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Responsibility Early: A Miles & Stockbridge Advantage
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: M&S Stories
Giving new lawyers meaningful responsibility early in their careers is one of the many things Miles & Stockbridge does quite well. As a member of the recruitment and professional development team since the spring of 1998, I have been in a unique position to watch with pride as former summer associates and new lawyers progress in their careers.
Chris Davis, for example, a Class of 2007 tax lawyer, had quite a steep learning curve. But with a stellar work ethic, a head for business tax, and a hands-on mentor (tax lawyer extraordinaire, Jeff Markowitz) Chris has become another "go-to tax lawyer" in just 2 ½ years. He recently wrote an article that was posted on Tax-Miles, Miles & Stockbridge’s new tax blog. It’s a real client story that, in my opinion, embodies the client-centric focus deeply woven in the fabric of our law firm. Check out Chris’ blog entry for yourself: A Tax Emergency.
During his first year of practice, Class of 2007 business litigator Scott Wilson handled four bench trials – all on his own. He represented clients at mediations and settlement conferences. He briefed and argued in court several motions to dismiss. He took two depositions and attended many others. The list goes on, including the drafting of an appellate brief with one of our senior lawyers. And that was just in his first year with Miles & Stockbridge.
Since Labor & Employment lawyer Darah Okeke began practicing in the fall of 2007, she has represented one client in a mediation and another client at multiple administrative hearings. Darah has developed workplace and anti-harassment training workshops and has presented them to hundreds of our clients’ employees. But that’s not all. She has drafted and counseled clients on employee handbooks and company policies, plus the terms of employment, non-competition/non-solicitation, consulting, and severance agreements. The list of substantive motions Darah has drafted include motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment in matters involving wrongful discharge, discrimination and harassment, breach of contract, trade secret/non-compete, defamation and other employment-related torts.
What’s more, Chris, Scott, and Darah were members of Miles & Stockbridge’s Summer Associate Class of 2006. Not surprisingly, they were selected to participate as mentors in our 2010 Summer Associate Program. Our team is very proud of their accomplishments.
Randi S. Lewis
Director of Diversity & Professional Development
Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
A First Year Lawyer Reflects About Career, Colleagues, and Commitment
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: M&S Stories
This time the office with my name on the door is not a temporary perk between semesters – this time it’s a keeper.
After three years of law school, countless hours with bar review, and a two-day marathon of testing, I became a practicing lawyer. And to my good fortune, that came as a lawyer at Miles & Stockbridge.
Any transition from law school into a legal career would share some commonalities. Law school hones analysis of cold cases, emphasizes historic trends, and touts the nuances of legal theories. The real world is about shaping solutions and arguments for unique and dynamic legal issues facing real people. As a result, the casebook gets shelved, and the problem solving skills come out. All of this would happen in most legal professions I can imagine.
But by now I’ve had nearly six months to reflect on work at Miles. And what keeps me thrilled is that all around me are people passionately devoted to what they do. Every element of that description has something significant. First, the people: I am continually impressed by the individuals who are now my colleagues. From their diverse interests and talents to their dynamic personalities working as a team, they are people who are genuinely good to be around.
And they are also passionately devoted to what they do. My colleagues at all levels are engaged and determined to achieve the best possible solutions for our clients. This means we treat our clients’ issues as our own, get involved in their work, and then apply the legal skills honed by years of practical experience.
Finally: what we do. This is a profession, one in which my colleagues are intensely knowledgeable and serve as awesome mentors in building legal skills. The enthusiasm is pervasive. It’s not just enthusiasm for scoring a big win or beating the other side. It’s enthusiasm for working as a team and being leaders in their given field. The result is a collaborative and highly competent work environment.
These six months with Miles make law school feel pretty far away. But the learning hasn’t stopped since graduation – in fact I’m sure I’m learning even more now. And this, a place with outstanding people passionately devoted to what they do, is a great place to be.
