FreeState Legal Project

About

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT”) people have unique legal needs, given their historical and present-day exclusion from basic civil rights and privileges, and their vulnerability to discrimination.

Until now, there has been no provider of pro bono or reduced-fee legal services to low-income members of the LGBT community. These individuals lack the financial means to retain private counsel, and are among the most disadvantaged of Maryland citizens. They often face ostracism, attack and discrimination even from members of their own families and communities.

FreeState seeks to provide legal services to the low-income LGBT population, which cannot currently be accessed through existing service providers. FreeState also seeks to educate the broader legal community on LGBT issues, enabling them to better represent pro bono LGBT clients. FreeState will work to build the capacity within the Maryland bar to handle LGBT issues.

Board Members

Mark Scurti, Esq. – President Jose Bahamonde-Gonzalez, Esq.
Aaron Merki, Esq. – Vice President Susan Francis
Michael Fowler – Treasurer Hon. Susan K. Gauvey
Steve Schwartzman, Esq. – Secretary Hon. Charlotte Cooksey
George Nilson, Esq. Hon. Larnzell Martin, Jr.
Susan Leviton, Esq. Nancy Hagner
George Johnston, Esq. Ellen Schwartz Patterson
Curt Decker, Esq. Lois Feinblat