Maryland Legal Services Corporation

MLSC recognizes annually persons and organizations that have contributed significantly to the provision of legal services and access to justice for the poor.

Each year, the Corporation solicits nominations and presents the Arthur W. Machen, Jr. Award, the Benjamin L. Cardin Distinguished Service Award, the William L. Marbury Outstanding Advocate Award and the Herbert S. Garten Public Citizen Award to persons and organizations that have contributed significantly to the provision of legal services and access to justice to the poor. The Robert M. Bell Medal for Access to Justice, MLSC’s highest honor, will be given only when warranted.

Nominations for MLSC Legal Services Awards

Nomination Forms: Machen Award | Cardin Award | Marbury Award | Garten Award | Past Recipients

The Maryland Legal Services Corporation solicits nominations in the spring for awards it presents annually to persons making outstanding contributions to the provision of legal assistance to Maryland’s poor. Formal awards will be presented at an Annual Awards Ceremony in the fall.

MLSC encourages organizations and individuals to make nominations for any or all four of these awards to the Board of Directors of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation for their consideration and selection.

Nominations for the 2008 awards must be submitted not later than June 30, 2008 to MLSC.

For additional information regarding the MLSC Legal Services Awards or to obtain nomination forms, contact MLSC at (410) 576-9494 or toll free at (800) 492-1340 or download from this site.

The Robert M. Bell Medal for Access to Justice, created in 2004, honors members of the bench or bar who have displayed an extraordinary commitment to furthering access to justice for the poor.

The Arthur W. Machen, Jr. Award is presented to an attorney in private practice who has rendered extraordinary public service by providing legal representation to the poor or by improving the delivery of legal services in Maryland.

The Benjamin L. Cardin Distinguished Service Award is presented to an outstanding public interest lawyer who regularly provides civil legal services to the poor.

The William L. Marbury Outstanding Advocate Award was created to recognize a non-attorney who has demonstrated outstanding service in Maryland representing the rights and legal needs of the poor or by expanding access to justice for such persons.

The Herbert S. Garten Public Citizen Award is presented to an entity or organization (not regularly engaged in the delivery of legal services to low-income persones) that has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to increase access to justice for the poor in Maryland.

Awards Reception

The Corporation honors the award recipients at an Annual Awards Reception in December, which includes guests from the bench, bar, financial and legal services community. See MLSC Awards for 2007 for more about the most recent Awards Reception, Awards Recipients and Contributors. Other related 25th anniversary events and publications: Symposium Sessions, Souvenir Program and Video.