Warren Hedges is in his first year of practice at Miles & Stockbridge as a Labor & Employment Law lawyer. In May 2009, he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was Executive Editor of the Virginia Journal of Law and Technology. A Peace Corps veteran, Warren spent two years volunteering in the country of Georgia. He remained in Georgia for a number of years, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the leading English newspaper in Tbilisi, Georgia.
An Open Note to Summer Associates: The Principles of Customer Service Apply to You
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: Professionalism
I love the City of Baltimore so much that I recently attended a four hour training to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA). I also thought this training would enable me in my role as Miles & Stockbridge’s Recruitment Manager to help our summer associates and other colleagues learn more about Charm City. And it did. The CTA training also emphasized basic principles of customer service. These principles are easily transferable to the summer associate experience.
1) “Attend to and Listen to the Customer” – Consider the lawyers and other professionals who assign you work as your customers – or clients. When approached by a lawyer to complete a project, focus on the lawyer and do what it takes to meet his or her needs. You are undoubtedly busy, but develop a ‘can do’ attitude and give the lawyer your full attention. Do not give the impression that the lawyer is an interruption; without him or her, you would not have a job! Clarify what he/she wants and make sure you understand all the intricacies of what is being asked of you.
2) “Everything Communicates” – Even if you are not speaking, you are communicating. Maintain a professional appearance; err on the side of professional attire. Emote a positive and helpful attitude, and make sure your body language connotes positivity, not negativity. Exude an air of confidence. Project a sense of gratitude (not a sense of entitlement). Smile!
3) “Create a Positive Environment” – Keep all your interactions positive. Do not get caught up in gossip or denigrate anyone in the office. Do not blame others. Take responsibility for mistakes. Take ownership and pride in your work.
4) “Know your Job” – The more you learn about your employer, the more you may derive satisfaction from your summer position. Before you start your job, research the entity. Learn about its business, its culture, and its core values.
5) “View Complaints as Opportunities” – As a novice, don’t be surprised if you produce at least one work product that does not entirely satisfy the needs of the assigning lawyer. Consider it a gift if the lawyer takes the time to show you where you made mistakes and how you could improve. Listen carefully to the constructive comments, ask questions, express appreciation for the feedback, and explain how you will improve the assignment. Your goal is to revise the assignment satisfactorily so that the lawyer chooses to work with you a second time. Turn each complaint into an opportunity to do better and exceed the lawyer’s expectations the next time.
Miles & Stockbridge Hosts the Baltimore Scholars
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: M&S Stories
On January 14th, Miles & Stockbridge hosted members of the Baltimore Scholars Program, a unique pipeline diversity program run by the University of Baltimore School of Law. The program helps students at Maryland’s historically black universities to explore and develop their interest in studying the law, improve their analytical and writing skills, and prepare the students for a successful law school experience. Eight aspiring lawyers who attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, and Coppin State College joined our firm to learn more about the backgrounds and practices of an eclectic group of Miles & Stockbridge’s lawyers. Our recruitment team also led a workshop on resume writing, cover letters, and interviewing tips. Miles & Stockbridge, which has hosted the Scholars for the past three years, is committed to the Baltimore Scholars Program, and hopes to encourage diverse college students to go to law school and eventually become leaders of their communities. Today’s group of Scholars, as evidenced not only by their academic achievements but also by their meaningful participation and enthusiasm in this program, surely will become accomplished leaders in the future.
Best Places to Work in Baltimore: Miles & Stockbridge Ranks Third in Baltimore Business Journal Survey
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: M&S Stories
By the time this is posted, everyone will know what I have known for some time: Miles & Stockbridge truly is one of the “Best Places to Work.” The firm has always ranked highly on The American Lawyer Associate and Summer Associate satisfaction surveys. But, it is not just the lawyers who are happy at Miles. We all are.
In these difficult economic times, it is truly remarkable for a law firm to be nominated as one of the “Best Places to Work” by its employees, as noted by the Baltimore Business Journal on September 18, 2009. What makes the firm so special? It is hard to pinpoint to just one reason.
