<section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-101" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Admission to the Bar” means, unless the context requires otherwise, authorization by the Supreme Court of Maryland to practice law in the State.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Attorney at law” means a lawyer who, while practicing law, represents another person.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Bar” means, unless the context requires otherwise, the Bar of the Supreme Court of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Board” means the State Board of Law Examiners.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>“Court” means, unless the context requires otherwise:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the Supreme Court of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Appellate Court of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a circuit court; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the District Court of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Court” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an orphans’ court; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the Maryland Tax Court.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Lawyer” means an individual who is admitted to the Bar.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>“Practice law” means to engage in any of the following activities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>giving legal advice;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>representing another person before a unit of the State government or of a political subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>performing any other service that the Supreme Court of Maryland defines as practicing law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Practice law” includes:</text> <level label="i"> <text>advising in the administration of probate of estates of decedents in an orphans’ court of the State;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>preparing an instrument that affects title to real estate;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>preparing or helping in the preparation of any form or document that is filed in a court or affects a case that is or may be filed in a court; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>giving advice about a case that is or may be filed in a court.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-102" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>This title does not limit the right of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an individual to appear on the individual’s own behalf before a court or other unit of the State government;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a title insurance company to examine and to insure titles to real property;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a collection company to engage in the business of collecting or adjusting commercial claims; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a lawyer who is employed on a regular salaried basis by a corporation to represent the corporation before a court or other unit of the State government.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-103" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to this title, the Supreme Court of Maryland shall adopt rules that govern the standards and procedures for admission to the Bar.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The rules under this section shall include provisions for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a uniform system of Bar examination in the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the registration of each applicant for admission to the Bar;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the qualifications of each applicant for admission to the Bar;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the examination of the character of each applicant for admission to the Bar; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the fees to be paid by an applicant.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-201" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <text>There is a State Board of Law Examiners.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-202" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Board consists of 7 members.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each member shall be a lawyer.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland shall appoint the members of the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each member of the Board shall have been a lawyer for at least 5 years.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 5 years and begins on January 1.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 1989.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland may reappoint a member.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A majority of the authorized membership of the Board is a quorum.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-203" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <text>The Board shall pay all money collected under this title into the General Fund of the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-206" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, before an individual may practice law in the State, the individual shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be admitted to the Bar; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>meet any requirement that the Supreme Court of Maryland may set by rule.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a person while representing a landlord in a summary ejectment or a rent escrow proceeding in the District Court of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a person while representing a tenant in a summary ejectment or a rent escrow proceeding in the District Court of Maryland if the person is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a law student practicing in a clinical law program at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with the in–court supervision of a faculty member; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>employed by a nonprofit organization receiving grants from the Maryland Legal Services Corporation and:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person has training and experience;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the person is supervised by a lawyer; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the supervising lawyer’s appearance is entered in the proceeding;</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>an insurance company while defending an insured through staff counsel;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an officer of a corporation, an employee designated by an officer of a corporation, a partner in a business operated as a partnership or an employee designated by a partner, a member of a limited liability company or an employee designated by a member of a limited liability company, or an employee designated by the owner of a business operated as a sole proprietorship while the officer, partner, member, or employee is appearing on behalf of the corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or business in a civil action in the District Court of Maryland or an appeal from the District Court of Maryland if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the action or appeal:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is based on a claim that does not exceed the amount set under § 4–405 of the Courts Article for a small claim action; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is not based on an assignment, to the corporation, partnership, or business, of the claim of another;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in the case of a designated employee, the employee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is not assigned on a full–time basis to appear in the District Court on behalf of the corporation, partnership, or business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provides the court a power of attorney sworn to by the employer that certifies that the designated employee is an authorized agent of the corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship and may bind the corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship on matters pending before the court; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is not an individual who is disbarred or suspended as a lawyer in any state; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or business does not contract, hire, or employ another business entity to provide appearance services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>an