THE
ADVOCATE VOLUME 33, NUMBER 3 - FALL 2018
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FALL ISSUE! 1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Message from Chair 4 Committee Spotlight – Lawyer Wellness 6 Member Spotlight 8 Committee Updates 8 American Bar Association 9 Activities 10 Business Development 10 Nominating 11 Riding the Circuits 11 Montgomery County 12 Frederick County 14 Announcements
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR BY INDIRA K. SHARMA, SECTION CHAIR(Indira.Sharma@saul.com) What a wonderful honor it is to serve as the Chair of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) this year! Not only is YLS the largest section of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA), but YLS is the future of the MSBA and our Section has the ability to shape and change our profession. One of my goals this year is to promote lawyer wellness for all lawyers but especially young lawyers, because developing good habits early on can help to keep lawyers in the profession for the long haul – and more importantly keep them happy! Too often we hear about the stress of the legal profession that is wreaking havoc on the health and happiness of lawyers. We hear about the high turnover rate of lawyers, particularly at law frms, and the constant movement of lawyers from one position to another simply because they are constantly chasing a better alternative. And, sadly, we hear too many stories about lawyers sufering from substance abuse problems, depression, and burnout. A focus on lawyer wellness will help the entire profession because in order to succeed professionally and reach our highest potential, we need to take care of ourselves frst. There is a reason that the fight attendant warns parents to put on their mask frst before putting on their child’s mask. How can we help anyone if we do not help ourselves frst? How can we take on the problems of others if we have not solved our own problems frst? I am proud to have created a new Lawyer Wellness Committee for YLS to address this issue and I hope that you will join us this year as we host programs that focus on health, ftness, nutrition, stress-relief, and meditation as preventive measures. You will also learn about the resources available to us through the MSBA’s Lawyers Assistance Program in the event that we or someone we care about needs help. This year, I will also continue the great work of our Immediate Past Chair Michael Hudak in teaching young lawyers how to efectively use the MSBA for business development, professional development, and networking to further their careers. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not invite you to attend our Annual Charity Event on April 12, 2019 at Gertrude’s in Baltimore. This year’s charity event will raise funds to beneft Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition – a non-proft dedicated to providing legal services and resources to immigrant children and adults who have been detained in our area. I am excited about the year ahead and I look forward to meeting many of you at our programs. I also invite you to reach out to me personally if you would like to share your ideas or provide feedback on any of our programs. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Chair this year. 3
COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT: Lawyer Wellness Who We Are and What We’re Doing BY ELENI VANRODEN (eleni@vanrodenlaw.com)
You may know that the platform for the Young Lawyer Section this year is Lawyer Wellness. With that comes the creation of the Lawyer Wellness Committee, cochaired by Indira K. Sharma and myself, Eleni vanRoden. We are already of to a great start, and could not be more excited to share our goals and plans for this year.
Regardless of the type of law one may practice, or the size of one’s practice, many lawyers report being unhappy, burnt out, and stressed. These feelings, coupled with the overwhelming responsibilities of daily practice, can lead to unhealthy and sometimes dangerous results. The goal of the Lawyer Wellness Committee is to share tips and tricks on 4
exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness with other lawyers, especially young lawyers, to promote a more balanced lifestyle. In turn, this will lead to more lawyers continuing in this profession for the long run. We want to show that no matter how busy or stressful the practice of law may become, all lawyers need to take time for self-care. With this in mind, our focus will be on hosting monthly programs for stress relief, while also promoting meditation, yoga, ftness, and other health-related components. This series is called “In Defense of Fitness and Health� and will feature lawyers helping lawyers get ft. In many programs, lawyers will be the instructors, as well as the participants. In other events, instructors may be those who have worked closely with other lawyers with ftness and health. These events will take place once per month, typically on Saturday mornings,
so that you may participate in the event without interruption to your day. We are attempting to hit areas all across the state. Our frst event took place on Saturday, September 29, 2018 in Ellicott City, with Angela Kim leading the class. She is both a practicing attorney and a certifed personal trainer. We are so excited by the response and support that we have already received in this efort, and would love to receive suggestions and ideas from you! If you know of someone that would make a great instructor for an event, or if you have a proposed location for an event, let us know. Any proposed workout space, whether you are the host or not, is greatly appreciated! Additionally, if there is a particular topic that you would like shared or discussed in this series, feel free to pass it along to Indira K. Sharma at Indira.Sharma@saul.com and Eleni vanRoden at Eleni@vanrodenlaw.com.
