Baltimore County judge outlines one-stop Access to Justice Resource Center for self-represented litigants

County Administrative Judge Dennis Robinson told the Baltimore County House Delegation that the county's Access to Justice Resource Center centralizes help for people who represent themselves in court.

"We put them all in one place," Robinson said, describing a staff that includes a director, an administrator, civil, family and guardianship navigators, an interpreter coordinator and two Spanish interpreters. The center provides computer workstations, printers and assistance with electronic filing; staff review forms before filing to reduce clerk rejections.

Robinson said the center, which had a grand opening in May 2025, merges an underused law library, a self-help center and interpreter services so people who lack legal training can find the right resources and be guided through the process. He emphasized the navigators' role: "They're here to help people navigate the legal system," and noted the center makes clear it provides information, not legal advice.

The AJRC also connects users to outside services that address related needs, from housing to addiction support; Robinson cited the Family Recovery Support Program (FRSP) as an example of a referral the center makes for parents engaged in custody cases. He added the center hosts a Narcan dispenser "as a sign of the reality of the times."

Delegates asked about partnerships and funding. Kyantha Twasegye, state legislative officer for the Baltimore County Executive's Office, said nonprofits and legal-service organizations are engaged as referral partners but that the county opposes any state mandate shifting costs to local budgets. Robinson described the center's mixed funding: the director was funded by a grant through the Administrative Office of the Courts, several navigator positions were reallocated from Baltimore County funding, and the two resident Spanish interpreters are funded by the Maryland judiciary.

Robinson said the AJRC has garnered outside interest; he told delegates a delegation from DeKalb County, Georgia, planned a similar opening after observing Baltimore County's model. He offered to distribute electronic brochures and materials to delegates for constituent referrals.

The judge invited delegation members to visit the center on the second floor of the County Courts Building. He asked delegates to refer constituents with legal questions to the AJRC as a first stop and to consider expanding partnerships that would bring other government representatives or customer-service staff into the courthouse on a limited basis to help constituents directly.

The delegation thanked Robinson for the briefing; several members praised the center as a model and sought outreach materials to publicize it in their districts.