THE ADVOCATE Newsletter of The Baltimore County Bar Association VOLUME XXX, NO. 9
May 2021
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Jay D. Miller BCBA and Beyond….. As I reflect on the past ten (10) months, I am reminded again of the importance of our bar association. Many of you understand this already. That is why you belong, but as associations all over the state face declining membership, we must continue to grow. BCBA has been a leader and must continue to be a leader. With one of the finest District Court and Circuit Court benches in the state, and some of the finest trial lawyers as well, we in Baltimore County must continue to advance the rule of law. We must continue to do the public good and advocate for those who are unable to fight for themselves. We must continue to influence public policy. Our charity this year, CASA of Baltimore County, Inc. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides individual advocacy for children in foster care who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Moreover, your BCBA established a permanent committee on diversity and inclusion that has already taken up the challenge to fight for equal justice and equal opportunities for all —without regard to race, gender or sexual orientation. That is why membership and activism as a member is essential. It is great to belong. But it is even better to be active.
our committees allow each of us to be on the cutting edge of our practice areas. There are unlimited opportunities for volunteerism, including the Lawyer Referral Committee as well as a very active Pro Bono Committee, and many others. There are other local and specialty bars that serve a great need in our profession, but the BCBA should be at the top of the list. Reach out to a non-member. Seriously, reach out to a non-member. Whether it is in your own practice, or your firm, or a friend or colleague. There is a reason we are members of the BCBA. Our membership provides value and relevance and informs us. This year, we sent out weekly notices to our members keeping them informed of every change I have previously spoken about the networking to the court system as a result of COVID. opportunities that come with being a member. But the opportunity also exists for service and leadership development. The programs regularly presented by Continued on page 2
Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic THE ADVOCATE
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May 2021