Who We Are
The Maryland Center for Legal Assistance (MCLA) is a nonprofit legal services organization dedicated to helping Marylanders navigate the court system—especially when they cannot afford an attorney.
For more than 16 years, MCLA has partnered with the Maryland Judiciary to operate the Maryland Court Help Centers, one of the nation’s most comprehensive court-based legal assistance programs. Each year, we serve approximately 180,000 people statewide, providing free legal information and advice at moments when Marylanders need it most.
What We Do
MCLA helps people who are representing themselves in court understand their rights, responsibilities, and next steps. Our services are designed to be immediate, practical, and accessible, helping litigants move their cases forward while reducing confusion and stress.
We provide assistance through multiple channels to meet people where they are:
- Walk-in court help centers
- Phone consultations
- Live chat and email
- Video consultations
This multi-service approach ensures that help is available whether someone is standing in a courthouse lobby or reaching out from home.
Why It Matters
Most people in Maryland’s civil courts do not have lawyers. Without guidance, navigating court procedures can be overwhelming—and mistakes can have serious consequences.
MCLA exists to bridge that gap. Our staff provide clear, Maryland-specific legal guidance, often during moments of crisis, helping people understand their options and take informed action. Litigants consistently tell us that our services reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and make the court process more manageable.
Our Experience & Impact
MCLA combines experienced legal professionals, innovative service design, and custom technology to deliver help at statewide scale. As the only organization to operate the Maryland Court Help Centers statewide, MCLA brings unmatched institutional knowledge of Maryland courts and self-represented litigants.
Our work has also earned national recognition for innovation in court-based legal services, including award-winning initiatives like the Maryland Justice Passport referral program. MCLA regularly shares its expertise with courts and legal service providers across the country.
Our Commitment
MCLA is committed to:
- Access to justice for all Marylanders
- Reliable, high-quality service at scale
- Strong partnerships with the Judiciary and community organizations
- Continuous improvement through data, feedback, and innovation
Most importantly, we are committed to the people we serve—ensuring they are not alone when navigating one of the most challenging systems they may ever face.