Maryland Justice Corps Program - Establishment

HB 1544 establishes the Maryland Justice Corps Program to create an alternative pathway for qualifying law graduates to become licensed attorneys without taking the traditional bar exam. The program targets graduates of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law or University of Baltimore School of Law who haven't taken the Maryland bar exam, requiring a 3-year commitment with a legal employer in Maryland. Key provisions include providing participants with a $75,000 annual salary, $15,000 housing stipend, and up to $30,000 yearly toward law school debt, with the state and employer each covering 50% of these benefits. Upon completing the program and meeting Supreme Court requirements, participants can be admitted to the Maryland bar.