individual who is authorized by a county employee to represent the employee at any step of the county’s grievance procedure;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a director or an officer of a common ownership community while representing the common ownership community in a dispute, hearing, or other matter before a board or commission established to oversee one or more of the following common ownership communities:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a development subject to a declaration enforced by a homeowners association as defined in § 11B–101 of the Real Property Article;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a residential condominium as defined in § 11–101 of the Real Property Article; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a cooperative housing corporation as defined in § 5–6B–01 of the Corporations and Associations Article; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="7"> <text>an individual authorized to practice law in the State by the Supreme Court of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “practice patent law”:</text> <level label="i"> <text>means to perform professional services that the Patent and Trademark Office requires to be performed by an individual registered to practice before that Office; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>includes preparing a copyright application or assignment and submitting it to the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>While there is a Patent and Trademark Office in the State, an individual may practice patent law in the State if the individual is:</text> <level label="i"> <text>authorized to practice law in any other state; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>registered to practice patent law before the Patent and Trademark Office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Unless otherwise authorized under this title, an individual who practices patent law under this subsection may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>appear as an attorney at law in a court; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>practice law generally in the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <level label="i"> <text>In this subsection the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>“Affiliate” means a person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an employer.</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or by some other means, the management and policies of a person.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, this section does not apply to an individual who is admitted to the bar of any other state, while giving legal advice to the individual’s employer or the employer’s organizational affiliates.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>An individual who gives legal advice under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is subject to disciplinary proceedings as the Maryland Rules provide; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may not appear before a unit of the State government or of a political subdivision unless a court grants the individual a special admission in accordance with § 10–215 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-207" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for admission to the Bar, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant shall be of good character and reputation.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An applicant shall be at least 18 years old as of the date of admission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>have completed the academic work necessary to meet the minimum requirements for admission to an American Bar Association approved law school; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>have a degree of juris doctor or its equivalent from a law school that the Board recognizes.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>An applicant shall pass a written examination given by the Board under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>An applicant shall meet any other qualification or requirement that the Supreme Court of Maryland establishes by rule.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-208" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for admission to the Bar shall submit to the Board a petition to the Supreme Court of Maryland on the form that the Board provides.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An applicant shall pay to the Board:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an examination fee, as set by the Supreme Court of Maryland, not exceeding:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$250 for fiscal year 2009; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$400 for fiscal year 2010 and thereafter; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other fee set by the Supreme Court of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-209" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant who otherwise qualifies for admission to the Bar is entitled to be examined as provided under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Notwithstanding § 10–207(c) of this subtitle, an individual under the age of 18 years may take the examination.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subject to the rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Board periodically shall give examinations to applicants at the times and places that the Board determines.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Board shall give each applicant notice of the time and place of examination.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Subject to the rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and the passing score for examinations.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Board shall report to the Supreme Court of Maryland:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the results of each examination that the Board gives; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>recommendations about the character and reputation of each applicant who passes the examination.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-210" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant who is a member of the bar of another state may become a member of the Bar of this State if the applicant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is of good character and reputation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provides adequate evidence that, for at least 5 of the 7 years immediately before applying for admission to the Bar, the applicant was practicing law or teaching law or was a judge;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pays the application fee set by the Supreme Court of Maryland; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>passes an examination given by the Board.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland may adopt rules to govern:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the content and administration of an examination given under this section;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the determination of the character and reputation of applicants; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any other matter necessary to provide for the admission to the Bar of applicants under this section.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-211" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <text>If an applicant meets the requirements of this Part II of this subtitle, the Supreme Court of Maryland shall pass an order of admission of the applicant to the Bar.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-212" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <text>On admission to the Bar, a lawyer shall take the following oath or affirmation in open court:</text> <text>“I do solemnly (swear) (affirm) that I will at all times demean myself fairly and honorably as an attorney and practitioner at law; that I will bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and support the laws and Constitution thereof, and that I will bear true allegiance to the United States, and that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution, laws and government thereof as the supreme law of the land; any law, or ordinance of this or any state to the contrary notwithstanding.”</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-213" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section and while an admission to the Bar is in effect, the admission authorizes a lawyer to practice law in any court.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before a lawyer may practice law, the lawyer shall satisfy any additional requirement set by rule of the Supreme Court of Maryland.