for Attorneys Experiencing Career Transitions
MSBA is dedicated to supporting attorneys throughout the state in all stages of their careers. To assist lawyers navigating professional crossroads, either due to job loss or the exploration of new career paths, the MSBA offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including emotional support, networking opportunities, and career development tools.
MSBA Resources
for Attorneys Experiencing Career Transitions
MSBA is dedicated to supporting attorneys throughout the state in all stages of their careers. To assist lawyers navigating professional crossroads, either due to job loss or the exploration of new career paths, the MSBA offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including emotional support, networking opportunities, and career development tools.
Guidance for Transitioning From Federal Work to Private Practice
Transitioning from a federal role to private practice involves adapting to new demands, such as client development, business management, and mastering Maryland court procedures. MSBA offers resources to support attorneys in navigating this shift:
ESSENTIAL PUBLICATIONS
MSBA offers publications that serve as foundational tools for attorneys acquainting themselves with the complexities of private practice, addressing both procedural mechanics and strategic considerations.
Guide to Maryland Courts: This publication provides a critical overview of Maryland's judicial structure, procedural rules, and court information, demystifying the distinctions and
expectations unique to Maryland's state court system for attorneys accustomed to federal or administrative forums.
Maryland Practice Manual: A staple for Maryland attorneys, serving as a cornerstone for new lawyers building real-world know-how and a touchstone for seasoned practitioners, with three volumes covering key practice areas of law.
Pleading Causes of Action in Maryland: This publication guides attorneys through the technical and substantive elements of complaints, defenses, and other pleadings, helping ensure compliance with Maryland's substantive law and procedural standards.
Maryland Rules of Evidence: A pocket guide providing quick and easy access to Maryland's evidence code.
Maryland Attorneys' Rules of Professional Conduct: This resource provides the complete text of Maryland's ethical rules, along with commentary and annotations.
The MSBA offers
a comprehensive suite of resources, including emotional support, networking opportunities, and career development tools.
Maryland Pattern Jury Instructions (Civil and Criminal): These instructions provide court-approved language for effective trial practice.
Civil Pre-Trial Practice: This reference offers in-depth instruction on civil practice, from initial client contact to trial preparation.
Warnken's Maryland Criminal Procedure: A comprehensive treatise for anyone involved in criminal law practice.
Maryland Discovery Problems and Solutions: This resource provides solutions to common discovery disputes.
Maryland Tort Damages: This publication offers guidance on quantifying damages in tort cases.
On-Demand Learning
MSBA offers on-demand CLE courses to help attorneys at every stage of their career enhance their skills and explore new legal areas. These programs provide flexible, accessible training on critical topics, allowing attorneys to learn at their own pace and schedule. Essential on-demand learning topics include:
IOLTA MANAGEMENT FOR LAWYERS
Mismanagement of IOLTA funds can lead to severe consequences, making this training essential for any attorney handling client funds. This program explains the specifics of IOLTA management for Maryland lawyers and the importance of knowing the rules around your IOLTA account.
HOW TO AVOID MALPRACTICE CLAIMS
Protecting your practice from malpractice claims is paramount. This program reviews, from previous cases, examples of how to avoid malpractice as a transactional practitioner.
ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM: SKILLS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER LAWYER
Ethical conduct is the cornerstone of a successful legal career. This program is designed to emphasize the role that professionalism and civility can play in the successful outcome of any case and the success of any attorney’s career.
LAW OFFICE ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT & FEES— ESSENTIALS OF MARYLAND PRACTICE
Running a successful law firm requires business acumen. This program covers essential topics such as office efficiency, client relations, and fee structuring, and offers practical tips.
VETTING TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR LAW FIRM: PRACTICAL TIPS
In today's digital age, technology is essential for efficient and effective legal practice. This course guides you through the process of selecting and vetting legal technology for your practice.
EMAIL MANAGEMENT: HOW TO STOP THE EMAIL CLUTTER BEFORE IT STOPS YOU
Email overload is a common problem for busy attorneys. In this webinar, you will learn how to turn the tables on your email inbox and take back control over your day by using actionable strategies and quick-win tips to help you and your firm better manage emails and stop fighting the inbox struggle.
