Blog

Reverse Mentoring Day – Enjoyable for all!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category:   M&S Stories

On December 13, 2011, five Miles & Stockbridge colleagues went back to high school. Dina Billian, Patricia Dunn, Kiara Hughes, Matthew Phelps, and Marnie Shapiro participated in "Reverse Mentoring Day" at National Academy Foundation (NAF), a Baltimore City charter high school. NAF students who participate in a mentoring program run by Community Law in Action (CLIA) every six weeks at Miles & Stockbridge changed places and became our mentors for a day. They took leadership roles and showed us the sights and sounds of a typical high school day.

The students treated us to a delicious breakfast made by their peers from the school’s Academy of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism. Juniors Raekwon Conaway and Erin Carr spoke to our group about what to expect for the day and showed a brief video about the high school. We were delighted to learn that 100% of NAF's seniors are accepted into two or four-year colleges. Through the charter school's various Academies (Law, Finance, Engineering, Technology, and Hospitality), NAF is not just an institution that educates its students. It provides students with "living classrooms" to help enable students to succeed in the work environment once they complete their college studies and beyond.

NAF students who participate in the CLIA mentoring program with Miles & Stockbridge are members of NAF's "Students in the Law Academy." They gave us a tour of the school's Courtroom, which is equipped with a jury box and judge's bench, an example of a "living classroom." These students serve as judges and juries on real disciplinary cases referred by the NAF-affiliated Middle School before the cases are sent to the administration.

Later in the morning, we shadowed the NAF students while they attended classes in French, Trigonometry, English, and World History. We ended the day back in the school's Café Aroma, where we enjoyed a lunch made and served by the students. The day was truly a success, as we connected more deeply with our student mentees. We look forward to hosting them again at Miles & Stockbridge next month.

Dina R. Billian

Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator

M&S Welcomes New Mentees Through Community Law In Action Program

Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

On Tuesday, October 11, Miles & Stockbridge hosted eleven junior high school students from the National Academy Foundation (NAF), a local Baltimore City high school. For more than eight years, M&S has participated in the Community Law in Action Program (CLIA), a corporate mentoring program that prepares junior high and high school students for college and careers. M&S mentors meet with the students one day per month and expose the students to workshops, college trips, guest speakers, and presentations on life-skills. 

Our M&S colleagues immediately took to the new students, who were engaged, eager to learn, and extremely charismatic. We first participated in an ice breaker exercise, similar to a game of telephone. We learned so much about the students and our colleagues. During the mid-morning activity, the students put on their “client interview/lawyering” hats and honed their presentation skills. Our lunchtime “getting to know you” session, another icebreaker, often had us erupting in applause and laughter.

Five of our mentors attended NAF’s 2^nd Annual Mentors’ Luncheon on Friday, October 14. Our colleagues believe that our mentees truly are the next generation of leaders, and that NAF instills academic excellence, as well as a strong moral foundation, in its students. We are looking forward to getting to know all of our mentees from NAF. 

Thank you M&S Mentors!!

Kiara Hughes
Dina Billian
Liz Cayne
Tramelle O’Neal
Gina Chapman
Andrea Lumsden-Fields
Saphira Marshall
Ann Washington
Sheila Sparrow-Hamilton
Sue Edmonson
Sharon Clayborne
Tonya Anderson
Pat Dunn
Rebecca Silvia
Kim Jones
Marnie Shapiro
Matt Phelps
Stephanie Baron
Al Wilson
Nicoli St. Lawrence

Baltimore Squashwise Visits Miles & Stockbridge

Monday, March 28, 2011
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

Miles & Stockbridge, in collaboration with The University of Maryland School of Law, recently added Baltimore Squashwise, a new pipeline program, to our pro bono activities in support of diverse communities. During the month of March 2011, we developed and presented two interactive workshops for students from The Baltimore Civitas School who participate in Baltimore Squashwise,  a not-for-profit enrichment program that uses the sport of squash as a creative means to empower youth, keep them engaged in school, and teach them the values of teamwork and excellence.

Our first workshop focused on the different ways lawyers solve conflicts: litigation; mediation; and negotiation.  The students used their newly-learned skills to solve real-life practical problems, and they discussed which method of solving conflicts was preferable in certain situations. During this workshop, the students learned about the types of matters lawyers handle at Miles & Stockbridge.

Our second workshop highlighted the differences between rules and laws. The students played the parts of lawyers and judges while analyzing how a law should be applied in different scenarios. Our new “lawyers” and “judges” ultimately came to the conclusion that, even though laws may be seem clear and easy to understand, they may not be easily applied to all situations.

