The MSBA Journey

Over the past five years, the MSBA has been on a journey to ensure the organization remains viable and relevant to ALL members of the profession. In 2018, the MSBA kicked off this journey with the development of a strategic vision committee tasked with recommending strategic priorities and objectives that would guide the MSBA into the future. The MSBA Board of Govenors (the “Board” or “Board of Governors”) adopted the committee’s recommendations and has been focused on achieving six core priorities and objectives: Serving

Focused on Priorities and Objectives

Since the adoption of these priorities, the MSBA leadership and staff have been working towards implementation. Below are just a few examples of the MSBA’s work to date:

Positive Impacts on the Profession and the Organization

MSBA’s focus on these objectives and priorities have benefited members, the profession, and the organization. By focusing on these priorities, MSBA responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic introducing new webinars and content on surviving and thriving during quarantine and beyond. It successfully fought to protect the profession against taxation of legal services, and assisted attorneys on the front lines in receiving priority for COVID vaccinations, and much more.

The MSBA has accomplished many items outlined in its strategic plan:

Improved its technology, allowing for the MSBA to continue serving its members during COVID.

Improved its branding and communications.

Updating the committee selection process:

• Ensuring committees represent the full breadth of the profession while honoring the legacy of the MSBA and making room for more members to contribute, serve and lead.

Establishing a vital resource for Maryland’s largest firms with the Managing Partner Group.

• Hold regular meetings to discuss approaches and solutions to issues facing the profession.

Gaining Greater influence in Annapolis with successful campaigns on behalf of the legal profession.

Curating and creating more content, CLE, and resources for members - all Free with membership.

Engaging members on their terms, whether in-person, virtual, live or OnDemand.

Revising MSBA’s governance structure to ensure the Board reflects the full breadth and depth of the legal profession.

The Results are In: MSBA has Improved Membership Value

The MSBA’s implementation of its strategic plan has greatly improved the value of membership. Indeed, in 2015 only 17% of the profession found value in the MSBA. A 2022 survey shows a dramatic increase, with 93% of the profession finding value in the MSBA and its place in the legal profession.

MSBA Members note 76 point improvement in membership value.

93% 17%

The MSBA Continues to Work Towards Priorities and Objectives

Despite its success, the MSBA continues to work towards achieving all of the priorities and objectives outlined in the strategic plan. In that vein, a Strategic Implementation Committee was formed in Fall 2019. Although its work was interrupted by COVID, the Strategic Implementation Committee delivered a report to the Board of Governors in May 2021 outlining several recommendations, including recommendations related to Board Composition changes.

During the 2021-22 Bar Year, the Board reviewed, discussed, updated, and ultimately approved several recommendations related to changes in MSBA Board composition.