Maryland Legal Aid - District Court Self-Help Center - Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Kyla V. D. P.

My recent experience with the District Self-Help Center was unfortunately less than professional and did not meet my expectations for a public legal support service.

I called in and listened to the full disclaimer, accepted the terms, and waited on hold for 15 minutes. At no point during the recording or hold process was it indicated that I would need to be off speakerphone or Bluetooth in order to receive assistance. Once connected, the attorney informed me that unless I got off speakerphone, she would have to end the call, stating it was part of their policy. However, this requirement was not mentioned in the disclaimer, nor was it communicated during the wait time. I explained that I was driving on the highway and using Bluetooth for safety, and could not pull over at that moment.

Despite the time already invested waiting, I continued the conversation. The attorney was dismissive, frequently cut me off, and did not take the time to understand the context of my situation. I had to repeat and clarify my concern multiple times because it was clear she was not listening. The legal advice provided did not align with the issue I raised and was not helpful in resolving my concern.

When I asked how to provide feedback on the service, I was told they were unsure how to receive it.

Overall, the experience felt rushed, impersonal, and unhelpful. If this is a primary point of access for individuals seeking legal support, there needs to be significant improvement in professionalism, communication, and client engagement.

Housing I. A. H. R.

If DOJ is funding legal services they should cease it. The legal services office are incompetent and rude staff. The supervisor of this office interrogated me as if I was a prisoner. I was there for stalking and harassment trying to protect myself. They have no respect at all in this office to the public. They do not care about women safety - If they really know what is a biological woman.

Andrea B.

Absolutely unacceptable. I meg Jurgen Rivera, thanks for writing down your name. Came in at 4:00. Was told, may not be able to see you today. Was confused because I was here before 4, advised you need to be seen by 4:30 in order to receive help. I see the last two women leave between 4:20 - 4:28. Coincidentally after 4:32, Jurgen comes out and says he cannot and will not see me today. I can return tomorrow at 8:30. Tax dollars at work, look forward to coming back tomorrow at 8:30 and getting real help from people who actually work. I have visited this center multiple times over the years, really disgusted with the process today. Go home on time, I understand that’s your priority.

Lou R.

It is basically the illusion of help. The court, refuses to.accept your papers (unconstitutional) and sends you there. Then.the lawyer tells you they can't handle your issue and suggest you pay for a private lawyer,( why self help is in the name-the part that is true except.they.are going to.make it.hard for you.to.do that)If you could afford a private lawyer, would you be there? Theyncall lower income people disadvantaged. Perfect word for this.
The laws all benefit the criminal/wrongdoers, shady landlords. Law abiding citizens are screwed.

They give people false hope.
The system is stacked against you before you get there.

Tracy D.

Not nearly enough staffing on the Eastern Shore. I didn't even have any representation for an appeal. If you're disabled, old, and poor, no one cares. The attorney for the original case was a pro-bono attorney, and I had to try and get all the evidence for my defense myself.
I tried the chat feature because I still had questions when I lost my case. It was useless. I was asking questions that were fact based, and needed a factual answer. And got none!
I had emails from a Maryland Legal Aid attorney, and never heard from her. A few days before my trial, I finally got a call through to MLA, and was instructed to get a postponement...

Shamika S.

These people are terrible. I spent more time on hold than talking to an attorney as she was researching my issue. Never answered my question and when asked about the question she hung up on me.

Taylor S.

The people working here are rude and incompetent especially the female workers. They say just about anything to hurry and get you off the phone. I asked for clarification multiple times as to why they could not assist me and was rushed off the phone and not given a reason . They assumed that I owned a business but i clarified multiple times I’am not a business owner, In addition to being told that the supervisor was listening in on my conversation yet I was unable to be directly transferred to speak with the supervisor and was told that a supervisor called me back but never heard from anyone.

They don’t give you a chance to explain anything and treat you like they are understaffed and underworked. Each time you get different information depending on who you speak to not sure where these individuals got their law degrees but they are not useful or helpful. But should of known better given they are free.

S O.

I encountered a very rude female attorney yesterday (09/14/2023) evening at around 7:39 p.m on the phone. The minute I mentioned business, she became very forceful, rude and dismissive, wouldn't even allow me to clarify when I said "it's not a business" meaning the man who was tasked to fix my car and disappeared did not own a business, just did work as a side, leisurely mechanic.

She just carried on "Yes, it is a business, it is a business, yes it is, it is a business, it is a business, ma'am it's a business and we don't offer legal help to businesses." It became very hard to communicate with her after that. Her disposition was bewildering for someone working at a help center, very inexorable, harsh and unwelcoming.

I'm still stunned. I had to hang up the call because she was hellbent on dominating the conversation in a very rude and overbearing, inexplicably aggressive nature.

She even chastised me, saying "and it should have said on the helpline when you called in that we do not work with businesses. Others of my colleagues would have hung up on you once you said business. You were probably distracted and didn't hear it but call in again and listen carefully, it says we don't work with businesses."

This woman had such low tolerance it's unbelievable. Highly unpleasant experience.