In the early spring of 1998, Michael Millemann and E. Clinton Bamberger had a vision of forming a non-profit law office to benefit low to moderate income individuals. Several public interest advocate attorneys, along with Mr. Millemann and Mr. Bamberger, met to work out the details for the formation and operation of this organization. In June 1998, with a grant from the Open Society Institute, Civil Justice was incorporated and obtained 501c(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. Feelers were then put out to find an appropriate person to fill the position of Executive Director.

Denis Murphy, partner of Carlile, Patchen & Murphy and past president of the Columbus Bar Association and Foundation, caught the attention of the founding fathers of Civil Justice. After practicing law for thirty-one years at Carlile, Patchen & Murphy, Mr. Murphy retired and moved to Annapolis, MD.  Even though he retired from his business litigation practice, he did not retire from his commitment to legal service to the under-served. Mr. Murphy joined the University of Maryland Law School faculty as an adjunct and headed up Civil Justice, Inc. Originally, Civil Justice handled all types of cases for the under-served. Yet over time, the practice has evolved from consumer matters to primarily housing and foreclosure issues.  

In January, 2004 Mr. Murphy hired Phillip Robinson as Deputy Executive Director. Upon the passing of Mr. Murphy in May 2005, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Robinson as the new Executive Director. Mr. Robinson has led the organization to become a Maryland and national leader fighting predatory real estate practices, unlawful foreclosures, and organizing effective private attorney, pro and low bono initiatives aimed at helping a crisis.

On March 1, 2012, Mr. Robinson stepped down as Executive Director, and the Board of Directors appointed Leigh Maddox, Esq. as the new Executive Director of Civil Justice.

 For a complete list of past Civil Justice cases, please click here.