News

ABA Young Lawyers Division Seeks Nominations for Awards of Achievement Program

The ABA Young Lawyers Division is seeking nominations for its annual Awards of Achievement Program. Information on this award, including the categories, are available on the ABA website. The application period opens April 1. Applications and supporting materials are due by June 14, 2013.

If you wish to nominate a project that you or your committee did this year, please contact Laurie Wasserman.

ABA YLD Awards of Achievement Program Award Categories:

1. Single Project/SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC – The application should highlight the most successful public service project conducted during the last concluded activity year.
2. Single Project/SERVICE TO THE BAR – The application should highlight the most successful professional service project it conducted during the last concluded activity year.
3. Single Project/MINORITY – The application should highlight the most successful project conducted during the last concluded activity year that assisted minority lawyers in their career development or increased their level of involvement in the bar.
4. COMPREHENSIVE – The application should highlight the broad range of programming conducted during the last activity year. Competition is based on the totality of programs.
5. NEWSLETTER – The application should highlight the role of an Affiliate newsletter in achieving its overall goals and objectives.

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO THOSE INJURED OR DAMAGED BY “SUPERSTORM” SANDY
~ Partnership between Maryland State Bar Association, ABA and FEMA helps residents ~

A toll-free legal aid line is now available for those who have experienced injury or damage to property as the result of recent storms in Maryland. The service, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer, is a partnership between the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and its Young Lawyers Section; the American Bar Association (ABA) Young Lawyers Division; the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland; Maryland Legal Aid; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Low-income Marylanders facing legal issues related to storm-related injury or damage may call (866) 858-0039, 24 hours a day, to the message line to request assistance. Callers should indicate that they are seeking storm-related legal assistance and identify the county in which they are located. Those who qualify for assistance will be matched with Maryland lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal help.

The type of legal assistance available includes:

• Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to those who have incurred storm-related injury or damage
• Assistance with life, medical, and property insurance claims
• Help with home-repair contracts and contractors
• Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
• Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures
• Counseling on mortgage-foreclosure problems
• Counseling on landlord/tenant problems

If you are interested in providing assistance, please contact Regine Francois and let her know which area of law you would prefer.

2013 Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge

On January 26, the MSBA Public Awareness Committee, Young Lawyers Section, MSBA President John Kudel and the Executive Board of the MSBA plunged in support of the Maryland Special Olympics.

Young Lawyer Section seeking applications for Officer Position

The Young Lawyers' Section of the Maryland State Bar Association is seeking applications for The Young Lawyers Section Officer Position. Any current member of the Young Lawyers' Section who is interested in the position of Chair Elect, Secretary, or Treasurer may submit an application to Marla Zide, 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 Tuesday, January 15, 2012.  Applications should include a statement of interest, a resume, and a list of Bar activities.  If you have any questions, please contact either Marla Zide at 410-760-9433 or Angela Munro at 410-685-7878 extension 3016.

MSBA’s December Bar Bulletin visits the Storybook Project

Storybook Project began as a public service project from the MSBA’s Leadership Academy class of 2010. It continues today, with attorney volunteers traveling to the Maryland Correctional Institute in Jessup to help strengthen the relationship between the young children and their incarcerated fathers.”

The Daily Record is seeking nominations for Maryland’s Top 100 Women and for 20 in their Twenties

Top 100 Women — The winners are selected by an outside panel of business leaders based on professional accomplishment, community involvement and commitment to mentoring. Nominations are due January 4, 2013. More Information

20 in their Twenties — Selected by The Daily Record staff, honorees are chosen on the basis of professional accomplishment, civic involvement and impact of achievement. The program celebrates the best and brightest under 30 who may have not earned their first million but whose creativity and spirit are already contributing to a new energy in Maryland. Nominations are due by March 8, 2013. More Information

If you wish to nominate someone for either award, please contact Laurie M. Wasserman.

Basic Estate Tax Planning - 2012 Edition Now Available!

Editor: Prof. Angela M. Vallario
Contributing Authors: Frank S. Baldino, Esq., Michael P. Donnelly, Esq.; Mary Alice Smolarek, Esq. Professor Angela M. Vallario, Steven A. Widdes, Esq.

The Maryland attorney’s most complete and practical guide to the process of estate tax planning and the drafting of basic provisions to achieve the most favorable estate tax consequences. Basic Estate Tax Planning is designed primarily as a reference for attorneys advising clients whose wealth exceeds or nearly exceeds the federal estate tax exemption amount.

The 2012 Edition features sample clauses throughout, as well as current exemption equivalents, annual exclusions, and federal and Maryland tax rates. The authors have added planning considerations that flow from the decoupling of the Maryland estate tax from the federal estate tax, including guidance on solving the problems posed by Maryland’s estate tax and the complexities of its interaction with the federal state death tax credit when the underlying rules no longer exist for federal estate tax purposes. The book discusses durable powers of attorney, irrevocable insurance trusts, revocable trusts, and their tax consequences. There is much practical information and an abundance of drafting suggestions and sample provisions, including the use of marital bequests and trusts, and the Maryland QTIP. An optional companion CD-ROM of the sample clauses used in the book is available when you select the book and CD purchase option.