I am a relative newcomer to the firm. This will be my third year as Recruitment Manager and Pro Bono Coordinator. The majority of my non-lawyer colleagues have worked at the firm ten years or more. People leave, and they come back. Associates start their careers here as law students and stay to become partners. These are unusual characteristics of a law firm in this day and age.
Why am I personally happy at the firm? I appreciate the lack of hierarchy, the genuine respect that is apparent amongst all colleagues, the fairness with which decisions are made, and the desire to strive to be the best. But, as I sat in a recent workshop at the Firm, I realized what made the place most special. My fellow co-workers described themselves in the following ways: loyal; hard-working; team-players; conscientious; trust-worthy; accountable; reliable; and kind. The values I appreciate most are how my colleagues described themselves, and those values make our Firm unique.
Dina Billian, Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator
Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
Associate Satisfaction: High at Miles & Stockbridge P.C.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: M&S Stories
Miles & Stockbridge ranked 5th out of 146 participating firms across the U.S. in The American Lawyer’s 2009 Midlevel Associates Survey, ranking 5th nationally and 1st in Baltimore as an overall place to work. Each year, the American Lawyer surveys thousands of mid-level associates about their overall work experiences at their respective law firms. In 2009, Miles & Stockbridge lawyers in the Classes of 2004, 2005 and 2006 completed surveys this spring that examined twelve areas contributing to job satisfaction. 6,100 associates across the country graded their firms on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the highest score. Miles & Stockbridge’s average score was 4.448/5.0 and our firm’s rankings in every category well exceeded the national averages.
- Relations with partners and associates
- The interest and satisfaction level of the work
- Training and guidance
- Policy on billable hours
- Management’s openness about firm finances and partnership chances
- The firm’s attitude toward diversity and pro bono work
- Compensation and benefits
- The associates’ inclination to remain at their firms for the next two years
On August 20, 2009, the American Lawyer online noted that Miles & Stockbridge ranked 2nd nationally on transparency about our finances.
On August 21, 2009, the American Lawyer online noted that Miles & Stockbridge associates ranked our firm 2nd nationally in regard to how well they got along with the partners with whom they work.
Past Midlevel Associate rankings:
2nd in 2008
6th in 2007
11th in 2006
4th in 2005
2nd in 2004
10th in 2003
A True Hands-on Experience
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: Summer Associates
I admit it: I’m not the best at sitting still all day in my office. Don’t get me wrong. I get the office work done, but I’m the type of person who has to get up on my feet to see the cases hands on. I want to talk to our witnesses, see the personalities of the opposing parties, and get a real feel for the other side’s case.
When I was offered the opportunity to participate in a deposition I jumped at the chance. I’m not just talking about sitting and watching. I was asked to write the questions the lawyer would use during the deposition to "outline the deposition," as he called it.
This seemed like a pretty daunting assignment at first. After all, this isn’t exactly something they teach you in law school. But after talking with some associates about their experiences with depositions and reading the full case file, I was ready to begin.
First, I researched the elements of each claim. We represent the plaintiff in a breach of contract case so we have to make sure we address each element of the causes of action to survive a motion for summary judgment. In order to accomplish this, I found that I was creating a checklist of crucial facts to get out during this deposition.
Many drafts later, I had a fairly lengthy document with every possible question. There were basic introductory questions; there were questions that went right to the heart of the matter, and everything in between. The lawyers with whom I spoke advised me to come up with every question for every potential fact and let the lawyer taking the deposition choose the questions he would ask. So that was exactly what I did.
The next day, I attended the deposition. It was thrilling to watch the lawyer ask the CEO of the defendant company the questions I wrote.
In the end, what I really learned is that discovery in a civil case is like a chess match. My supervising lawyer explained to me that I needed to think 20 moves ahead. How would this answer look in trial? How would this fact sound to a judge reading a summary judgment motion? How much would this affect settlement?
It’s all about the big picture and that is something I could learn only by being given the opportunity to get hands-on experience. Reading deposition transcripts just doesn’t do it. Even watching a deposition doesn’t do it. It’s not until you actually get to work with real cases, real clients and real people does it all start to click. And that is exactly the type of experiences we are being given this summer at Miles & Stockbridge.
