Wye Mills — Chesapeake College is collaborating with Mid-Shore Pro Bono to launch a new legal clinic at the Wye Mills campus that serves college students and others from the five-county region who are unable to pay for attorney services on their own.

Local lawyers Edward Modell, Jimmy Persels and James Richardson have volunteered to work with students from Chesapeake’s Paralegal program to assist individuals who visit the clinic.  This free service provides access to advice on civil legal matters including bankruptcy, elder care, landlord-tenant disputes and other issues.

“The time and expertise contributed by these attorneys fills a critical need for our campus community while assisting others in the area who will benefit from free legal assistance,” said Bridget Lowrie, J.D., Chesapeake College Assistant Professor Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies.  “It’s also great work experience for our paralegal students before they launch their careers in private practices, prosecutors’ offices and non profit legal agencies.”

The college-based clinic – held in in room L210 of Chesapeake’s Learning Resource Center – will be open Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to

6 p.m. beginning March 24 and continuing through April 28.  Services may also be offered during the summer months based on need and will otherwise resume in August at the beginning of Chesapeake’s fall semester.

Individuals in need of legal services are encouraged to contact Mid-Shore Pro Bono in advance of clinic dates for initial evaluation and intake by calling 410-690-8128 or emailing [email protected].  Qualified individuals will be given an appointment for the clinic.  Walk-ins will be evaluated but cannot meet with attorneys until an appointment is scheduled.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the new Chesapeake College clinic expands our ability to bring even more legal services to individuals and families in the region,” said Sandy Brown, Executive Director, Mid Shore Pro Bono. “In particular, we are excited to provide assistance to college students who are juggling studies, work, and family responsibilities and as a result, may have limited resources to afford legal services.”

Two of Lowrie’s paralegal studies students, Teverly Swinson and Olga Mironova,are already volunteering with Mid Shore Pro Bono.

“Working with Mid Shore Pro Bono I feel surrounded by an energy of gratefulness and a willing duty to help others,” said Swinson.  “From the staff to the lawyers, I’ve learned a lot in a short time, and I am thankful to be a part of their organization.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono services the same counties as Chesapeake College, making this a true symbiotic partnership. The clinic is open to all Marylanders seeking brief advice and counseling. Those with more complex legal matters will be referred to Mid-Shore Pro Bono for an in-depth intake to determine eligibility for their volunteer lawyer program.  Mid-Shore Pro Bono offers several unique programs. For more information, visit www.midshoreprobono.org.