THE MANY FACES OF PROFESSIONALISM

Three recent Bar events have confirmed my optimistic view of the future of our profession. On May 9 and 10, Ed Fee, Ed Gilliss, Mary Kramer, John Nagle, Debra Schubert, Keith Truffer and I had the opportunity to represent Baltimore County lawyers at the Maryland State Bar Association’s Board of Governors Retreat in Charlottesville, Virginia. A highlight of the conference was a presentation by Harry S. Johnson, the incoming and 100th President of the MSBA. As the first African American president of the state bar, Harry stressed that we have come a long way in the State of Maryland. His leadership and vision will move us farther ahead into 2004.


On May 12, the Professionalism Task Force of the Court of Appeals of Maryland chaired by Judge Lynne A. Battaglia held an open forum at the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Conference Center. The participation of the over 150 lawyers and judges present evidences the great value that the Baltimore County Bench and Bar places on professionalism. The dialogue included lawyers with only several years of experience and senior counsel with as much as 60 years at the Bar. In the process of examining the many faces of professionalism in our County, it was very clear that most lawyers and judges are invested in the movement addressing integrity, competence, civility and public service with our colleagues, clients , courts and communities.


On May 22, the BCBA hosted the annual Past Presidents Dinner. Over 26 lawyers and judges convened for what Harry Johnson calls a Back to the Future experience. We are fortunate that we have the wisdom and input of these Bar leaders as vital resources to help us chart a course for the Association’s future.


In closing, I would like to thank you for the privilege of serving as your President. Since its formation on May 21, 1920, our Association has excelled at its primary mission “of maintaining the honor and integrity of the profession of law.” Without any doubt, these past twelve months working with the Executive Council, Committee Chairs and our professional Bar staff have been the high point of my 26 years at the Bar. I especially want to thank John Nowicki, Heather Martin and Carol Otte for their support and guidance. Thank you as well for the opportunity to represent our County on the MSBA Board of Governors during the next two years.