The Equal Justice Council (EJC) actively promotes equal access to justice for Maryland’s most economically disadvantaged and vulnerable residents by increasing and diversifying MLA’s resources, financial, and otherwise, and serving as ambassadors on behalf of Maryland Legal Aid. The EJC is composed of managing attorneys from Maryland’s top law firms and other prominent members of the Maryland Bar and corporate community.

Throughout Maryland Legal Aid’s history, funding from governmental sources has never adequately met the demand for services. The EJC’s fundraising approach, therefore, focuses on securing funding from the private bar and business community. In addition to making personal contributions to Maryland Legal Aid, members of the EJC also obtain annual contributions from their respective firms and other significant entities within their communities. Members also work to increase pro bono involvement, participate in fundraising activities and educational programs, and cultivate relationships with foundations and corporations on Maryland Legal Aid’s behalf. EJC members also serve as hosts for recruitment events, including the annual Equal Justice Awards breakfast, which always features a prominent keynote speaker, and the Managing Partners’ breakfast aimed at leaders of the legal community. The EJC was established in 1997 by Maryland private attorneys.

The co-chairs of the EJC are Martin Himeles, Jr., Esq. (Zuckerman Spaeder LLP) and Lee Ogburn (Kramon & Graham, P.A.). Along with their EJC colleagues, the co-chairs develop and implement the overall volunteer fundraising effort, including the recruitment of EJC members statewide, and forge relationships with both government and private funding entities.

Maryland Legal Aid’s Development Unit works closely with the EJC to provide administrative and informational support to increase contributions to the organization. For more details about the EJC or to become a member, contact development director Graham Cowger at (410) 951-7706 or gcowger@mdlab.org.

Thank you to last year’s sponsors!