TECHNOLOGY TO BUILD A LAW FIRM FROM SCRATCH
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to choosing tech for your law firm, this webinar will guide your through tips for choosing tech that's compatible with your law firm's needs, the benefits of technology for law firms, and the essential legal technology solutions to keep your law firm running smoothly—wherever and however you work.
SOLO & SMALL FIRM SYMPOSIUM
This program features comprehensive sessions with expert speakers on critical topics including AI implementation, practice management, succession planning, and cybersecurity.
SUCCESSION PLANNING WORKSHOP
This program offers attorneys insight on how to plan for closing, selling, or merging their practices, and the unexpected death or incapacitation of an attorney in their practice.
Through these comprehensive resources, MSBA aims to provide Maryland attorneys with the support and tools necessary to navigate career transitions, establish successful practices, and thrive in the Maryland legal community.
HOW TO LAUNCH: WHAT IT TAKES TO START YOUR OWN LAW FIRM
Launching your own law firm may feel daunting, but this program provides you with the knowledge you need to start, including the four pillars of running a law practice: business management, technology, finance/ trust accounting, and marketing.
AI—THE ATTORNEY’S SECRET WEAPON
Taught by a successful trial attorney, this informative program discusses how attorneys can benefit from the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence tools. Designed for both technology beginners and experts and attorneys from all fields, it explains existing AI tools that can readily and easily be used by attorneys as part of their practice toolkit.
MSBA Engage
An online community platform that provides a space for connection and collaboration, allowing attorneys to seek advice, share expertise, build relationships, and access valuable resources.
MSBA Member Committees
These committees enable attorneys to contribute to the legal profession, expand their professional network, and deepen their knowledge in specific areas of law by sharing expertise, learning from experienced practitioners, staying informed about relevant legal issues, enhancing their leadership skills, and fostering relationships.
Networking Opportunities
Establishing connections within the Maryland legal community is essential, and MSBA provides numerous opportunities to network with fellow attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals. These events are designed to build relationships, seek mentorship, and stay informed about legal trends.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND RECEPTIONS: Gatherings designed to foster camaraderie and build personal connections within the legal community.
CLE PROGRAMS AND SEMINARS: While focused on continuing legal education, these events also offer chances to meet and interact with other attorneys in your field.
LOCAL BAR EVENTS: Connecting with attorneys in your specific geographic region can be beneficial for building a local practice.
Actively participating in MSBA networking opportunities can help build a strong professional network in Maryland, which can be instrumental in finding referrals, co-counsel opportunities, and feeling more connected to the local legal community.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
MSBA emphasizes the importance of adapting to evolving legal technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). MSBA's AI resources help attorneys stay informed on AI developments relevant to the legal profession in Maryland and understand the ethical considerations, potential benefits, and risks of using AI in their practice. It also aids them in preparing for the future of the legal field by equipping them with the knowledge to adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
Emotional Support for Attorneys
Navigating career uncertainty is a journey that requires resilience, self-awareness, and proactive effort. By integrating self-care with focused professional development and utilizing available support systems, you can move towards a more sustainable and fulfilling career path while honoring the emotional weight of this experience. Remember to celebrate small victories along the way and remain open to new possibilities.
The MSBA Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) provides free, confidential assistance to all Maryland lawyers, judges, law school students, and support staff by offering assessment, referral, short-term counseling, and continued support for personal concerns. If you are concerned about another lawyer, you can make an anonymous referral to LAP by contacting Lisa Caplan at her direct line, 443-703-3042, or at lisa@msba.org. For confidential assistance, call 888.388.5459.
Protecting Your Practice
Securing professional liability insurance is crucial for attorneys transitioning to private practice. MSBA offers support through the Bar Associations Insurance Agency, Inc. (BAIA), a joint venture involving MSBA, the Bar Association of Baltimore City, and the Bar Association of Montgomery County. BAIA collaborates with TriBridge Partners to provide members access to a range of insurance products, including professional liability coverage, to protect firms and employees, and often includes risk management resources.
Through these comprehensive resources, MSBA aims to provide Maryland attorneys with the support and tools necessary to navigate career transitions, establish successful practices, and thrive in the Maryland legal community.