Miles & Stockbridge Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator, Dina R. Billian, and University of Maryland School of Law Assistant Director of Admissions, Katrin Hussmann developed and delivered both workshops.

Miles & Stockbridge embraces the values the Squashwise program instills in its participants – teamwork, respect, service, and excellence.   For more information about Baltimore Squashwise, please visit http://baltimoresquashwise.org/. 

The Miles & Stockbridge Recruitment Department

Miles & Stockbridge Hosts Trainings for Local Public Service Organizations

Monday, February 14, 2011
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

Miles & Stockbridge recently hosted two trainings for public service organizations to help them expand outreach to pro bono lawyers in the area.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) trained lawyers to take on cases for unaccompanied children involved in the United States immigration process. Pro bono lawyers do not need experience in immigration law in order to take a matter. KIND’s goal was to provide comprehensive training to its volunteer lawyers in a convenient downtown Baltimore location that would provide them with the tools to help unaccompanied children navigate the immigration process.

Community Law Center (CLC), an organization that provides legal services and assistance to improve the economic viability of local communities, trained lawyers to provide business-related legal services. CLC’s training focused on the formation of non-profits, reviewing by-laws, incorporation, and applying for tax exempt status. “[I]n addition to publicizing the event to colleagues, Miles & Stockbridge provided the CLC with a wonderful downtown space for the training, making it easy for attorneys to attend,” said Robin Jacobs, CLC Staff Attorney.

Miles & Stockbridge encourages not only its lawyers but all lawyers in their communities to volunteer their time, talent, and resources to enhance the lives of those less fortunate. Please consider providing pro bono services to those in need in your neighborhood.

The Miles & Stockbridge Recruitment Department

Miles & Stockbridge Co-Hosts “Debate Judge” Training at University of Maryland School of Law, Providing A Unique Opportunity for Law Students

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

On January 19, 2011, Miles & Stockbridge joined forces with the University of Maryland School of Law to host a training of tournament judges for the Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL). This opportunity is held each January to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King and his call for service: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Four years in a row, Miles & Stockbridge has aligned with BUDL to train law students as judges. During the summer of 2007, BUDL trained our Summer Associates.  Since then, Miles & Stockbridge has expanded its reach out to include other law students, sponsoring the training at The University of Baltimore and University of Maryland law schools. Law students, as natural debaters and deep analytical thinkers, are perfect candidates to judge the high school and middle school debate tournaments. According to one student, “This training was a perfect opportunity for me to learn a valuable skill while enabling me to give back to the community.”

Miles & Stockbridge believes in the mission of the Baltimore Urban Debate League. Our Firm’s special relationship with the organization enables Miles & Stockbridge to further our commitment to mentoring and empowering youth.

The Miles & Stockbridge Recruitment Department.

Recognizing Academic Successes

Friday, January 07, 2011
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

Andrea George, a legal secretary in Miles & Stockbridge’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, recently attended the South Baltimore Learning Center’s 20^th Anniversary Learner Recognition and Graduation Event. Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown was the keynote speaker.

This event, held twice per year in June and December, recognizes adult learners who have earned their high school diploma through completing General Educational Development (GED) classes, or who have demonstrated competency in academic and life skills through the External Development Program (EDP).

Andrea is a 2006 EDP graduate and, at the event, was awarded a scholarship to continue her education. She is currently majoring in business administration at Baltimore City Community College and received a 4.0 GPA for her most recent semester!

We are proud of Andrea and congratulate her on her continued academic success.

Miles & Stockbridge Recruitment Department

We congratulate Laura Celluci and John Celeste

Monday, January 03, 2011
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

Two of our associates, Laura Cellucci and John Celeste, will become principals (partners) as of January 1, 2011. We congratulate Laura Celluci and John Celeste for their hard work, their demonstrated commitment to excellent client service, and their refined legal acumen. 

Laura, who joined our firm laterally in 2004 when we acquired Church, Loker & Silver, is a talented trial lawyer who is known inside our firm for her management skills and her mentoring talents.

John, who joined our firm in 2002 after completing a federal clerkship, is a skilled business and products liability lawyer. But our summer associates know him best as the revered Manager of our firm’s summer Softball Team.   Will John remain the team’s manager after becoming a principal? We think he will!

Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Recruitment Department

The 2010 Miles & Stockbridge Pro Bono Advocate Award Recipients

Monday, December 27, 2010
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

Congratulations to Miles & Stockbridge real estate lawyers, Craig Enck, a principal, and Sebastian Kurian, an associate, for receiving the 2010 Miles & Stockbridge Pro Bono Advocate Award.  Each December, Miles & Stockbridge recognizes individuals whose pro bono work exemplifies the strong tradition of public service by our firm. The recipients of the award then designate a charity to receive a monetary contribution made by the Miles & Stockbridge Foundation.