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-214" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland may revoke an order of admission to the Bar that is obtained fraudulently or deceptively.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-215" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, on a motion filed as required by rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland, a court may grant special admission to practice law in a particular case to an individual who is:</text> <level label="1"> <text>admitted to the bar of another state; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>employed by a party in the case before:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a court or other unit of the State government; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a unit of a political subdivision of the State.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A special admission to practice law may be granted only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>by the court hearing the case for which an individual requests the special admission; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the case is before a unit other than a court, by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the circuit court for the county where the unit has its principal office; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any circuit court to which the case may be appealed.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual may practice law under this section only in connection with the case for which the special admission is granted.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An individual who practices law under this section is subject to disciplinary proceedings as the Maryland Rules provide.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-218" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Admission to Bar"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this subtitle shall terminate and be of no effect after July 1, 2030.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-301" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>In this Part I of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Attorney trust account” means an account that a lawyer or law firm maintains at a financial institution for the deposit of trust money.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Attorney trust account” includes an escrow account.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Beneficial owner” means a person, other than the client of a lawyer, for whose benefit a lawyer is entrusted to hold trust money.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Trust money” means a deposit, payment, or other money that a person entrusts to a lawyer to hold for the benefit of a client or a beneficial owner.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-302" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless a lawyer or the firm of the lawyer maintains an attorney trust account in accordance with this subtitle and the Maryland Rules, the lawyer may not accept trust money.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each attorney trust account shall be maintained at an approved financial institution, as provided in the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>An attorney trust account may be an interest bearing or noninterest bearing account.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An attorney trust account may be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a savings account;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a checking account;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>an account that is subject to negotiable orders of withdrawal; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any combination of these accounts.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>A lawyer who deposits trust money in a noninterest bearing account is not liable for damages that relate to the loss of interest on the trust money if the deposit is made in compliance with:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the provisions of this Part I of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the applicable provisions of the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-303" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to this section a lawyer shall deposit trust money in an attorney trust account, all interest on which is payable to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund established under § 11–402 of the Human Services Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A lawyer shall deposit trust money in an interest bearing account under this section whenever the lawyer reasonably expects that, for the period that the lawyer expects to hold the trust money, the interest that it would earn:</text> <level label="1"> <text>would not exceed $50; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>would exceed $50; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>would not cover the cost of administering an interest bearing account on which interest is payable to the client or beneficial owner.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Administrative Office of the Courts, in consultation with the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, may waive the provisions of subsection (b) of this section with respect to a lawyer or law firm that demonstrates that it will cost the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund more in service charges to open and maintain an attorney trust account with the interest payable to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund than will be generated in interest by the attorney trust account.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>At least quarterly, each financial institution that has an account described under this section shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>deduct from the total interest accumulated in the account any service charge due on the account; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>pay the net interest to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A financial institution:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may not charge against the individual accounts of a lawyer any service charges for trust money in an account under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may charge the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-304" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a lawyer expeditiously shall deposit trust money into an attorney trust account.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Subsection (a) of this section does not apply if there is a court order to the contrary.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section or any other law, a lawyer may disburse, at settlement in a real estate transaction, trust money that the lawyer receives in the transaction.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-305" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <text>Except for trust money that a lawyer is required to deposit in an attorney trust account that earns interest payable to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, a lawyer may withdraw trust money from an attorney trust account and invest it:</text> <level label="1"> <text>as the client or beneficial owner of the trust money instructs; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>as the lawyer and the client or beneficial owner of the trust money agree.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-306" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <text>A lawyer may not use trust money for any purpose other than the purpose for which the trust money is entrusted to the lawyer.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-307" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <text>A lawyer who willfully violates any provision of this Part I of this subtitle, except for the requirement that a lawyer deposit trust money in an attorney trust account for charitable purposes under § 10–303 of this subtitle, is subject to disciplinary proceedings as the Maryland Rules provide.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-310" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <text>In this Part II of this subtitle, “Fund” means the Client Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-311" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>The Supreme Court of Maryland may adopt rules that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>establish a Client Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>provide for the appointment of trustees to administer the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>provide for the operation of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The purpose of the Fund is to maintain the integrity of the legal profession by paying money to reimburse losses caused by defalcations of lawyers.