WHO WE ARE

The Maryland State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (YLS) is the largest "Section" of the MSBA. The MSBA is organized in sections, to promote the interests of particular segments of the Association. Most of the sections are substantive, for example, the tax section, the business law section and so forth. You can learn more about the MSBA here. Our current membership exceeds 5,000 and accounts for approximately 1/3 of the members of the Association.

To be a member in the YLS, you must: (i) be a member of the MSBA; (ii) be a lawyer; (iii) be either under the age of 38 or be a member of the Bar for less than 5 years; and (iv) except for the first year that you are eligible, pay dues of $10 per year.

There are many benefits to joining and becoming active in the Section.

  1. First, your membership in the Section introduces you to the other Young Lawyers in the State, who share similar issues in the practice of law. This ranges from other young lawyers that are in private practice, or who practice with the government, to young lawyers that practice in house. This is an opportunity to network and expand your friendships, meet people who practice in different areas, and learn how other Young Lawyers work.

  2. Second, by becoming a member and paying your dues, you assist the Section in financing its activities, many of which involve significant matters of public service and education, both for the public in general, and for lawyers.

  3. Third, you can become active in the Section, perhaps working for one of our committees. This gives you the chance to something more than just practice or work, and give a little back. Several committees do very good public work, helping to hopefully maintain, perhaps even rebuild, some of the professionalism and respect for our profession.

  4. Fourth, you receive four times a year, the Advocate, which is the YLS award-winning Newsletter, bringing substantive, social and political news to you.

You may join the YLS by filling out this Online Application >>.

Section Council is composed of the officers of the section and an at-large member, which make up the Executive Committee, three Board of Governors, representatives from each Circuit, and chairs of all the standing committees. The committee chairs are appointed annually by the Executive Committee and the circuit representatives are nominated by their local bar. The Officers are elected at the Annual meeting in June.

Each Circuit has representation on the Section Council. Circuit Representatives report on the young lawyer activities in their Circuit and notify the Section Council of issues of concern for young lawyers in those Circuits.

Section Council Appointment Procedure

The Executive Committee and Governors (but for the Member-at-Large, who is appointed by the Chair) are selected during a nominations process and chosen for approval by the Nominating Committee. Notice is made for these positions in the Bar Bulletin and Advocate and the deadline for applications shall be made public through these announcements. Any member of the Section who qualifies as a member may submit his or her application to the Nominating Committee. An interview is required fro each position and, following this process, the Nominating Committee shall present the list to the general membership. If, at that time, any member wishes to petition against the Slate, they may do so under the Bylaws. Where no contest is made over the Slate, the Slate shall be confirmed. The ABA Delegate is also selected by the Chair.

 
  • YLS Section names BOG Rep. nominee; petitions sought.
  • Community Service members take the plunge!
  • The Winter 2012 Advocate is out!
  • Education Committee hosts successful informational seminar


  • View all News >>

  • Thursday, February 23 - Be the Match Fundraiser & Bone Marrow Donor Registration
    5:30 to 7:00 p.m., FOP Lodge # 3, 3920 Buena Vista Ave., Baltimore (near Falls Road and 41st Street)
    Details
  • Thursday, March 1 - Thirsty Thursday Happy Hour
    Center Club, Baltimore, MD
    Details - RSVP
  • Friday, March 23 - MSBA's 21st Annual Charity Event
    6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Pier 5 Hotel, Baltimore, MD (map)
    Details - Tickets - buy now for best price!
    Benefits the Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation
    Happy Hour sponsored by Dan Calloway of Edward Jones
    Event sponsored by Merrill LAD
  • View all upcoming events >>

  • One Bar | One Community Public Service Project schedules and organizes at least one monthly public service event to benefit residents of Maryland.
  • The Storybook Project. This is a project continued from the MSBA Leadership Academy fellows class of 2009-2010...
  • Wills for Heroes. The YLS is an affiliate of the Wills for Heroes Foundation and proudly organizes volunteers for Wills for Heroes events...
  • View All Projects >>