We look forward to spending time and getting healthier with you!
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JAMES (JAMIE) TANSEY
Young Attorney Gives Marylanders with Criminal Records New Opportunities to Succeed BY: BONNIE SULLIVAN (bsullivan@mvlslaw.org), Executive Director, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) Bonnie Sullivan. Photo credit: Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service.
Time has a way of breathing new life into people and places. In the legal services sector, time brings with it changes in laws and new opportunities for those who made mistakes in the past to have another chance at success. In late 2015, the expungement laws in Maryland changed, expanding the number of criminal cases that could be expunged. These changes brought with them thousands of cases that could be wiped clean from Marylanders’ criminal records – opening the door to new jobs, housing, and education. Today, legal services providers are holding free expungement clinics throughout the state designed to help the less fortunate regain their ability to fnd employment and other life necessities. One of Baltimore’s unsung heroes – Mr. James (Jamie) Tansey – is spearheading an expungement clinic in Baltimore City. Mr. Tansey (32) moved to Baltimore a few years ago after two and a half years working in San Francisco. He arrived at the Baltimore ofce of Hogan Lovells (after working in its San Francisco ofce) and immediately knew that there was an opportunity to help low and moderate-
James Tansey. Photo credit: James Tansey.
income individuals live better lives. With encouragement from his frm, Mr. Tansey started taking expungement cases during the Hogan Lovells and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) expungement clinic held monthly at the Center for Urban Families (CFUF) in Baltimore City. 6
“As a young attorney, it is easy to get into a pattern of doing the same things. Always look for opportunities to force yourself to branch out and learn something new.” The CFUF clinic was originally adopted by Henry Kahn, partner at Hogan Lovells, and was managed for several years by a pro bono coordinator at the frm. When the coordinator left the frm, Mr. Tansey quickly stepped in to not only take on more cases, but to also organize the monthly clinics, including recruiting new volunteer attorneys and paralegals. In the past two years that Mr. Tansey has volunteered through MVLS, he has helped 53 clients expunge their criminal records, and he supports these clients for the life of the case, which can sometimes require courtroom time.
focus. As a young attorney, it is easy to get into a pattern of doing the same things. Always look for opportunities to force yourself to branch out and learn something new.” We thank Mr. Tansey for being an MVLS volunteer, MVLS CAN (Community Advocacy Network) member, and a dedicated young attorney who is doing great things to strengthen Maryland communities. To learn more about MVLS and MVLS CAN, please visit www.mvlslaw.org/mvls-can.
When he is not helping Marylanders live better lives, he is supporting several local environmental causes, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore for their trash removal and oyster farming projects. I asked Mr. Tansey what advice he would give to other young attorneys in Maryland. He shared, “Go out of your way to meet as many lawyers as you can – especially those working in areas that aren’t your
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COMMITTEE UPDATES AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (ABA) The Young Lawyers’ Division (YLD) of the Bar Association of Baltimore City was awarded frst place honors and a $1,500 sub-grant by the American Bar Association (ABA) for its submission to the Embracing Diversity Challenge. The ABA program, co-sponsored by Walmart, aims to increase diversity in the pipeline to the legal profession, and the YLD’s Middle School Mock Trial program was judged to be the overall national winner.