Chris Madaio
Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Summer Associate 2009
University of Maryland School of Law J.D. Candidate 2010
Two Week Reflection by Summer Associate, Chris Madaio
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: Summer Associates
June 25, 2009 - As we come to the end of the second week of the summer associate program, now is as good a time as any to look back on how far we have come. And what can I say but WOW, has it been a great ride so far!
The work is challenging, but I expected that. The facilities are wonderful, but I expected that too. What I didn't expect in a firm was the great people I would meet, and the wide variety of experiences I would have. Every person at Miles, from the partners, to the associates, to the recruitment team, to the paralegals, to the secretaries, to the security guards (and anyone else I may have missed), is a joy to be around every day.
Collegiality is a word that gets thrown around a lot during interviews, but it's never more true than in a place like this. It didn't take long to see that the open-door policy of the firm fosters an environment where relationships matter, relationships with the client, but also relationships with each other. These strong relationships positively impact the summer program because every attorney truly wants to involve us in his or her practice and get to know us as individuals.
In the short two weeks I have been here, I observed a deposition, went to a court hearing, and participated in an interview of witnesses where a partner actually asked me if I had any questions for the witness! Talk about trust!
Yes, we work hard, but it's a pleasure to do it when you know there are supporting people around you who all have a strong sense of ownership in the firm and a commitment to excellence. I can't say what the next six weeks will bring, but I go into it knowing that I have a dedicated team of colleagues who will go out of their way to give us a great experience.
Chris Madaio
Miles & Stockbridge Summer Associate 2009
University of Maryland School of Law J.D. Candidate 2010
Pro Bono Profile: Alicia Ritchie - A Young Lawyer's Passion
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: M&S Stories
The Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. ("HPRP") presented Miles & Stockbridge lawyer Alicia Ritchie with a 2009 Outstanding Volunteer Award for her outstanding commitment to helping homeless people in their quest to better their lives. Ritchie receives referrals to help expunge certain criminal records of HPRP clients. These individuals typically are trying to find jobs but their "rap sheets," cluttered with minor charges, are holding them back.
"When you can help clean up someone’s criminal record to afford him a greater opportunity to land a job, it is tremendously rewarding," said Ritchie. "Our problems are so small compared to their daily struggles to survive."
And this work helping the homeless represents only some of the pro bono work Ritchie handles in addition to managing a full load as a litigation lawyer in our firm’s Mass Torts Practice Group. Ritchie is a member of the Miles & Stockbridge Domestic Violence Pro Bono Group, which won state-wide recognition in 2008 for its work helping victims of domestic violence obtain protective orders against their abusers.
Ritchie has years of experience balancing multiple passions. She played D-1 basketball for four years in college while managing to graduate magna cum laude with a B.A. in English. It comes as no surprise that Ritchie began handling pro bono matters on her own so early in her career.
The Maryland Daily Record also recognized Ritchie’s pro bono efforts earlier this year.
Serenity - Suggestions for Summer Associates
Friday, May 29, 2009
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category: Summer Associates
Law schools are out for the summer. Yet, law students are anything but relaxed and carefree. The uncertainty about their future remains in the psyche of students this summer. How can law students make the most out of their 2009 summer jobs in this economic climate? This is what your Recruitment Team advises:
Serenity. Identify and accept the things you can’t control – the economy and law firm business decisions. Focus your energy on things you can control – your work, your work ethic, and the genuine connections you make with your employer this summer.
Your work. There is no substitute for good work. Go the extra mile on every assignment. Demonstrate an extraordinary work ethic.
Face-to-Face Communications. Be savvy in all your communications. Determine how each assigning lawyer prefers to communicate. But, step out of your comfort zone of communicating by email. There is no substitute for making personal connections. When you receive a project, meet with the assigning lawyer in person and continue face-to-face communications, where possible and where appropriate.
E-mail Communications. Be very professional in your email communications even with your student colleagues. Err on the side of formality. Address everyone with "Dear." "Hey" is not acceptable.
Mentors. Find at least one mentor who will help you navigate your experiences.
