University of Maryland CLRN Testimonial

Maryland Project Network Member Feedback

There was consensus among practitioner members of the Maryland Project that the network provides its members with a sense of collegiality that decreases the isolation of solo and small firm practice. 

One member commented that "you are not out there floating on your own - you've got help," mentioning that requests for help are met with immediate responses - "rather than having to spend time on research, you can get help from someone who has done 10 cases like the one you are working on." According to one member: "In essence, it's like being part of a large firm, but still maintaining your independence." Another member describes the network as "a virtual law firm" in which members refer cases to each other in the same way that attorneys in large firms refer cases to their colleagues in other departments. 

Members clearly felt that the network helps members nurture each other's practices by providing advice as well as referrals. The network was described as supportive and providing members with a warm and welcoming environment. One member commented that when happy events, such as a new baby, are announced, the listserv "lights up like a switchboard" with congratulations. Members value being able to refer cases outside their own practice area to others whom they feel share their goal of helping clients and working for social justice. Members also described the network as a rich learning environment, commenting about the shared knowledge base that comes from the diversity and depth of knowledge of the network members. One member noted that it is motivating to be affiliated with a group of attorneys who are committed to the common cause of social justice. Another stated that the network empowers its members to strike a balance between profitability and social good. 

Members also commented about the fact that the network is the vanguard - on the cutting edge - of new technology changes that impact the way attorneys do business. Members described the network as having the potential to become a "virtual law firm" and as creating a "new way to take public interest cases for profit." One member stated that it is "liberating because there are other people I can relate to who have common goals." Another stated that it is "encouraging and refreshing, especially after being on the telephone with an attorney who is an idiot, that can wear down your spirit…. [The network helps get me] motivated again on days when I am feeling isolated."

In describing what sets the network apart from most bar associations and committees, members pointed out that the network is unique because of its mission of and commitment to doing social good. Network members stated that the network could be defined as a special interest group for developing a "doing good and doing well" model of practice. Members take cases that others do not because of their social justice commitment - they do not practice law solely to make money. They have the unique mission of combining social justice with survivability. Their common mission was seen as an essential part of the network. One member pointed out that the local Inns of Court was forced to shut its doors because they did not have a mission that was sufficiently attractive enough to be able to draw and maintain members. Members emphatically agreed that the network is not duplicative of other organizations because they cannot get what they receive from network membership anyplace else.

In addition, members pointed out that other professional associations are hierarchical and competitive in nature and members feel guarded and inhibited at their meetings. The network, on the other hand, is self-directed and provides an "oasis" and a safe haven in which individuals can feel comfortable asking basic questions. It provides a supportive, collaborative, noncompetitive, and nurturing environment. The relationships within the network are forthright in a way that is not available elsewhere - there is a huge difference in trust. And, the network provides a wealth of information that is not readily available elsewhere, such as where to find a quality laboratory or information about a particular commissioner or judge. 

Members spoke about the way law students go to law school with a calling to do social justice work and often emerge jaded, in debt, and feeling pressured to work in a large law firm or a prestigious judicial clerkship. Members spoke with anger about law school experiences in which competitive pressures serve to break law students down and lead to them straying from their original career goals. The network, they felt, counters the competitive and alienating law school culture revives and nurtures their desire and energy to do good. Members see the network as providing a vehicle to enable graduates to answer their calling to serve social justice. Participation in the network, members stated, helps to reinforce their original desire to practice law and work for social justice. And, it provides essential learning about law practice management and helps raise the status of the solo and small-firm practitioner. 

Network members felt strongly that law schools are remiss for leaving practical courses out of their curriculum. Many feel courses should be available on law practice management including: business accounting, how to run a law office, how to practice law, and how to balance the law office workload. Other suggestions included having a set of courses on social justice, a postgraduate course on the nuts and bolts of a social justice practice, and having a 2-tiered clinical program in which graduates could participate for a fee and have students as interns. One member pointed out that the network can serve as a valuable feedback mechanism for law schools to understand the frustrations many of their graduates are experiencing. Another member suggested that law schools might be able to create a source of revenue for supporting practitioner networks by soliciting donations from successful solo and small-firm practitioners and/or by charging fees for referrals to network members.

When asked about how they feel they are able to impact the community because of being part of the network, members stated that they feel they are able to help individuals in the community, especially those above the legal aid criteria. One member described representing a church that the City was trying to close down - if the church were to close, it would have negatively impacted the community. After helping the church remain open, she "let the church pray to decide what to pay me."

When asked how they would like to be quoted in describing the network, members gave the following responses: 

• "creating positive images for the legal profession," 
• "a virtual law firm with a conscience;" 
• "allows us to be change agents rather than maintaining the status quo;" 
• "a virtual law firm of specialists with a common mission;"
• "collaborative, not competitive;" 
• "a community of attorneys;" 
• "a diverse group of lawyers that help each other help their clients;" 
• "a supportive group as well as a professional association;" 
• "building a new model of noncompetitive and supportive network attorneys;"
• "practicing law profitably with a sense of social entrepreneurship;" 
• "main street, not wall street;" 
• "we are saving lives, communities, and families because of our commitment to social justice;" 
• "people who are more interested in doing what is right than in making money;" and
• "money is not the be all and end all - we want to make money but it is not the overriding factor." 

When asked what they felt was essential to the success of their network, members pointed out that the Project Director provides the necessary infrastructure that enables the peer mentoring, referrals, and commitment to social justice. Technology was also seen as an essential piece, especially the listserv that is their main vehicle for ongoing communication. Members spoke about their hope that, in the future, membership in the network would have market value. And, they also felt that the network could help to create a positive image for the legal profession as well as positive role models for students.