exposure to other aspects of the law by inviting them to an ABA Law Day program at City Hall for a group discussion with a representative from each branch of government in Baltimore City. Participants in the Mock Trial Program
The YLD has organized and implemented the Mock Trial Program since 2010 at Highlandtown Elementary/ Middle School. This year, the program was expanded to Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School in Locust Point. The Mock Trial Program is aimed at exposing approximately 50 seventh and eighth grade students in Baltimore City to the law and trial strategy in preparation for a mock trial that takes place at the Baltimore City Circuit Court. The YLD invited sixth grade students to serve as jurors in order to broaden the number of students reached by this project, and encourage future participation. After the mock trial, the YLD arranged for the students to tour the Courthouse Museum and enjoy lunch while hearing from local attorneys about their career paths. With the sub-grant, the YLD hopes to expand the program by including additional schools. The YLD also increased the participating students’ 8
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE On Thursday, September 20, 2018 MSBA President Judge Keith Trufer, MSBA YLS Immediate Past Chair Michael Hudak, and MSBA YLS Activities Committee Co-Chair Lauren Lake presented a check for $20,000 to the Oyster Recovery Partnership (“ORP”) at ORP’s annual Mermaid’s Kiss fundraising event. The donation represents the proceeds from the 2018 MSBA YLS Spring Charity Event and was made possible through the support of all of the sponsors, silent auction donors, bidders, and attendees! Save the date for the MSBA YLS Spring Charity Event on Friday, April 12, 2019 at Gertrude’s to beneft Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (“CAIR”) Coalition! CAIR Coalition strives to ensure equal justice for all immigrant men, women, and children at risk of detention and deportation in the DC metropolitan area and beyond through direct legal representation, know your rights presentations, impact and advocacy work (challenging unjust laws and
policies), and the training of attorneys defending immigrants in the immigration and criminal justice arenas. More information about sponsoring, donating for the silent auction, and getting your tickets coming soon! Click the image below to watch a video of MSBA YLS Members and MSBA President, Judge Keith Trufer present the $20,000 check to the Oyster Recovery Partnership. msba.org/oyster-recovery-video
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE On October 3, 2018, the Business Development Committee held its frst event at World of Beer in Owings Mills. The program was called “Business
Attendees of the Business Development 101 Program
Development 101” and featured speakers Dean Merritt and Paula Olhausen from the Growth Solutions Team who talked with attendees about how to grow their practice and their network, and gain referral sources. Health Quest generously sponsored the event. The event was well attended by many brand new members to the YLS who had never attended an MSBA YLS event before. The Business Development Committee is looking forward to hosting more events focused on young lawyers’ professional development this Bar year.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Young Lawyers’ Section of the Maryland State Bar Association is seeking applications for the position of Young Lawyers’ representative to the MSBA Board of Governors. Two positions are currently available for a two-year term. Any current member of the Young Lawyers’ Section who is interested may submit an application to Jef Bowman, Chair, Nominating Committee, MSBA Section of Young
Lawyers, 520 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. All applications must be received at Bar Headquarters no later than the close of business on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Applications should include a statement of interest, a resume, and a list of Bar activities. If you have any questions, please contact either Jef Bowman at 410-268-2255 or Angela Munro at 410-685-7878 extension 3016.
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RIDING THE CIRCUITS MONTGOMERY COUNTY
UPCOMING EVENT The Montgomery County Women’s Bar Association presents the
19th Annual Judicial Reception Honoring our Montgomery County Appellate Judges, Circuit Court Judges, District Court Judges & Family Division Magistrates Tuesday, October 30, 2018 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Montgomery County Circuit Court, North Tower, Third Floor Hors d’oeuvres, Dessert, Beer & Wine $20.00 Public Sector Attorneys and Courthouse Staf $40.00 Advanced Registration (on or before 10/21) $45.00 After 10/22 or at the Door R.S.V.P. (checks payable to “Montgomery County WBA”): Christina P. DeVault 301.986.1300 7600 Wisconsin Avenue, Ste. 700 Bethesda, MD 20814 cpdevault@lerchearly.com Name(s): _________________________________________________________ Firm & Phone No.: __________________________________________________ No. Attending: ______________ Check Amount: _________________________ Contact E-mail: _____________________________________________________ Questions? Contact Shuaa Tajammul at taj.legal1@gmail.com (240.257.2757) or Christina P. DeVault at cpdevault@lerchearly.com (301.986.1300)
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FREDERICK COUNTY Highlights from the Bar Association of Frederick County’s past events: •
July 20, 2018 - BAFC hosted its annual fshing outing at Culler Lake. At this event, 45 children attending the Salvation Army Day Camp went fshing with members of BAFC.
