Columbia Law Firm Supports The Bar Association of Frederick County Justice for All Fund

Paul D. Rose, Jr., Esq., President, The Bar Association of Frederick County; Tom Meachum, Esq.; Janet I. McCurdy, Esq., Community Foundation TrusteeFREDERICK, MD – August 2, 2011: Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr LLP, a law firm based in Columbia, MD, has made a three-year financial commitment of $1,000 per year to The Bar Association of Frederick County Justice for All Fund. The fund is one of more than 600 component funds of The Community Foundation of Frederick County.

The fund was established in 2007 by The Bar Association of Frederick County to ensure the availability of competent legal and ancillary services associated with legal representation for residents of Frederick County, regardless of their ability to pay. Grants awarded from the fund may be used for, but are not limited to, attorney fees, expert witness fees, training for lawyers, lawyer referral services, translator services, and interpreters.

“Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr has always supported the western Maryland community,” said firm partner Thomas M. Meachum, Esq.  “The initiative of The Bar Association of Frederick County in creating the fund enables our firm to provide legal assistance to those in need in Frederick County. We thank The Bar Association of Frederick County and the Community Foundation for providing this opportunity to contribute to the community.”

The fund has received widespread support since its inception. Many local Frederick County attorneys have not only contributed to the fund, but provided pro bono services. Donations by individuals have been received in memory of loved ones who were legal professionals, and corporations and organizations have contributed to support the fund’s mission. In addition, The Bar Association of Frederick County holds fundraisers, such as advanced mediation seminars, to raise money for the fund.

The Bar Association of Frederick County has awarded two grants from the fund to the Legal Aid Bureau supporting its monthly bankruptcy and unemployment clinics for low-income residents of Frederick County. Participants receive detailed information about if, how, and when to file for bankruptcy, and alternative options to bankruptcy. The unemployment clinics discuss insurance benefits and the administrative appeals process. In the last two years, the programs have served more than 60 adults, with an additional 32 adults benefiting from pro bono consultations and representation.

Click here for more information about Legal Aid Bureau services, or call 301.694.7414 or 800.679.8813

Click here to make a secure, online donation to The Bar Association of Frederick County Justice for All Fund. Checks made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County may be mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland, 21701, with the name of the specific fund on the memo line. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about the Community Foundation, please call 301.695.7660.