present time, there are approximately 152 attorneys who donate their time and skills to low income individuals who reside in Harford County. These services are free or provided at a reduced fee. This is the highest participation of attorneys from a Bar Association in the State of Maryland.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Harford County facilitates in the intake and screening of individuals for eligibility requirements. At the present time, the highest demand for services is in the area of domestic law. Approximately 30-35 individuals are referred for pro bono services at Domestic Violence Hearings each year. In addition several cases have been place in our recently developed deferred fee program.

The Harford County Bar Foundation is funded solely on grants, donations, fund raising activities, and the generosity of Harford County attorneys who donate their services.

If you are interested in making a tax deductible charitable contribution to the Harford County Bar Foundation, please contact the Director at (410) 836-0123.

LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICES PROVIDED

Civil Pro Bono Placement based on income and case type.

Civil Reduced Fee Placement based on income and case type.

Domestic Violence Assistance Program based on incorne and case type, representation in domestic violence cases.

Brief Legal Advice based on income and case type.

Co-Sponsored Bankruptcy Class with the Legal Aid Bureau - depending on income and case type.

Criminal Reduced Fee Program referrals from the Public Defenders office are placed at a reduced fee.

Civil Deferred Fee Placement based on income and case type. Attorney does not require a retainer in advance but the client is responsible for attorney's fees at conclusion of case.

Lawyer Referral Service - referral to attorneys concentrating in areas specific to clients' needs. Fees to be arranged directly between clients and attorneys.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY

Contact the Director of the Harford County Bar Foundation
at (410) 836-0123 Monday - Friday, 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
e-mail: harcobar@iximd.com