If you are interested in supporting this staff recognition award, please click the Donate button below and select “Carlos Braxton Legacy Award” from the dropdown menu near the bottom that says “I want my donation to be designated toward”

If you plan to make a bequest, gift of stock, or have any other questions about supporting Maryland Legal Aid, please contact Director of Development Graham Cowger at (410) 951-7706 or gcowger@mdlab.org.  

Thank you for helping to ensure meaningful and equal access to justice for all Marylanders.

The Gregory L. Countess Fellowship

Greg Countess Retires After 46 Years of Service: A Legacy of Justice and Equity

After an inspiring 46-year career at Maryland Legal Aid, Gregory L. Countess, Advocacy Director for Housing and Community Development, has retired. On December 19, more than 200 friends, family members, colleagues, clients, and community partners gathered at the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in Baltimore to honor Greg’s extraordinary dedication to justice and housing equity. The celebration was a testament to his profound impact on Baltimore and beyond, filled with heartfelt tributes, stories of his advocacy, and a shared commitment to continuing his work.

Greg’s career has been defined by his tireless advocacy for those often overlooked or silenced, championing housing equity and justice for all. His work has transformed countless lives and strengthened communities, all while mentoring generations of attorneys dedicated to advancing access to justice.

In recognition of Greg’s exceptional legacy, Maryland Legal Aid Board President Brian Hochheimer announced an initial contribution to establish the Gregory L. Countess Fellowship. This endowed position will support talented early-career attorneys dedicated to housing justice, ensuring that Greg’s legacy of uplifting and strengthening communities continues for years to come. 

“This Fellowship will serve as a lasting tribute to Greg’s remarkable career and his commitment to ensuring justice for those who need it most,” Hochheimer shared during the celebration. “I am personally humbled to contribute $250,000 to launch this Fellowship. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a lasting legacy.” 

For those inspired by Greg’s incredible career and impact, donations to support the Fellowship can be made online here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/countessfellowship

Greg Countess leaves behind a legacy of fierce advocacy, compassion, and justice. Maryland Legal Aid is profoundly grateful for his service and the example he has set. As Greg embarks on his well-earned retirement, his commitment to justice will live on through the lives he has touched and the work of those who follow in his footsteps.

Carlos Braxton Legacy Award

Carlos Braxton was a true leader in the fight to ensure equal access to justice for all, and served as a dedicated member of MLA’s Board of Directors from 2008 until he passed away in 2021 after a long battle with cancer. He recognized, engaged, and valued those within an organization whose contributions formed the necessary foundation to achieve organizational excellence and client results. He was also a dear friend to current MLA board member Lauren Lacey and her family, who established the Carlos Braxton Legacy Award in his memory. This annual cash award recognizes and celebrates MLA staff members who demonstrate a meaningful contribution to MLA’s operational effectiveness, whether impacting clients, other staff or the organization’s operations. Lauren has made a three-year pledge of $50,000 to fund the award through the Lauren Lacey Endowment Fund, and MLA is asking other leaders to join in contributing to this fund to ensure that it supports MLA staff excellence and honors Carlos’ memory in perpetuity.

If you would like to support this staff recognition award, please click the Donate button below and select “Carlos Braxton Legacy Award” from the dropdown menu near the bottom that says “I want my donation to be designated toward:”