Monday, January 13, 202012A TheDailyRecoRD.com

Civility has been a common topic of discussion in legal presentations and discussions over the past de-cade. Everyone seems to agree (at least outwardly) with the proposition that civility is important in the legal profession. Yet I have found over the course of my legal career that instances of incivil-ity have remained persistent, if not grown.

Civility is de-fined as “[p]olitely circumspect behavior in personal in-teraction; propriety and courtesy in conduct; the absence of rudeness.” CIVILITY, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019). That last part seems to sum it up pretty well – do not be rude. Yelling, interrupting, badmouth-ing, minimizing, undermining. It sounds simple enough to refrain from being rude. Yet I would wager dollars to donuts that everyone reading this article has had an interaction with an-other attorney, likely in the past year, where one or more of those “rude” ac-tions took place. Why the disconnect; and what can we as (young) lawyers do about it?

Zealous advocacy is not an excuse for incivility. You likely recall that, as advocates, we have an obligation to “zealously assert our clients’ position under the rules of the adversary sys-tem.” See ABA Model Rules of Profes-sional Conduct Preamble [2] (2019). There is an interesting dichotomy be-tween zealousness and zealotry. Com-pare the definition of zealous, “incited by fervor; ardently devoted to a per-son or cause”, with the definition of “zealot”, which refers to “[s]omeone who is an immoderate, fanatical, or overzealous adherent to a cause or ideal.” ZEALOUS, Black’s Law Dictio-nary (11th ed. 2019); ZEALOT, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019). The former speaks of ardent devotion, while the latter speaks of immod-eration, fanaticism and, ultimately, over-zealousness.

I caution that there is a not-so-fine line between zealotry and incivility. The problem is that when we stop acting as advocates for our client’s cause, and internalize their goals as our own, it is easy to feel defensive towards an opposition attorney who is pursuing an adverse outcome for their client. We stop seeing other at-torneys as colleagues, and instead see them as attacking our own goals and ideals. And that puts us on the fast track to incivility.

I propose that we, as young law-yers, should make an effort to reg-ularly contemplate our role in the legal system. Consider whether you are acting as a devoted advocate of your client’s cause, or if you are act-ing like a fanatic – either to your cli-ent’s or your own pursuit of success. It is easier to be civil and kind to our colleagues and opposing counsel if we recognize that they are not our enemy or adverse to us, they are sim-ply doing their job and advancing the

position of their client (hopefully in a zealous, yet civilized, way).

Second, it is important to re-member that civility should not be reserved for personal interactions. I have seen many instances where the same attorney who has consistently written scathing emails and letters becomes incredibly cordial outside the courtroom doors or at a bar func-tion. Of course, this is not always the case. But deep down, whether we act out our spoken commitment to civil-ity or not, I believe we all recognize incivility and that it is something that is or should be avoided in society. When you remove the electronic bar-rier between people, and recognize that other eyes are watching your ac-tions, it is much more difficult to act in an uncivilized way that you know is wrong.

I have two suggestions. First, get involved in activities that put you face to face with other attorneys in your field. It is easy to demonize or think the worst of other attorneys that we only know from a firm bio, pleadings, emails, and perhaps a few phone calls. But when we put our-selves in social situations, and take time to speak with these people about matters other than the cases we are working on, it takes away the adver-sity and leaves room for a connection to be established. You will be more likely to be polite and considerate of someone you have met. Second, con-sider picking up the phone and talking through a problem before blasting off an email. A follow up email or letter to confirm a discussion may still be a good idea, but a discussion will help clear up misunderstandings that can arise from a written communications lack of tone and body language. At the least, a phone call will allow time to cool down before putting fingers to keyboard. Whatever you do, just try to remember that it is important to be civil even when no one is watching.

Finally, try to speak up against incivility. If you hear a colleague badmouthing another attorney, or repeatedly interrupting someone, let them know. Or at the least, fight the urge to join the group. Keep your mouth shut or walk away. Perhaps you could have a private conversa-tion with, or provide kind word to, the recipient of the uncivilized actions. I recognize that this can be particularly difficult for a young lawyer when the rude behavior is coming from a per-son in a position of authority, whether it is a judge, a boss or a client. So I would challenge all attorneys who espouse the merits of civility, partic-ularly those who find themselves on equal footing with others who are acting in an uncivilized manner, to act out against incivility.

We can, and should, all care about being better attorneys and better peo-ple as part of our growth journey. I hope that you will take the time this decade to work towards contributing to the growth of civility in your life and in our profession. I wish all of you the best in 2020 and the years to follow.

