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About APDM

The Association for the Public Defender of Maryland (APDM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to support the activities of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender. While the Public Defender's state budget, at least in theory, covers the base expenses of providing constitutionally acceptable representation, it lacks resources to address systemic issues and to provide the holistic services that is clients need. APDM works to fill this gap by collaborating with foundations and other private sector partners to address PD's high priority resource needs.

Our Mission

Building community and professional partnerships to advance the Maryland Office of the Public Defender’s holistic representation and support for justice involved individuals.

Our Vision

People and communities impacted by both the legal system and poverty are respected and resourced.

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Melissa Rothstein

Co-Executive Director

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Johanna Leshner

Co-Executive Director

Our Team

Alexandra Strubing Paradise, Esq., President

Law Office of Alexandra Strubing Paradise 

A. Stephen Hut, Esq., Treasurer/Secretary

Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Ret.

Rebecca L. Fix, Ph.D

Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins 

Harry S. Johnson, Esq., President 

Whiteford, Taylor and Preston, LLP

Our Board

Gordon R. Pack, Jr.

PREPARE

Laurens G. Van Sluytman, Ph.D

Morgan State University, School of Social Work

Zachary K. Warren, Esq.

Williams and Connolly, LLP

Annie E. Casey Foundation

Our Partners

CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield

Community Trust Fund

Maryland Bar Foundation

Open Society Institute-Baltimore

Vital Projects Fund

Uber

We Need Your Support Today!

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