• Chapter 1: Overview of Federal Estate Tax Tools
• Chapter 2: Coordination of Asset Ownership and Disposition to Accomplish the Overall Estate Plan
• Chapter 3: Credit Shelter Planning
• Chapter 4: Marital Deduction Planning
• Chapter 5: Lifetime Gifts
• Chapter 6: Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
• Table of Authorities, Table of Cases, Index

MSBA Member Prices:
Book Only - $99.00 + Tax & Shipping
Book with Forms CD - $109.00 + Tax & Shipping

Order Your Copy Today!

 

View materials from the recent YLS Education Committee Panel Discussion Held October, 25, 2012

The Hot Topics/Hot Tips for Young Lawyers panel discussion included practical advice on negotiation techniques, technology for lawyers, avoiding ethical missteps and more!

• Negotiations & Other Ethical Concerns
• Law Office Technology Presentation
• Apps and more!
• Negotiation Tips

YLS SEEKS BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPRESENTATIVE

The Young Lawyers' Section of the Maryland State Bar Association is seeking applications for the position of Young Lawyers' representative to the 2013-2015 MSBA Board of Governors.  One position is currently available for a two-year term.  Any current member of the Young Lawyers' Section who is interested in the position may submit an application to Marla Zide, 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 15, 2012.  Applications should include a statement of interest, a resume, and a list of Bar activities.  If you have any questions, please contact either Marla Zide at 410-760-9433 or Angela Munro at 410-685-7878 extension 3016.

YLS Sponsors Courtroom Tips & Techniques Seminar at the Annual Meeting

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

Courtroom Tips & Techniques:  Effective use of technology in the Courtroom from openings to closings and everything in between
A panel discussion on how to use technology to bolster any case. The panel will discuss and demonstrate the effective use of various forms of technology in all aspects of litigation, what to do when technology fails, how to address objections and evidentiary challenges and more.  The program will have something for everyone from novice to “techie” and for every budget. The Honorable Mickey Norman will moderate the panel and present the view from the bench.
Video recording by Merrill LAD

Sponsored By:	Young Lawyers Section
Program Chairs:	Christine Britton, Esq. and Amanda Downs Frizzelle, Esq. .
Speakers:	James O.C. Gentry, Esq., Salsbury, Clements, Bekman, Marder & Adkins and John J. Cord, John Cord Law, LLC
Moderator:	Hon. Mickey J. Norman, Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Conference Room:	#6 Light Refreshments will be served during the program.

YLS Members named as Winners of the National Bar Association's "2012 Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - IMPACT and the National Bar Association (NBA) will honor the "Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40" at a special awards gala on Sunday, July 15, 2012 during the NBA’s 87th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV.

Nation’s Best Advocates recognizes talented individuals (age 40 and under) within the African American legal community who have achieved prominence and distinction, professionally and philanthropically. Selected nominees represent a cross-section of legal professionals: solo practitioners, government lawyers, judges, academicians, corporate counsels, young elected officials, and other lawyers using their degree in innovative ways. Nominees were chosen based on their achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal community involvement.
Read the complete press release here.

Congratulations to the following MSBA YLS Members named as winners:
Erek Barron, Counsel, Whiteford Taylor & Preston, LLP
Dolores Dorsainvil, Senior Staff Attorney, Office of Bar Counsel for D.C. Court of Appeals
Lisa A. Hall-Johnson, Associate, Dickstein Shapiro LLP

Annual Charity Event raises money for Believe in Tomorrow's Children Foundation

From Blacktie-dc.com:
Members of the Maryland State Bar Association gathered on March 23 to raise money for the Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation in its 21st Annual Charity event.

Hosted by the Young Lawyers Section of the MSBA, cocktails, entertainment and gourmet food were served at the Pier V Hotel in Baltimore.

Each year the MSBA chooses a different charity to raise funds for.

Over looking the Chesapeake Bay patrons were able to enjoy drinks while watching the sunset over the water.

The event also featured a silent auction with items like a signed Cal Ripken, Jr. baseball and a raffle for a Kindle Fire.

The Believe in Tomorrow Children’s Foundation provides hospital and respite housing services to critically ill children and their families.

“I’ve been doing this for five years and this is the charity I’m most excited about,” said event co-chair Julia Carolan.

To view photos of the event, please visit this website.

Dolores Dorsainvil Named Finalist for National Award

The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) named Dolores Dorsainvil, a senior staff attorney in the District of Columbia Office of Bar Counsel and Co-Chair of the MSBA Young Lawyers Section’s Education Committee, a Finalist for its 2011 ABA YLD National Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. Dorsainvil was honored on February 4 at the 2012 ABA YLD’s Midyear Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Click here to view the full story in the MSBA Bar Bulletin.