Happy New Year! The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment guar-anteeing and protecting women’s con-stitutional right to vote, a right known as women’s suffrage. The amendment was ratified on Au-gust 18, 1920. The 19th Amendment states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” In light of this historic year, I would like to start the new year recognizing the work of The Women’s Law Center of Maryland (WLC).

WLC was incorporated in 1972 to address overt discrimination against women, and its early supporters or-ganized to protect the legal rights of women. WLC provides legal repre-sentation in the areas of family law, domestic violence, and employment law. There is a detailed timeline on the WLC website which provides informa-tion about some of the impactful liti-gation and issues they have advocated for during the last 40 years. Through several legal projects, including the Protection Order Advocacy and Rep-resentation Project (POARP) and the Multi-Ethnic Domestic Violence Proj-ect (MEDOVI), WLC helps over 7,000 litigants every year. POARP provides free legal representation to Baltimore City, Baltimore County, or Carroll County litigants who are seeking pro-tective orders due to abuse. MEDOVI provides “immigration legal services to persons born outside of the United States who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human sex trafficking.” MEDOVI staff help de-termine whether a person qualifies for legal status in the United States. WLC will also help one apply for immigra-tion benefits at no/low cost to the ap-plicant, regardless of gender.

WLC has several projects to assist women with family and employment law matters including the Judicare Project, Class Project, and Limited Scope Representation Project. The Ju-dicare Project provides pro bono repre-sentation in contested custody matters in Baltimore County. The Class Project represents litigants who re victims of domestic violence in “collateral legal matters including divorce, custody, landlord/tenant matters, and other issues.” Their Limited Scope Repre-sentation Project allows litigants to re-ceive legal advice and representation for specific parts of their domestic mat-ters. Additionally, the WLC has family law and employment law hotlines that are operated by experienced attorneys. The family law hotline is jointly staffed

by WLC and Maryland Legal Aid and informs litigants of their rights pertain-ing to custody, divorce, visitation, and child support. The Employment Law hotline informs individuals of their rights regarding pay inequality, sexual harassment, or discriminatory hiring or promotional practices.

The mission of WLC is to “ensure the physical safety, economic secu-rity, and autonomy of women through-out the State. They work towards this goal by providing direct legal repre-sentation, information, and referral services, and legislative advocacy.” This mission reflects the concerns of human rights organizations around the world. According to a report pub-lished by the World Justice Project in March 2019, women face unique social and institutional barriers to justice and finding viable solutions to their legal problems due to gender discrimina-tion, social stigmas, lack of knowledge of their rights as well as economic and educational disadvantages. Problems related to employment, housing, ed-ucation, health and family life are the most commonly faced legal issues for women. According to the National Women’s Law Center, 9.4% of women in Maryland, live in poverty. The na-tional average is 12%. Globally, 53% of women reported experiencing legal problems within the last two (2) years, yet only 13% turned to an authority to help them resolve the problem. This re-port demonstrates that knowing where to get help for the problem is half of the battle. 67% of women who resolved their issue, knew where to get legal advice compared with 52% of women whose legal problems go unresolved. Additionally, of women who reported having a legal problem, 42% experi-enced a hardship as a result of their problem. “More than 1 in 4 women (29%) reported experiencing a physical or stress-related illness as a result of their legal problem, and more than 1 in 5 women (21%) lost their job or needed to relocate.” Thus having an impact on a woman’s ability to participate in the economy and in public life.

For several years the Women’s Law Center of Maryland has provided in-valuable services to women throughout the state of Maryland. Through litiga-tion, and legislative advocacy, they give a voice to women who might not otherwise speak for themselves. If you are interested in learning more about WLC, please visit their website at www.wlcmd.org.

Resources:The Women’s Law Center of Mary-

land, www.wlcmd.org.The World Justice Project, world-

justiceproject.org, Women’s Access to Justice: A Global Snapshot, March 8, 2019.

The National Women’s Law Center, www.nwlc.org.

The President’s Message:Women’s Law Center

Young Lawyers’ Division Update:An Easy New Year’s Resolution –

Choose Civility in the 2020s

Ethics Hotline Volunteer William Beveridge: 410-244-7005Michael I. Gordon: 410-659-1306

The Hon. Dana Middleton

Joseph Pulver

Monday, January 13, 2020 TheDailyRecoRD.com 13A

C I T Y B A R B R I E F SNotice of Appointment of BABC and YLD Nominating Committees

The Nominating Committee of the Bar Association of Baltimore City, comprised of Kelly Hughes Iverson, Chair, Robert D. Anbinder, Mary Cina Chalawsky, Lauren E. Lake, Divya Potdar, Valda G. Ricks, and Fabian D. Walters, Jr. The Committee will meet in early February to interview and nominate candidates for the offices of President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, three Elected Members to the Executive Council who are not young lawyers, and our Association’s Del-egate to the American Bar Association. The Committee will also nominate four representatives to serve a two-year term on the Maryland State Bar Association Board of Governors for the First District (Baltimore City). Members interested in any of these positions should submit a letter and resume to Kelly Hughes Iverson, Esq., Chair, Nominating Committee, The Bar Association of Baltimore City, 111 N. Calvert Street, Suite 627, Baltimore, MD 21202, or submit electronically to ksan-zone@baltimorebar.org. Resumes must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.

