A Community Worth the Search The Robert E. Slota Jr. Diversity Internship & Development Program

By Nancy Walsh, tbdNOW, LLC

The Robert E. Slota, Jr. Diversity Internship & Development program has been thriving and evolving since its inception fourteen years ago, and this year’s iteration was no exception. One component of its evolution is the newly updated name which reflects its expanded pool of participants; in addition to its historical focus on 1L students, the program now also welcomes high school and college/pre-law students, as well as 2Ls and 3Ls. This deceptively simply change allows the program to not only continue to support underrepresented law students, but to develop a pipeline that will help us reach the goal of a truly diverse and inclusive legal community for Montgomery County.

The Slota program reflects the very best of the MBA. Thanks to the generosity of its members, just under $19,000 in sponsorships, a new record, was raised. These funds, along with the essential support of 12 host firms, allowed us to provide 11 paid internships (1L and 2L) and weekly programming to an additional 4 law students and 2 undergraduates, as well as 14 scholarships at the program’s completion. With the hard work and vision of Judge Gail Weilheimer and Emily Hippler, and the incredible contribution of Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer (our first-ever judicial internship sponsor), we were also able to launch a paid judicial internship program, through which two impressive law students were able to learn from virtually every one of our incredible MCCP judges. The generosity did not end there. Because of the trademark spirit of MBA members of all ages, the experience for our Slota Scholars was enriched by 10 Leadership Academy mentors, 17 writing mentors, 16 mock interviewers, 14 panelists/presenters, 1 special visit to the chambers of The Honorable Mark A. Kearney, and countless other demonstrations of support and guidance.

Of course, beyond the force of the MBA’s commitment to this program, what makes it special are the students for whom it exists. As they gathered for the Closing Reception on July 26th to celebrate their accomplishments with the MBA family who rallied behind them, their excitement, as well at that of all in attendance, was palpable. They spoke of insights gained, paths clarified, connections formed, and friendships made. The meaning of programs like this perhaps can only be fully understood through their own words:

“My time with the Slota program has reinforced my desire to work in Montgomery County long-term.”

“I am so grateful to the MBA and the Slota program for introducing me to the wonderful, tight-knit community that is Montgomery County. Now I know that I can make a beautiful home for myself and my partner, and the family we want to build, and not have to sacrifice our dignity as a queer couple, while enjoying the life that comes with living in a

“greener” area away from the city smog. Seriously, sometimes

I get emotional just thinking about how lucky I am to have found this program. Thank you!”

“Being able to create genuine connections in such a short time through this program has shown me that I belong in this field and that I can be successful. I sincerely appreciate the mentorship and guidance I have received and have truly felt that I have built connections with individuals who will support me throughout law school and beyond.” “I did not grow up in a family with any lawyers in America nor did I have many role models in this field so joining the program has given me a community I was searching for.”

“As a first generation, visibly Muslim, Afghan-

American woman, I can attest that there have been times where I felt the obstacles I was facing were insurmountable. But it has been through programs such as these where I have been able to draw inspiration from the experiences of others who also thought the challenges they faced were impenetrable, and yet, succeeded anyway.”

“This experience has been life changing and reaffirms my desire and commitment to graduate from law school, become a part of this profession, and join the MBA to continue the legacy of all those who have come before me.”

“The MBA Diversity Program has truly made me comfortable with stepping outside of my comfort zone. Whether it was my first introduction to the Bar at the MBA dinner dance or the night at the zoo, I felt welcomed and appreciated in spaces I would not have normally found myself in the past.”

Preparations are already underway for another transformative summer with another group of incredible future lawyers. Thank you to all who continue to make it possible. If you have not participated in the past, we invite you to draw inspiration from the words of our 2022 Scholars and join us in this truly meaningful work; you won’t regret it!

If you are interested in hosting, sponsoring, or mentoring for next summer’s program, please contact Nancy Walsh at nancy@tbdnowllc.com.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 PROGRAM SPONSORS AND HOST FIRMS!