University of Baltimore
Human Trafficking Prevention Project
Operational Guidelines
1. CONFIDENTIALITY PROCEDURES
Applicant information obtained by HTPP staff, including office volunteers and interns, through intake and administration of each client’s case is treated as confidential and will not be released to the public or any third party in the absence of an express written authorization or waiver of confidentiality by the applicant or client.
Except in those situations where a client is represented by one of the HTPP staff attorneys, communications between its staff and applicants or clients in the intake and administration of cases may not be governed by the attorney/client privilege, but HTPP policy is to treat these communications confidential.
With respect to the staff attorneys that enter into attorney/client relationships with our clients, the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct require them to treat all information received from their clients in accordance with Rule 1.6:
Rule 1.6. Confidentiality of information.
(a) A lawyer shall not reveal information relating to representation of a client unless the client consents after consultation, except for disclosures that are impliedly authorized in order to carry out the representation, and except as stated in paragraph (b).
(b) A lawyer may reveal such information to the extent the lawyer reasonably believes necessary:
(1) To prevent the client from committing a criminal or fraudulent act that the lawyer believes is likely to result in death or substantial bodily harm or in substantial injury to the financial interests or property of another;
(2) To rectify the consequences of a client’s criminal or fraudulent act in the furtherance of which the lawyer’s services were used;
(3) To establish a claim or defense on behalf of the lawyer in a controversy between the lawyer and the client, or to establish a defense to a criminal charge, civil claim, or disciplinary complaint against the lawyer based upon conduct in which the client was involved or to respond to allegations in any proceedings concerning the lawyers representation of the client;
(4) To comply with these Rules, a court order or other law.
2. PROCEDURE FOR COMMUNICATION WITH PERSONS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
The Human Trafficking Prevention Project will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in our services, activities, programs and other benefits. The policy of The Human Trafficking Prevention Project is to ensure meaningful communication with LEP clients and their authorized representatives involving their legal representation. The policy also provides for communication of information contained in vital documents. All interpreters, translators and other aids needed to comply with this policy shall be provided without cost to the person being served, and clients and their families will be informed of the availability of such assistance free of charge.
Language assistance will be provided through use of competent bilingual staff, volunteer interpreters, contracts or formal arrangements with local organizations providing interpretation or translation services, or technology and telephonic interpretation services. All staff will be provided notice of this policy and procedure, and staff that may have direct contact with LEP individuals will be trained in effective communication techniques, including the effective use of an interpreter. The duty of confidentiality referenced previously extends to all interpreters.
The Human Trafficking Prevention Project will conduct a regular review of the language access needs of our clients, as well as update and monitor the implementation of this policy and these procedures, as necessary.
3. GRIEVANCE/COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
Read the Instructions for Attorney Complaint Form available in English and Spanish at this website: http://www.courts.state.md.us/attygrievance/complaint.html.
Complete and print form.
Mail to:
Office of Bar Counsel
200 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Suite 300
Annapolis, MD 21401
If you need any more information about how to file a complaint, you may call the Office of Bar Counsel at (410) 514-7051. Please bear in mind that the Office of Bar Counsel cannot discuss the details of your complaint with you over the telephone.