Public Justice Center: Providing Legal Services for Social Justice in Baltimore, MD

Public Justice Center Introduce

In the journey toward a just society, equal access to legal representation is a fundamental right that is often out of reach for many. For residents of Baltimore, Maryland, and across the state who are facing injustice due to poverty or discrimination, the Public Justice Center (PJC) serves as a vital resource. As a non-profit organization, the PJC is not a traditional law firm but a civil legal services program with a mission to pursue broad-based change through litigation, advocacy, public education, and collaboration. They are dedicated to protecting the rights of the underrepresented, focusing on creating systemic change to build a more equitable community. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the PJC, its mission, its services, and its impact on the lives of Marylanders.

The core of the Public Justice Center's work is its commitment to fighting for social justice. Unlike a private firm that handles a variety of individual cases for paying clients, the PJC takes on cases and projects that have the potential to have a significant impact on laws or practices affecting a large number of people. Their goal is to balance the scales of justice by advocating for vulnerable populations. This mission is critical in a state where many residents face legal challenges without the financial means to hire an attorney. The PJC’s approach is about more than just legal services; it is about using the law as a tool for social change.

While the PJC is staffed by professionals who "really care," as one reviewer noted, the demand for free legal services in Baltimore is immense, and they are often understaffed to meet the extensive needs of the community. This challenge highlights the critical role of organizations like the PJC and the need for continued support and funding from public and private sources to expand their reach. The PJC’s dedication to its clients is clear, even when faced with resource constraints. A key takeaway for potential clients is the importance of understanding the specific scope of services offered by any free legal aid provider. As one user's feedback pointed out, they do not handle all landlord/tenant issues, but rather focus on specific areas of law where they can make the most impact. This is a common practice for non-profit organizations to maximize their limited resources for the greatest good.

The Public Justice Center is conveniently located at 201 N Charles St # 1200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. This location in downtown Baltimore makes it accessible for many residents who rely on public transportation. The PJC is committed to ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment for all who seek their services. The office is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving every member of the community, including those with mobility challenges. This dedication to physical accessibility reflects the organization’s mission to remove barriers to justice in all forms.

To ensure a productive and focused experience for all clients, the PJC recommends making an appointment. This helps their team manage the high volume of requests and ensures that they can provide the most thorough and attentive service possible. They often start with an intake process conducted over the phone to determine if a case aligns with their mission and current capacity.

The Public Justice Center provides a variety of legal services and advocacy, focusing on issues that impact low-income and vulnerable Marylanders.

Services Offered:

Legal Assistance: The PJC provides free legal assistance and legal services to low-income clients in a number of civil legal matters. This assistance is aimed at helping individuals navigate complex legal situations without financial burden.
Legal Advocacy: Beyond individual cases, the PJC engages in legal advocacy to create systemic change. This includes working with legislatures and government agencies to influence policy and expand fundamental human rights.
Free Legal Services: The organization offers free legal help in specific areas of law, such as renters in Baltimore City facing eviction, or workers who are experiencing wage theft. They also work with children and families whose education has been disrupted by homelessness or foster care.
Systemic Change: The PJC’s core work involves tackling issues that affect a large number of people. Their projects focus on housing, workers' rights, health, education, and the establishment of a right to counsel in civil cases, all with the goal of fighting for a more just society.

The PJC's legal services are highly specific and case selection is based on the potential for broad impact. It is important for prospective clients to contact the organization directly to determine if their specific case falls within the PJC's scope of practice.

Features / Highlights:

Non-Profit Mission: The PJC is a non-profit organization dedicated to social justice, rather than a for-profit law firm, which means their focus is on helping those in need and creating systemic change.
Free Legal Assistance: They provide free legal help for civil matters to financially eligible individuals and families, removing a significant barrier to justice.
Systemic Advocacy: A key feature is their dedication to legal advocacy and litigation that can change laws and policies, not just resolve a single case.
Physical Accessibility: The office is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, making it a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Community-Focused: The PJC is deeply embedded in the Baltimore community, collaborating with other organizations and focusing on issues that directly affect local residents.

For those ready to discuss their legal needs, you can easily contact the Public Justice Center.

Contact Information:

Address: 201 N Charles St # 1200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Phone: (410) 625-9409

Choosing a legal service provider is a critical decision, and for many in Maryland, the Public Justice Center is an invaluable resource. What makes the PJC worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable members of society. While it is important to be aware of the high demand and specific focus of their services, their mission to create systemic, lasting change sets them apart. They provide free legal assistance with a purpose—to empower individuals and reform the systems that perpetuate injustice. For anyone in Baltimore facing a legal issue related to housing, workers' rights, or other civil matters who cannot afford a private attorney, the Public Justice Center is an excellent first point of contact, a place where dedicated professionals work tirelessly to make a real difference in the lives of their fellow Marylanders.

Public Justice Center Services

Attorney
Cash Assistance Program
Education Services
Free Legal Assistance
Legal Advocacy
Legal Assistance
Legal Services

Public Justice Center Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Amenities
Restroom

Planning
Appointments recommended

Public Justice Center Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Public Justice Center Location

Public Justice Center

Maryland Baltimore Downtown North Charles Street

201 N Charles St # 1200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Public Justice Center Reviews

An average rating of ★4 from 22 user reviews.

