Paralegal Studies Association of Harford Community College (MD) Contact: David J. Smith, Associate Professor of Paralegal Studies Paralegal Studies Association of Harford Community College 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 E-mail: dsmith@harford.cc.md.us Activity Summary: For the 3rd year in a row, the Paralegal Studies Association sponsored a Law Fair. A date was selected on or near May 1 that was convenient for the largest number of Harford Community College students. This year, Thursday, April 30, 1998 was chosen. In the past, the Law Fair has been a small event that focused exclusively on Harford Community College students. This year, primarily because of the enthusiasm of the club officers, it was decided to expand the event. The Harford County Bar Foundation was asked to be the cosponsor. The centerpiece of the event was the Law Fair. From 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM legal related not-for-profit organizations were invited to set up booths and provide information about their services. In the past, between 10-15 organizations participate. This year’s participants were: Legal Aid Bureau, Harford County Bar Foundation and Association, SARC (Sexual Assault/Spousal Abuse Recovery Center), State’s Attorney for Harford County, Pro Se Forms Project, Harford County Bureau of Support Enforcement, Harford County Sheriff, Women’s Law Center, Drug and Alcohol Impact Program, Maryland State Police, Paralegal Studies Association, Harford County Community Mediation Commission, and the University of Baltimore law School. It was estimated that about 300 individuals; students, faculty staff, and members of the public attended the Law Fair. During the Law Fair in a nearby classroom, free Legal Information Sessions were being held. This portion of the event was the responsibility of the Harford County Bar Foundation. There were four sessions held, each lasting 45 minutes. The sessions were on: criminal law, wills & estate law, real estate law, and domestic & family law. Each session had about 10-20 persons in attendance. Finally, at 12:30 PM the Law Day Keynote Speaker was presented. The address was made by a Harford County Assistant State’s Attorney. She spoke on "Due Process" within the context of domestic violence. The presentation included the playing of a 911-emergency tape. There were about 40 persons at the address. During the entire event free food was served. This included pastries, coffee, juice, hot dogs, chips, and soda. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization