Access to Justice & Law Firm Leadership in Uncertain Times

MICHELLE LIPKOWITZ

Managing Partner, Baltimore Office; Diversity & Inclusion Partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr; Member, Maryland Attorney General’s COVID-19 Access to Justice Task Force

Tell us about your personal journey to become Managing Partner of the Baltimore office of a large law firm.

My personal journey to Office Managing Partner began with my demonstrating my commitment to our clients, our colleagues, and the communities we serve. Building on the foundation of years of demonstrating strong legal work, firm-mindedness, and business acumen, I have been able to highlight non-legal strengths and leadership skills through significant appointed and non-profit board work, bar involvement, and firm committee work. Through my external endeavors, I have also been able to expand my relationships and reputation outside of the firm and within the legal industry, the business sector, and our community at-large. All of the above contributed to my being selected to serve as the Managing Partner of our Baltimore Office, and concomitantly the face of our firm in Baltimore, and Maryland.

What does Access to Justice mean to you?

Access to justice means that everyone, regardless of the color of their skin or how much money they have in their bank account, has equitable access to the legal information, resources, and support to which they are entitled in order

Access to justice is a fundamental principle of the rule of law, pursuant to which the rights of the rich and powerful, the poor and marginal, are equally protected.

to protect and exercise his or her rights. Access to justice is a fundamental principle of the rule of law, pursuant to which the rights of the rich and powerful, the poor and marginal, are equally protected. I wanted to be involved with the Task Force so I could help make our civil justice system work for all, especially the most vulnerable.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on communities of color and people are protesting the injustices in the criminal justice system. How does your work with this Task Force and with promoting access to justice in the civil justice system link to this?

While the recent protests have expressly focused on injustices in the criminal justice system, in doing so, they have also highlighted the shared root of race-based injustices in both the civil and criminal justice systems: systematic racism and racial bias. The Task Force will work to acknowledge and address the systemic racism and racial bias embedded in the civil justice system.

What role do large law firms have in abating the access to justice crisis, which was not created, but certainly has been exacerbated by COVID-19?

Lawyers, including those in large firms, have a special responsibility as a profession to contribute to abating the access of justice crisis, and ensuring that our systems of justice operate in ways such that they benefit everyone, not just those with power and access to resources. At its most basic level, this responsibility includes supplementing and supporting thepro bono efforts of local organizations and public interest lawyers. But it does not stop there. Large law firms, with their extensive networks of relationships and expansive spheres of influence, have a duty and responsibility to use these relationships and influence to ensure the delivery of fair and equitable justice.

Tell us about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion and how you have worked to advance it during your career and what needs to be done in this moment?

Fundamentally, diversity and inclusion is a moral imperative given the challenges diverse lawyers continue to face. Also, increasing diversity in the practice of law is inextricably tied to being able to provide a legal system that delivers equal access to fair and equitable justice. It is also a key business imperative because businesses that prioritize a diversity of voices and perspectives are more successful because they are better able to innovate, solve problems, rebound from failures, and turn challenges into opportunities.

Most valuable skills of a Managing Partner: Judgment, emotional intelligence, listening skills, and the ability to build consensus and lead on a variety of different issues and in a number of different environments. And a good, thick skin.

Key piece of advice: Hone your skills while seeking challenges outside of your comfort zone.

Maintaining health & balance: Less travel during the pandemic means enjoying cooking and sharing meals with family.

Greatest accomplishment: Succeeding in this demanding, stressful profession while staying true to who I am and giving more than I take.