Young Lawyers Plunge for a Good Cause

Volunteers from the Young Lawyers’ Section participated again in the annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on January 28, 2012. Since January 2009, participants from the Section have raised more than $20,000 for the Maryland Special Olympics. Click here to watch the video.

For more about the One Bar | One Community Service project, click here.

YLS Section names BOG Rep. nominee; petitions sought

The Nominating Committee of the Young Lawyers’ Section of the Maryland State Bar Association is pleased to announce that it has selected Thomas M. Weschler, Jr. as its nominee for the position of Young Lawyers’ Section Representatives to the 2012-2014 Board of Governors. Any member of the Young Lawyers’ Section, who will be a member throughout the term being sought, may submit a Petition of Nomination to run against the nomination slate. The Petition must be signed by not less than 25 members of the Young Lawyers’ Section and should be mailed to:

Jason Hessler
Chair, YLS Nominating Committee
Maryland State Bar Association, Inc.
520 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Petition must be received no later than the close of business on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Jason Hessler at 410-396-4140, jason.hessler@baltimorecity.gov or Nicole Earl at 410-685-7878 x3019, nearl@msba.org .

Education Committee hosts successful informational seminar

The Education Committee is committed to offering educational and professional development seminars to Maryland young lawyers. To that end, on November 8, 2011, The Education Committee hosted a seminar entitled, “Law Practice Management Tips” in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The all-star group of panelists included Anthony I. Butler, Esq., of Butler & Associates, Harry S. Johnson, Esq., of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, Margaret Mead, Esq., of Mead, Flynn & Gray, P.A., Thomas Donnelly, Esq., of The Law Offices of Thomas M. Donnelly, LLC, and past Chair of YLS, Hughie Hunt, Esq., of Kemet & Hunt, served as the moderator.

The panelists shared their wisdom and provided practical advice about maintaining an effective law practice and touched on areas including marketing, client screening, retainer agreements, fees, technology, and ethics. The event was well attended and had approximately 65 attendants of lawyers from all over the state. View more photos of the event here.

Please contact either of the Education Committee Co-Chairs with ideas for events or to become involved on this important committee. You may contact Dolores Dorsainvil at dolores.dorsainvil@gmail.com or Taren Stanton at taren.stanton@gmail.com.

Young Lawyers' Section develops MSBA Mobile App

With the practice of law more mobile than ever, the Maryland State Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Section has created a free smartphone application to provide Maryland attorneys with easy, on-the-go access to the Rules of Evidence, Rules of Professional Conduct, MSBA’s website and more. Versions of the Maryland State Bar Association Mobile App are available for the Apple i-Phone and iPad, Android and Blackberry smartphones, and may be downloaded directly from Apple iTunes Store, Android Market and BlackBerry App World.

“With this free app, there’s no need to guess what the ethics rules are, wherever you are – so long as you have a smartphone, the answer is literally right at your fingertips,” says Erek Barron, Chair of the MSBA Young Lawyers Section (YLS), which developed the new substantive app – the first its kind in the nation among state bar associations – as part of its technology initiative this year.

The MSBA app allows users to easily browse the Rules of Evidence; the Rules of Professional Conduct; Attorney Trust Accounts; the Court of Appeals’ Ideals of Professionalism; and the MSBA Code of Civility. The new app also allows users to search for rules by chapter, title or rule, and bookmark them for future reference. Additionally, it features links to portions of the MSBA website, including the MSBA Ethics Hotline, Ethics Opinions (accessible to members only) and Fastcase online legal research (accessible to members only).

“The development of mobile applications, or apps, has exploded in the last few years, and now there are literally hundreds of thousands of apps from which to choose,” says Paul V. Carlin, MSBA Executive Director. “Our Young Lawyers Section has impressively taken the initiative to develop practical, relevant apps for MSBA members.”

Reviews from I-Phone JD and the Wall Street Journal

Read more about the app and other technology goals of the YLS in this Press Release.

 

Be prepared...

Take a moment to review our Disaster Planning brochure.

In The Media

See what Erek Barron has to say about technology and smartphones in the courtroom at the Generation J.D. Blog.

Check out the YLS Blawg: The Gavel. Dolores Dorsainvil has some interesting points on client screening.

Section Council member, Dolores Dorsainvil, dishes the latest ethics advice in the Washington Lawyer.

YLS Member named in "Top 20 in their Twenties" by Daily Record
Publications Committee Co-chair, Heather Pruger, was recognized by The Maryland Daily Record's "20 in their Twenties." "Honorees are chosen on the basis of professional accomplishment, civic involvement and impact of achievement. The program celebrates the best and brightest under 30 who may have not earned their first million but whose creativity and spirit are already contributing to a new energy in Maryland." - http://thedailyrecord.com/20-in-their-twenties/current-winners/