Craig and Sebastian represented a non-profit organization in the purchase and sale of a critical piece of property, the proceeds of which were used help stabilize and strengthen an inner-city Baltimore neighborhood. Craig was further recognized for his long history of pro bono and public service, including coordinating volunteers for Our Daily Bread, participation in the Plebe Program through the US Naval Academy, and for his work for clients of the Legal Services to the Elderly Program of the Baltimore City Bar Association.

The commitment shown by Craig and Sebastian exemplifies one of Miles & Stockbridge’s Operating Principles:   We make a difference in our communities.  Congratulations, Craig and Sebastian!

Miles & Stockbridge Lawyers Hold “Law Day” Program

Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Posted By: M&S
Category:   M&S Stories

Miles & Stockbridge recently co-sponsored a “Law Day” Program with the Bar Association of Baltimore City Young Lawyer’s Division’s Public Education Committee. Fifteen sixth, seventh, and eight grade students from Baltimore’s Highlandtown Middle School enjoyed lunch with a group of diverse Miles & Stockbridge lawyers to learn more about the day-to-day practice of law. The lawyers spoke about their pathways to law and the focus of their current practices.  The goal of the program was to encourage the middle school students to continue on their paths toward higher education, and perhaps attend law school.

The students were enthusiastic and animated, having just come from their first-ever observation of a circuit court criminal trial. The students asked numerous questions and were engaged, but a little frightened of the “120 pages per night” of reading, as one lawyer told them, that law school required.

Following the lawyers’ discussion, we engaged the students in a conversation about an upcoming case that will be heard by the United States Supreme Court. The case involved the constitutional rights of a thirteen-year old, and the students had many interesting comments and insights.

Miles & Stockbridge demonstrates a strong commitment to mentoring and empowering youth through this and other diversity pipeline programs. Our Firm mentors students through the Community Law in Action Program, holds similar Law Day events for the University of Baltimore Scholars Program, and supports the efforts of the Baltimore Urban Debate League. 

Dina R. Billian

Recruitment Manager & Pro Bono Coordinator

Training Well-Rounded Lawyers through an Early Emphasis on Developing Public Speaking Skills

Friday, August 20, 2010
Posted By: Miles & Stockbridge
Category:   Summer Associates

This past semester at the University of Virginia School of Law, I enrolled in a course entitled "Hallmarks of Distinguished Advocacy" that ended up being one of the most challenging, practical, and enjoyable classes I have come across in law school to date. The class was devoted to developing public speaking and presentation skills, and was led by professors who brought expertise from two different worlds: one, a longtime civil litigator; the other, a former theater actor and director.

While the input of the professors was invaluable, much of the class’s benefit came from the experience of speaking on a regular basis on a variety of topics. Indeed, I had the opportunity to draft and deliver weekly speeches on subjects ranging from introductions of keynote speakers to public policy debates to closing arguments. With notes, without notes; with a podium, without a podium; with visual aids, without visual aids—the course truly ran the gamut.

On the last day of class, the professors urged us to put into practice at our summer jobs the skills we had just spent a semester honing. While everyone appreciated the sentiment, none of my classmates expected to have that opportunity as a Summer Associate. I too was skeptical . . . and then I arrived at Miles & Stockbridge.

On the first day of the summer program, when we received our schedule of events, I realized that Miles recognizes the importance of public speaking skills in the legal profession and places the same emphasis on developing those skills as UVa does. For example, just a short time into the summer, a speaking coach was scheduled to conduct a presentation seminar at the firm—a workshop open not only to Summer Associates, but to the firm as a whole.

While this seminar presented me with an early opportunity to continue developing my presentation skills, I was able to apply those skills in a real-world setting a bit later in the summer. After I wrote a research memorandum for an Associate to prepare him for an upcoming presentation to the Business Department, the attorney offered me the chance to actually present the material myself. In essence, I was entrusted with the task of distilling a complex topic of contract law and its application in Maryland for attorneys who would, in turn, implement that knowledge in practice on a daily basis.

I cannot imagine receiving such early responsibility and experience anywhere else. It is rare that a law school takes the time to foster public speaking ability; it is even rarer that a law firm makes an effort to cultivate that skill at an early stage. This is, of course, just further proof that Miles & Stockbridge is one of a kind in every respect.

Alex Creticos
Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Summer Associate 2010
University of Virginia School of Law J.D. Candidate 2011