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>By rule, the Supreme Court of Maryland may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>require a lawyer to pay an annual fee, not exceeding $20, to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>specify the penalties, including suspension and disbarment, for practicing law without having paid the annual fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The Fund may raise and collect money through voluntary contributions or other means.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-312" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>The trustees appointed under § 10-311 of this subtitle shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>receive contributions to the Fund; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>manage the assets of the Fund.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To the extent the trustees consider reimbursement proper and reasonable, the trustees may use the Fund to reimburse a person for a loss that was caused by a defalcation of a lawyer if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the lawyer caused the loss while acting for the person as an attorney at law or a fiduciary; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the person cannot recover the money under a bond.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The trustees may enforce a claim for restitution arising by subrogation, assignment, or otherwise against any person whose actions gave rise to a claim that the Fund pays.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-313" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Trust Money"> <level label="a"> <text>By August 31 of each year, the Fund shall provide a list of lawyers who have paid an annual fee to the Fund during the previous fiscal year to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Department of Assessments and Taxation, to assist the Department in identifying new businesses within the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Comptroller, to assist the Comptroller in determining whether each lawyer on the list has paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The list provided under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>be provided free of charge; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>include, for each person on the list:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name and mailing address of the person; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the federal tax identification number of the person or, if the person does not have a federal tax identification number, the Social Security number of the person.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the Comptroller determines that a lawyer has not paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor and the lawyer does not make payment or provide for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collection within 60 days after receiving notice of the delinquency from the Comptroller, or within any longer period authorized for good cause by the unit responsible for collection, the Comptroller may refer the matter to Bar Counsel under Maryland Rule 16–731.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-401" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <text>The Attorney General may investigate, as provided in this subtitle, a complaint of an unauthorized practice of law.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-402" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Each investigation conducted under this subtitle is confidential.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who participates in an investigation may not disclose the name of a person under investigation, the name of a witness, or any other information obtained in the investigation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who participates in an investigation may disclose information to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the person under investigation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a person to whom disclosure is required in the discharge of an official duty.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-403" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <text>Whenever the Attorney General conducts an investigation under this subtitle, the Attorney General shall provide to the person under investigation:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a written statement that specifies the conduct under investigation; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an opportunity to be heard and to present evidence on the conduct under investigation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-404" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <level label="a"> <text>In an investigation under this subtitle, the Attorney General, a deputy attorney general, or any assistant attorney general whom the Attorney General designates may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or the production of evidence;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>administer oaths; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>examine witnesses.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The laws that relate to civil actions govern the attendance and compensation of witnesses in an investigation under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a person fails to comply with a subpoena or refuses to testify about a material matter, on petition of the Attorney General, a circuit court may compel compliance with the subpoena.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-405" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <text>In an investigation under this subtitle, an officer of the State or of a political subdivision of the State or a deputy, clerk, or employee of the officer shall provide the information and help requested by the Attorney General, a deputy attorney general, or any assistant attorney general whom the Attorney General designates.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-406" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <level label="a"> <text>The Attorney General or Bar Counsel appointed under Maryland Rule 16-712 may sue to enjoin an unauthorized person from practicing, attempting to practice, or offering to practice law.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Attorney General brings an action under this section, Bar Counsel may intervene for good cause at any stage of the proceeding.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If Bar Counsel brings an action under this section, the Attorney General may intervene for good cause at any stage of the proceeding.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-407" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Investigation of Unauthorized Practice; Injunctive Action"> <text>The remedies and procedures set forth in this subtitle are in addition to and not in substitution for other remedies and procedures that address the unauthorized practice of law.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-501" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to subsection (b) of this section, an attorney at law has a lien on:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a cause of action or proceeding of a client of the attorney at law from the time the cause of action arises or the proceeding begins; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a settlement, judgment, or award that a client receives as a result of legal services that the attorney at law performs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A lien under this section attaches only if, and to the extent that, under a specific agreement between an attorney at law and a client, the client owes the attorney at law a fee or other compensation for legal services that produced the settlement, judgment, or award.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A lien under this section is subordinate only to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a prior lien for wages due to an employee of the client for work related to the settlement, judgment, or award; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a lien for taxes that the client owes the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An attorney at law may retain property subject to a lien under this section and bring an action for execution under the lien only in accordance with rules that the Supreme Court of Maryland adopts.