• Remember that for all the lawyers in the state, the legal profession is still a small one. For better or worse, your name and reputation will get around quickly. • Trying to get in touch with an attorney? If necessary, leave a message that says what you want and what your deadline is. • You will have to pass through security in every courthouse, perhaps at the same time as jurors and others who have no interest in whether you are in a rush. Plan accordingly. • If you don’t understand a term, procedure or proceeding, lawyers, clerks and judges should be willing to explain. You can also refer to the glossary in the back of this Guide or type “legal dictionary” in your search engine and you will find many helpful sites. • An annual “State of the Judiciary” report is issued by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and should have the latest facts, figures and changes involving Maryland courts. You can also call the Maryland Judiciary’s Government Relations and Public Affairs Division for this and much more information. • Need to find a particular lawyer? The Maryland Lawyers’ Manual issued by the Maryland State Bar Association is available online at msba.org and lists its lawyer members according to name, county and practice area. The Maryland Judiciary maintains online a searchable list of attorney addresses and phone numbers, which are available online at www.mdcourts.gov/lawyers/attylist. • Looking for a lawyer-expert? Try the law schools, the Maryland State Bar Association, or the local and specialty/minority bar associations. Their contact information can also be found at www.msba.org. . • Awaiting a Maryland appellate opinion? You can get it immediately upon release at the Maryland judiciary’s website www.mdcourts.gov/opinions/opinions.
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