FINDING HER CALLING
SHPARAGA Counsel, Silverman Thompson
Photo courtesy of Travis Marshall Photography
ILONA
FINDING HER CALLING
ILONA SHPARAGA Counsel, Silverman Thompson
Photo courtesy of Travis Marshall Photography
SEVEN YEARS INTO a thriving legal career, Ilona Shparaga, Counsel at Silverman Thompson, has carved a niche in the demanding field of Commercial Litigation in Maryland. While her journey to becoming a business litigation attorney was anything but traditional, her analytical skills and drive enabled her to excel as an advocate for her clients. MSBA recently interviewed Shparaga to delve deeper into the guiding principles of her practice and her vision for the future of law.
It is never enough to do the assignment you were given. In the legal profession, slight deviation from a specific pattern can produce a different outcome. “
Why did you enter the legal profession?
As I like to joke, I didn’t choose the legal profession, the legal profession chose me. I was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States when I was 15. I chose psychology as my undergraduate degree, and planned to vigorously pursue it until I earned a doctoral degree in psychology. Sometime during my last year of undergraduate studies, my now husband asked me if I ever thought about law school. I dismissed that notion, convinced that my English was not strong enough to become a lawyer in the United States. However, with the unwavering encouragement and support of my husband, I mustered enough courage to take the LSAT summer of 2014. As I was waiting for the results, I applied to the University of Baltimore School of Law, which had rolling admission. Miraculously, they accepted me, and the rest is history. Truthfully, the first year of law school and attempting to navigate the U.S. legal system, terminology, and processes, was difficult and overwhelming. However, with each year and each internship I took, I started to enjoy and appreciate the profession, and I can truly say that I found my passion in it.
What is the best piece of advice you have received from someone in the legal profession?
Regardless of the task you are working on, always try to dig deeper and anticipate the follow-up questions that people might ask you. It is never enough to do the assignment you were given. In the legal profession, slight deviation from a specific pattern can produce a different outcome. Therefore, it is important to dissect each problem into smaller pieces, analyze them individually, and anticipate to fill the gaps where people might have questions.
Tell us a little about your biggest project or passion project related to your professional career right now.
I am a Member At-Large of the MSBA Business Law Section. Last year, under the leadership of David Cahn and Christine Dixon, we piloted the first pro bono Legal Clinic for Small Businesses. Once a month, attorneys volunteer one hour per client to provide free legal advice to small businesses in Maryland. The issues our attorneys encountered in the past involved: entity formation and management; securities and capital raising; business acquisition; contract review; real estate leasing; intellectual property protection and licensing; and government licensing and permitting. In my legal practice, we receive daily inquiries from prospective entrepreneurs who desire to set up their business practices properly; however, they still lack the capital to afford to hire an attorney. This clinic allows us to bridge that gap by offering proactive support to entrepreneurs who are navigating complex legal terrain with limited resources. It’s a way for me to use my expertise to help build stronger, more resilient businesses, often run by individuals who pour everything into their ventures. Contributing to their success not only prevents future litigation but also fosters economic growth and equity in our local communities.
How do you stay informed and educate yourself about the latest shifts in legislation and legal precedents?
I make it a priority to stay current on legal developments, whether it's changes in procedural rules, emerging case law, or regulatory shifts, through regular continuing legal
education, legal publications, and active participation in professional associations. Being a part of MSBA in general, and the Business Law Section within, I have unfettered access to CLEs and the brightest legal minds in Maryland. MSBA continuously provides relevant and timely industry webinars and legal conferences, where I can engage with thought leaders and fellow attorneys about significant legal developments. Staying proactive in these ways ensures I am prepared to advise clients on the most current and relevant legal issues.
Describe a memorable MSBA event or product that has had an impact on you personally or professionally.
Attending the Advanced Business Law Institute (ABLI), organized by the MSBA’s Business Law Section, opened a new world for me within the business law arena and introduced me to some of the exceptional legal practitioners in the field. For two consecutive years, I participated in the ABLI as an attendee and gained invaluable insights into emerging issues in business law. I was especially inspired to learn that some attorneys played an active role in planning such a high-caliber program.