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-502" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Lawyer counseling committee” means a group of individuals that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>is recognized by the Supreme Court of Maryland;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is a standing committee of the Maryland State Bar Association or of a local bar association;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>consists of lawyers and other individuals necessary to carry out the functions of the committee; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>evaluates and helps a lawyer in need of treatment and rehabilitation for:</text> <level label="1"> <text>substance abuse; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>any other physical, emotional, or mental condition that adversely affects the ability of the lawyer to practice law in accordance with the rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Local bar association” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in Baltimore City, the Bar Association of Baltimore City; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>in each county, the bar association with the greatest number of members who are residents of the county and who maintain their principal office for the practice of law in that county.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to a proceeding before the Attorney Grievance Commission or a disciplinary proceeding against a lawyer before a circuit court or the Supreme Court of Maryland.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The proceedings, records, and files of a lawyer counseling committee are not admissible into evidence or discoverable in an action that arises out of a matter that the lawyer counseling committee is or has been reviewing.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding any other law, a member of a lawyer counseling committee shall have the immunity from liability and may not be subject to any disciplinary proceeding as described in § 5–416 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-601" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided by law, a person may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice law in the State unless admitted to the Bar.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>While an individual is on inactive status or disbarred or while the individual’s right to practice law is suspended or revoked, the individual may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>discharge existing obligations;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>collect and distribute accounts receivable; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>perform any other act that is necessary to conclude the affairs of a law practice but that does not constitute practicing law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>It is not a defense to a charge of a violation of this section that the defendant acted through an officer, director, partner, trustee, agent, or employee who is a lawyer.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-602" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>Unless authorized by law to practice law in the State, a person may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including “lawyer”, “attorney at law”, or “counselor at law”, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to practice law in the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-603" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a lawyer while employed as a part–time magistrate for juvenile cases; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an individual while:</text> <level label="i"> <text>performing an affirmative duty required by law; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>engaging in an activity related to a case in which the individual is a party or has a property interest.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Even if an individual has been admitted to the Bar, the individual may not practice law while employed:</text> <level label="1"> <text>except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, as a sheriff or deputy sheriff;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in a jail or penitentiary, as:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a warden or deputy warden; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a superintendent or deputy superintendent;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>as a bailiff;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>as a clerk or deputy clerk of any court or an employee of a clerk;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>as a register or deputy register of wills or an employee of a register of wills; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>as an officer or employee in a juvenile court.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An individual employed as a sheriff or deputy sheriff in Washington County who has been admitted to the Bar may practice law in a county other than Washington County.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>This subsection does not apply to the settlement of small estates as set forth in Title 5, Subtitle 6 of the Estates and Trusts Article.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In Prince George’s County, a sheriff, deputy sheriff, warden, deputy warden, clerk, or employee of any court may not prepare or help in the preparation of any form or document that is filed in a court in that county or that affects a case that is or may be filed in a court in that county.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-604" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Law enforcement agency” means an agency that is listed in § 3–101(e) of the Public Safety Article.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Motor vehicle accident” has the meaning stated in § 27–401 of the Insurance Article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Report” means a report completed by a police officer of a law enforcement agency that:</text> <level label="i"> <text>indicates that a motor vehicle accident occurred; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>includes information about a person involved in the motor vehicle accident, including the person’s name, telephone number, and address.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Without an existing relationship or interest in an issue:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a person may not, for personal gain, solicit another person to sue or to retain a lawyer to represent the other person in a lawsuit;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a person who is not a lawyer may not, for personal gain, access a report for the purpose of soliciting another person to sue or to retain a lawyer to represent the other person; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a lawyer, except as provided in the Rules of Professional Conduct, may not:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for personal gain, solicit another person to sue or to retain the lawyer to represent the person in a lawsuit;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>directly or indirectly employ or in any way compensate or agree to employ or compensate any person as an expert witness or otherwise for the purpose of having that person solicit or attempt to solicit clients for the lawyer;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>knowingly represent a person who retained the lawyer as a result of solicitation prohibited under this section; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>cause a case to be instituted without the authority of a client.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Any solicitation involving acts described in this section is prima facie evidence that the person soliciting is acting for gain.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-605" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>A sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer, or other law enforcement official may not solicit clients for a lawyer in a place where individuals are held while awaiting trial for criminal offenses.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-605.1" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>This section applies only to the following forms of communication:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an audio recording;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a computer on-line transmission;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a facsimile transmission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a letter or other form of written communication;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a telegraphic transmission;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a telephonic transmission; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a video recording.