Equal Justice Council
 EJC Co-Chair Andrew Jay Graham |
 EJC Co-Chair
Benjamin Rosenberg |
What Is The EJC?
The Equal Justice Council (EJC), formed in 1997 by Maryland private bar attorneys, is the fundraising arm of Maryland Legal Aid. Its goal is to promote equal access to justice by increasing and diversifying Legal Aid’s resources and serving as advocates and ambassadors in educating the public about Legal Aid’s programs.
Since its founding, the EJC has raised funds, primarily from Baltimore metropolitan area law firms. However, lawyers have been involved who practice not only in Baltimore City but also Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Throughout Legal Aid’s history, funding from government sources has never adequately met the demand for services. Therefore, the fundraising approach of the EJC focuses on securing funding from the private bar that will help to support Legal Aid’s work until there is no longer a need. It is important for each of Maryland’s private firms to share in the cost of providing this essential service for our area’s poor.
EJC members are expected to make an annual personal contribution of at least the Partner’s Level ($1,000) to Legal Aid and/or obtain an annual contribution from their respective firm or another entity of at least the Partner’s Level. Members also work to increase pro bono involvement and participate in fundraising activities such as educational sessions and contacting foundations and corporations.
The co-chairs of the Equal Justice Council are Andrew Jay Graham, Esq. of Kramon & Graham, P.A. and Benjamin Rosenberg, Esq. of Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP. They are charged with implementing the overall volunteer fundraising effort, including recruitment of EJC members and forging relationships with both government and private funding entities. The co-chairs of the Law Firm Campaign are Philip Andrews, Esq. of Kramon & Graham, P.A., John Wolf, Esq. of Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver and Jefferson Wright, Esq. of Miles & Stockbridge, P.C. These leaders are responsible for managing the annual solicitation process by motivating EJC members to appeal to area law firms to maintain or increase their financial support to Legal Aid.
Other EJC members are asked to serve as solicitors by selecting a minimum of three law firms that they will contact to ask for an annual financial investment in Legal Aid.
The Resource Development Unit of Legal Aid works closely with the EJC to provide administrative and informational support to increase contributions to the organization. To join in this worthy cause, contact Anddi Gilmore, 410 951 7759 or agilmore@mdlab.org.
Note: All funds received by the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. are spent in accordance with the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974, as amended 1977, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2996 et. seq., its implementing regulations, 45 C.F.R. § 1600 et. seq., and other applicable law.
