In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation. “Corporation” means the Maryland Legal Services Corporation. “Eligible client” means a person who is unable to afford legal assistance as determined under § 11-603 of this title. “Fund” means the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund. “Grantee” means a nonprofit organization that: is qualified under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; provides legal assistance to eligible clients; and receives financial assistance under § 11-501 of this title from the Corporation. “Grantee” includes: the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc.; the Maryland Disability Law Center; and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Inc. “Internal Revenue Code” means: Title 26 of the United States Code; and regulations adopted under Title 26 of the United States Code. “Legal assistance” means the legal representation of eligible clients by grantees. “Legal assistance” includes: training; research; coordination with private attorneys; and other activities necessary to ensure the delivery of quality legal services.

The General Assembly finds and declares that: there is a need to provide equal access to the system of justice for individuals seeking redress of grievances; reduction of federal funds has diminished the availability of legal services provided by existing statewide legal services programs; there is a need to continue and expand legal assistance to those who would otherwise be unable to afford adequate legal counsel; the availability of legal services reaffirms faith in our government of laws; the funding of legal assistance programs for those who are unable to afford legal counsel will serve the ends of justice and the general welfare of the public; and attorneys providing legal assistance must have full freedom to protect the best interests of their clients in keeping with the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct and the high standards of the legal profession.