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A lawyer may not send a communication, directly or through an agent, to a prospective client for the purpose of obtaining professional employment if the communication concerns an action for personal injury or wrongful death, or otherwise relates to an accident or disaster involving the person to whom the communication is sent or the person’s relative, unless the accident or disaster occurred more than 30 days before the date the communication is sent.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section does not apply to a communication sent by a lawyer to a prospective client at the request of the prospective client.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-605.2" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>This section applies only to a communication:</text> <level label="i"> <text>in a form described under subsection (c) of this section;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>sent by a lawyer, directly or through an agent or employee, to a prospective client for the purpose of obtaining professional employment; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>if the communication concerns:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an action for personal injury or wrongful death, or otherwise relates to an accident or disaster involving the person to whom the communication is sent or the person’s relative; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a criminal prosecution, or a prosecution of a traffic offense that is punishable by a period of incarceration, involving the person to whom the communication is sent or the person’s relative.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>This section does not apply to a direct marketing communication that is not related to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a specific accident or disaster described under paragraph (1)(iii)1 of this subsection; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a specific criminal prosecution or traffic offense described under paragraph (1)(iii)2 of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>This section does not apply to a communication sent to a prospective client at the request of the prospective client.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>This section applies only to the following forms of communication:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an audio recording;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a computer on–line transmission;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a facsimile transmission;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a letter or other form of written communication;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a telegraphic transmission;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a telephonic transmission; and</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a video recording.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Each communication shall include the words “this is an advertisement” in a prominent place at the beginning and end of each communication as required in this subsection.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In a communication sent by computer on–line transmission, facsimile, mail, or telegraph, the required wording shall appear in conspicuous print size and in a freestanding form:</text> <level label="i"> <text>on the outside of the envelope, if any; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>at the beginning and end of the contents of the communication.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If the form of the communication is a self–mailing brochure or pamphlet, the required wording shall appear on the address panel of the brochure or pamphlet.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In a video recording communication, the required wording:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall appear conspicuously in the communication for at least five seconds at the beginning and for at least five seconds at the end of the communication; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>of the audio recording portion, if any, of the communication shall meet the requirements of paragraph (5) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>In an audio recording communication, the required wording shall appear, at the beginning and end of the communication, in a tone, volume, clarity, and speed of delivery at least substantially equivalent to the quality of the tone, volume, clarity, and speed of the audio elsewhere in the communication.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A written communication may not be in the form of, or include, legal pleadings or legal documents.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A communication may not reveal on the envelope, or on the outside of a self–mailing brochure or pamphlet, the nature of the prospective client’s legal matter.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>In addition to meeting the requirements of this section, a communication shall comply with Rules 19–307.1 through 19–307.4 of the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <level label="1"> <text>In this subsection, “Bar Counsel” means the principal executive officer of the disciplinary system for lawyers under the Maryland Rules.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this subsection, a person who sends a communication shall, within 3 days after the date that the communication is sent, file the following with the Bar Counsel:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a copy of the communication, together with a sample copy of the envelope, if any, used in conjunction with the communication; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the name of the person to whom the communication was sent and the person’s mailing address, telephone number, or telecommunication address to which the communication was sent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>If communications identical in content are sent to two or more persons, a person may comply with the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection by filing with the Bar Counsel within 3 days after the date that the communication was sent a single copy of the communication together with a list of the names and the applicable mailing addresses, telephone numbers, or telecommunication addresses of the persons to whom the communication was sent.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>If the person periodically sends an identical communication to additional persons, the person may comply with the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection by filing with Bar Counsel lists of additional names and the applicable mailing addresses, telephone numbers, or telecommunication addresses not less than monthly.</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>A communication may not state or imply that a communication is approved by the Bar Counsel, the State, or any unit of the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A lawyer, or a person acting as an agent or employee of the lawyer, may not send, or knowingly permit to be sent, on a lawyer’s behalf, on the behalf of a lawyer’s firm, partner, or associate, or on behalf of any other lawyer affiliated with the lawyer, a communication that does not meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-606" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A corporation, partnership, or any other association that violates § 10–601 or § 10–602 of this subtitle is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An officer, director, partner, trustee, agent, or employee who acts to enable a corporation, partnership, or association to violate § 10–601 or § 10–602 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Except as provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, a person who violates § 10–601 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person who willfully violates any provision of Subtitle 3, Part I of this title, except for the requirement that a lawyer deposit trust money in an attorney trust account for charitable purposes under § 10–303 of this title, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or both.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="10-701" title_number="10" title_name="Lawyers" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Short Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Lawyers Act”.</text> </section>