In the State of Maryland, many people are injured because of the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of an individual or company. These people have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of a lawyer in their state. Unfortunately, not all people that call themselves lawyers are reputable or able to properly launch a lawsuit. Membership in the Maryland State Bar Association is the reassurance needed to insure that an individual is qualified to present a court case in front of Maryland courts.
The Maryland State Bar Association is an association that represents legal professionals in the state of Maryland. It is a mandatory, regulatory organization for all lawyers in the state. In order to be admitted into the bar, potential lawyers must meet stringent requirements. All applicants must complete pre-legal education, pass the state Bar Exam, pass a character review assessment, take a course on professionalism, and pay an annual fee before they are considered to practice law in the state of Maryland. The Bar is also responsible for disciplining actions considered unfit for legal professionals. Any member of the public as well as legal professionals can submit a complaint. The Bar then reviews the complaint and takes the appropriate action against the lawyer in question. This system of discipline helps guarantee that every legal professional in Maryland is reputable, and able to best serve the state’s legal needs.
Many benefits are offered to the Bar’s members. Some of these benefits include legal publications, travel discounts, insurance, and a lawyer assistance program. Additionally, the bar operates an ethics hotline. Lawyers from all over Maryland have the opportunity to discuss important legal ethics questions. The Maryland State Bar Association also sponsors community service programs in the state. Because of the communication the bar creates and the standards it enforces, the legal profession in Maryland is excellent.