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July 24, 2018 - BAFC YLS hosted a Happy Hour meeting at Brewer’s Alley in Frederick, MD.
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August 9, 2018 - BAFC hosted its Annual School Supply Auction to beneft children in the FCPS.
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August 16, 2018 - BAFC hosted its Annual Golf Tournament at Holly Hills Country Club in Ijamsville, MD.
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August 16, 2018 - BAFC hosted its Annual BBQ Picnic at Milkhouse Brewery in Mount Airy, MD.
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September 10, 2018 - Opening Term of Court - BAFC members gathered in Circuit Courtroom 1 to reveal the portrait of recently retired Judge Cejka, provide new memorial resolutions, introduce and witness new members of the BAFC sign the Lawyer’s Book, and hear what BAFC has accomplished since the last opening term of Court.
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October 4, 2018 - BAFC had a Happy Hour celebration for Judge Rolle (Circuit Court Judge) who is being deployed to Afghanistan for 8 months.
BAFC Member, Megan LeRoux and MSBA YLS Section Council Member, Detric Kemp stop to pose for a picture at Judge Rolle’s Happy Hour Farewell Party.
BAFC YLS members pose for a group photo at the Happy Hour Event at Brewer’s Alley.
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BAFC YLS Members April Inskeep, Cyrus Jaghoory, and Chelsea Kadish take a moment away from working the front gate BrewFest to take a picture. BrewFest is an event to raise money for Camp Jamie, a grief camp for kids ages 6 – 14.
BrewFest volunteers G. Calvin III (far left) and Magistrate Joanie M. Raymond with YLS Section Council Member Detric Kemp (far right).
UPCOMING EVENTS •
November 1, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. - The Family Law Section of the BAFC will meet at Nido’s Restaurant in Frederick, MD. The speaker, Catharine Fairley, will be discussing the changes in the tax legislation and its impact on family law cases.
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November 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. - The Family Law Section of the BAFC will meet at Nido’s Restaurant in Frederick, MD. This will be an informative meeting featuring judges from the Circuit Court as the speakers.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to YLS Pro Bono Co-Chairs Maya Zegarra and Madonna Lebling and Public Service Co-Chair Christian Noble for Receiving the Alex Fee Memorial Pro Bono Award at the MSBA Annual Meeting
Each year the Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC) of Maryland honors dedicated lawyers who are making a diference by ofering their valuable time to pro bono clients. We are thrilled that PBRC selected to honor three of our Section Council members, Maya Zegarra (Pro Bono Co-Chair), Madonna Lebling (Pro Bono Co-Chair) and Christian Noble (Public Service Co-Chair) for their years of pro bono service in a variety of areas. Maya, Madonna and Christian were the recipients of the Alex Fee Memorial Pro Bono Award presented at the MSBA Annual Meeting in Ocean City on June 16, 2018. The Award was presented
by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and PBRC Executive Director, Sharon Goldsmith. Madonna, Christian, and Maya started out as University of Baltimore law student volunteers with Esperanza Center’s Pro Bono Project. They earned the nickname “The Three Musketeers” by consistently volunteering together at weekend legal clinics, helping with topics including: citizenship, consultations, green cards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and U Visas. Beyond the weekend clinics, all three have volunteered during 14
the week, and each has made a specifc decision on how to donate time, talent, and treasure with Immigration Legal Services. Christian signs up in January for an entire year of clinics. Madonna registers for 2 trainings, one on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and one on asylum, taking back-to-back pro bono clients to keep her skills sharp. Maya acts as an ambassador, encouraging her membership organizations and colleagues to donate to and volunteer with the Pro Bono Project. Outstanding job Maya, Madonna, and Christian and congratulations!
Pictured from left to right: Madonna Lebling, Maya Zegarra, and Christian Noble – recipients of the Alex Fee Memorial Pro Bono Award.
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PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE For questions or comments about The Advocate please contact any member of the Publications Committee: Letam Duson Chelsea Crawford Chaz Ball Paul H. Farmer, Jr.
Letam.Duson@gmail.com CCrawford@browngold.com cball@sbwlaw.com pfarmer@gjblawfrm.com