We are now about half-way through the 2002-2003 Bar Year and at the end of the 2002 calendar year, which makes for a perfect time to review our accomplishments as a Section.  So far, the YLS is having a tremendous year.  We started the Bar Year off with a rousing Day at the Races at Laurel Park, where one of the day’s races was named in honor of the YLS.  In September, members of the YLS formed a team and participated in the American Heart Association Walk-a-thon.  Not only was a good time had by all, but our team raised almost a $1,000 for a very worthy cause.  In November we held our annual gala – Novemberfest, at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore City.  The event featured live jazz music, casino-style gambling, food and drinks, a raffle and silent auction.  One high bidder took home two airline tickets to a destination of their choice anywhere in the United States.  The proceeds from the event went to the Southern Maryland Legal Aid Bureau.  Again, a good time was had by all for the benefit of a very worthy cause.  Also in November, the YLS Disaster Relief Committee received a prestigious Leadership in the Law Award from the Daily Record for its work on behalf of victims of the Tornado that struck La Plata earlier in the year.  This award marked the first time that a group, instead of an individual, received such an award.  The YLS co-sponsored a tail-gate party at the University of Maryland football game against North Carolina State with the Montgomery County Bar Association, where our members cheered the Terps to victory.  

This year the YLS formed an important new Committee to focus on Pro Bono opportunities for young lawyers around the state in response to the implementation of new rule 6.1 regarding pro bono service by Maryland lawyers.  The Committee has been diligently gathering information and has profiled many pro bono opportunities in the Advocate.  The YLS has also implemented a new initiative to increase participation and cooperation between the Section and the young minority lawyers and specialty bar groups in the state.  The Section has held meetings in Baltimore City, Columbia, College Park and Annapolis and our Membership Committee has sponsored Social Hours in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County and Baltimore City. 

On January 13, 2003, the YLS held an open meeting at Westminster Hall in Baltimore City.  The topic of the meeting was contested judicial elections.  There was a debate between Christopher West, Esquire and Steven Nolan, Esquire on whether the current contested election format should be changed.  The evening also featured remarks from James Nolan, Esquire, President of the MSBA and Judge Alexander Wright.  The issue of judicial elections has risen to the forefront of legal discussions in light of the recent contested elections in Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County and Harford County.  Further, the political winds of change have blown through the Governor’s Office and the Legislature.  It now appears, given the leadership changes that have taken place, that a legitimate opportunity to consider the contested election process and to actually generate some momentum for change may be a reality.  Indeed, the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar will be considering this issue and will in all likelihood take a public stand on the issue.  The Conference of Circuit Court Judges has issued a report calling for change in the contested election process as has the Public Trust and Confidence Implementation Committee, which was appointed by Chief Judge Bell to study the issue.   

The year is off to a great start, but there is much more to accomplish and we need your help.   

COMING IN 2003: 

Educational Meetings:  In February and March, the Section will host two educational meetings to address topics of interest to all practitioners, accordingly, the meetings will be open to all lawyers – young and not so young alike.  In February, a meeting will be held in Frederick, Maryland to discuss tips for avoiding legal malpractice claims.  Experienced legal malpractice defense lawyers will share their knowledge to help us avoid being entangled in malpractice claims.  In March/April a meeting will be held in Easton, Maryland to discuss the new grievance procedures and what to do if you become the subject of a grievance.   

Golf Tournament:      In the spring, the YLS will hold a memorial golf tournament to raise money for the John’s Hopkins Children’s Center in honor of Alex Fee, the young son of Ed Fee who passed away in 2001. 

Annual Meeting:        The YLS has secured the speaking talents of Franklin/Covey to present a seminar at the Annual Convention.  Franklin/Covey will also become a vendor for the first time at the Convention. 

Public Service:  The Public Service Committee will be sponsoring a Job Skills Workshop in Baltimore as well as putting a team together to volunteer at the Special Olympics.   

Plus A Whole Lot More:  The Membership Committee will be holding monthly events around the state and there will be a chance for Maryland and Virginia lawyers to come together in Washington, D.C. at a popular sports bar to cheer for either the Maryland Terps or the Virginia Cavaliers as the basketball teams go head to head. 

So come on out, get involved, volunteer and take advantage of the many benefits the YLS offers its members.