The MSBA’s Solo & Small Firm Practice Section will launch a Mentorship Program in September 2021 to assist young lawyers or experienced lawyers (<9 years barred) that are launching their own firms.   The goals of the program are:

• To foster the development of young attorneys’ practical skills and increase their knowledge of legal customs;
• To create a sense of pride and integrity in the legal profession;
• To promote collegial relationships among legal professionals and involvement in the organized bar;
• To improve legal ability and professional judgment; and
• To encourage the use of best practices and highest ideals in the practice of law.

The Section has a pool of experienced attorneys ready to serve as mentors.  Generally, mentors have been admitted to practice in Maryland, are not the subject of disciplinary actions, and have a minimum of nine (9) years of experience as a practicing attorney, and have various practice areas and are located around the state.

Mentors are expected to meet with assigned mentees at least three (3) times throughout the year, either in-person or virtually.  In addition, mentors are expected to cover the following topics with their assigned mentees:

• Introduction to the Legal Community
  • Example activities include:  visiting a local courthouse, and discussing “unwritten” rules of etiquette among attorneys.
• Personal and Professional Development and Ethics
  • Example discussion topics include:  common malpractice or attorney grievance issues, techniques for finding work-life balance, benefits of malpractice insurance, potential resources for addressing ethical issues, and continuing legal education.
• Law Office Management
  • Example discussion topics include:  client screening, retainer agreements and scope of representation, time management, and handling difficult clients.

If you are interested in being assigned a mentor, please click here to submit your application.  Applications are due no later than June 30, 2021.

Once mentors and mentees are matched,  a kick-off event will be scheduled in September 2021.