landlord

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I contacted the Pubic Justice Center to get help concerning a landlord/tenant issue.I had to ask several times whether they handle all landlord and tenant issues. After i left several voicemail messages i finally was told that they do not handle all landlord/tenant issues.More places that offer free legal services need to handle all landlord/tenant issues and their websites need to tell what kind of issues they handle.I would recommend people to do research about their own case,even if they find free legal services to help them still do research concerning your case.
January 09 · dorothy dallas
Under staffed. So many residents of Baltimore in need. Although you have a few staff members who really care. It's not enough staffing to help us all. They really try. The mayor need to put funding into this program.
July 06 · Danielle Finch
Under staffed. So many residents of Baltimore in need. Although you have a few staff members who really care. It's not enough staffing to help us all. They really try. The mayor need to put funding into this program.
July 06 · Danielle Finch
I'll keeps yall in mind. The landlord I had first were coming in my room ats 513 east 23rd st Baltimore md 21218.i. room b. I have new landlord now I haves a cashier's check 4 them.They signed new lease 2020.at the end of this lease I'll likes to move. I haves a protected orderAgainst my husband William Anthony and hes keeps driving pass through hear.tina price
April 03 · Charmeter Bossfletcherblackstone
I'll keeps yall in mind. The landlord I had first were coming in my room ats 513 east 23rd st Baltimore md 21218.i. room b. I have new landlord now I haves a cashier's check 4 them.They signed new lease 2020.at the end of this lease I'll likes to move. I haves a protected orderAgainst my husband William Anthony and hes keeps driving pass through hear.tina price
April 03 · Charmeter Bossfletcherblackstone
I tina price haves a protected order against William's Anthony price and I stay in a room ats 513 east 23rd st and my husband has stolen the rent receipts and had gotten hes self apt put my name on it.now I'm missing some more of my receipts showed I'll payed my rent . I donts wants anything to do with them cocky landlord'sI wants a better place to lives the landlord cants let's other tenants in my room.my name is tina price. Yall came to court with me for sage management. The protected order protects my room. And my cat. I donts socialize with keith Simmons.
April 01 · Tina Price
I tina price haves a protected order against William's Anthony price and I stay in a room ats 513 east 23rd st and my husband has stolen the rent receipts and had gotten hes self apt put my name on it.now I'm missing some more of my receipts showed I'll payed my rent . I donts wants anything to do with them cocky landlord'sI wants a better place to lives the landlord cants let's other tenants in my room.my name is tina price. Yall came to court with me for sage management. The protected order protects my room. And my cat. I donts socialize with keith Simmons.
April 01 · Tina Price
In the previous year or more that I have tried to call the public justice center for a issues I was having with unlawful landlords and no one has ever answered the phone or returned any voicemails. On March 5, 2019 an unidentified man answered the phone, purposely mispronouncing my name twice even after I corrected him. He was very indirectly condescending towards me. He refrerred me to a Ms. Sosi whom he said was the ONLY person who could help me with my matter on the issue at hand thst I requested legal advocacy for. Each time I called that day he referred to me by name without really knowing who I actually was. When I inquired why he had done so, he replied that he was going off of thr name on the caller ID. He insenuated that I was not a patient person or of one with common sense by stating that she is very good with returning within the same day if I just remained patient as if this was my first time calling and that they had an excellant record of returning calls. On March 6, 2019 I called again around 1249pm and the same gentleman picked up the phone and I inquired why Ms. Sosi had not returned my call which he began to dispute me asking was I sure I didnt miss her call and this was not of her character as if I was lying. I told the gentlenan that I would have gotten a notification of a missed call and/or voicemail. Might I add they NEVER have returned any of my voicemails. He also cited her extension but how could I even dial her extension if he immediately picks up the phone before letting the automated system initiate? This organization is frivolously and selfishly using our grants, charitable money, funds, and/or tax dollars to fund themselves and line their pockets and yet cannot return any phone calls or render any services to the public. If they cant or do not have not the staff to answer a simple phone call why are they getting paid? Why not someone who is passionate and actually able are willing to return phone calls. Why should these people who dont care about the advocacy of their clients and community be allowed to get a paycheck but yet others who are more qualified are not afforded the opportunity to have a job such as this. If the people cannot properly return the people's phone calls and render their legal services to them why are they allowed to still be employed and be funded for doing nothing?
March 06 · J D
In the previous year or more that I have tried to call the public justice center for a issues I was having with unlawful landlords and no one has ever answered the phone or returned any voicemails. On March 5, 2019 an unidentified man answered the phone, purposely mispronouncing my name twice even after I corrected him. He was very indirectly condescending towards me. He refrerred me to a Ms. Sosi whom he said was the ONLY person who could help me with my matter on the issue at hand thst I requested legal advocacy for. Each time I called that day he referred to me by name without really knowing who I actually was. When I inquired why he had done so, he replied that he was going off of thr name on the caller ID. He insenuated that I was not a patient person or of one with common sense by stating that she is very good with returning within the same day if I just remained patient as if this was my first time calling and that they had an excellant record of returning calls. On March 6, 2019 I called again around 1249pm and the same gentleman picked up the phone and I inquired why Ms. Sosi had not returned my call which he began to dispute me asking was I sure I didnt miss her call and this was not of her character as if I was lying. I told the gentlenan that I would have gotten a notification of a missed call and/or voicemail. Might I add they NEVER have returned any of my voicemails. He also cited her extension but how could I even dial her extension if he immediately picks up the phone before letting the automated system initiate? This organization is frivolously and selfishly using our grants, charitable money, funds, and/or tax dollars to fund themselves and line their pockets and yet cannot return any phone calls or render any services to the public. If they cant or do not have not the staff to answer a simple phone call why are they getting paid? Why not someone who is passionate and actually able are willing to return phone calls. Why should these people who dont care about the advocacy of their clients and community be allowed to get a paycheck but yet others who are more qualified are not afforded the opportunity to have a job such as this. If the people cannot properly return the people's phone calls and render their legal services to them why are they allowed to still be employed and be funded for doing nothing?
March 06 · J D