The Nominating Committee of the Young Lawyers’ Division (Divya Potdar, Chair, Richard L. Adams, Aaron DeGraffenreidt, Michael J. March, Jr., Angela Pal-lozzi, Rachel Samakow, and Kerri L. Smith) is soliciting applications for the fol-lowing YLD positions for the 2019-20 Bar year: Chair Elect; Treasurer; Secretary; three Members-at-Large; and one Elected Member. Applications may be made by anyone who is a young lawyer and a member of the BABC. Any member of the BABC may recommend the name of any Division member for consideration by the Nominating Committee. If you are interested in being considered for any of the above positions, please write to Divya Potdar, Chair, YLD Nominating Committee, c/o Bar Association of Baltimore City, 111 N. Calvert Street, Suite 627, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, or email to info@baltimorebar.org. Your letter and resume must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2020. All applicants or recommended persons must be available for an interview by the Nominating Committee.

Pathways to Leadership for Women – January 29On Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m., in Room 504, Clar-

ence Mitchell Courthouse, 100 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, the Bar As-sociation of Baltimore City’s Historical Committee, chaired by Elva E. Tillman, Esq. presents Pathways to Leadership for Women. Our guest speaker, Elaine Weiss, author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote, will discuss the efforts by the suffragettes as they battled the anti-suffragettes throughout the country and how racism served as one of the underlying strategies anti-suffragettes used in an attempt to defeat the 19th Amendment. The year 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of this amendment. Lunch generously sponsored by Baltimore Bar Library, Diane C. Bristow, Esq., The Honorable Theresa A. Furnari, and Elva E. Tillman, Esq. Admission is FREE for BABC members, Non-members – $40. Space is Limited – Register Early! BABC Members may register by emailing info@baltimorebar.org. Non-members may register at www.baltimorebar.org. THE BAR ASSOCIATION OF

BALTIMORE CITY SUSTAINING MEMBERS

The BABC thanks the following members for their generous support!

Hon. Edward J. Angeletti

Jonathan M. Binstock

Stanley H. Block

Charles M. Blomquist

Hon. Pamila J. Brown

Samuel Owen Cole

Tiffani Sterrette Collins

Hon. Marcella A. Holland

Milos Jovanovic

Darren L. Kadish

Hon. Robert B. Kershaw

Paul R. Kramer

William R. Levasseur

Hon. Lynn Stewart Mays

Margaret A. Mead

Hon. John P. Miller

James W. Motsay

Divya Potdar

Lydia S. Robinson

Linda L. Shields

Steven L. Tiedemann

Elva E. Tillman

Hon. Tony F. Vittoria

Christopher R. West

Justin Wright

Mark A. Yost, Jr.

The Bar Association of Baltimore City Personal Injury Litigation Committee

Alison D. Kohler, Esq., Chair

Presents

Tips for Effective Opening Statements & Closing Arguments

Friday, January 24, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Clarence Mitchell Jr. Courthouse 100 N. Calvert Street, Room 504

Baltimore, MD 21202

Join us for a panel discussion on tips and best practices for opening statements and closing arguments, as well as the legal standards for each.

Guest Speakers

Moderator

Sara E. Gross, Esq.

Chief Solicitor, Baltimore City Department of Law

Admission is FREE for BABC members. Non-members - $40* Space is Limited – Register Early! RSVP to info@baltimorebar.org. Non-members may register at www.baltimorebar.org.

Lunch generously sponsored by: CRC Salomon

*Non-members can join the BABC and apply this fee towards their membership dues. Join at www.baltimorebar.org. For more information, email info@baltimorebar.org.

The Honorable Cynthia H. Jones Circuit Court for Baltimore City

Chaz R. Ball, Esq. Schlachman, Belsky & Weiner, P.A.

Kurt A. Heinrich, Esq. Chief Solicitor, Baltimore City Department of Law

On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., the Young Law-yers’ Division’s Continuing Legal Education Committee, Sarah P. Belardi, Esq. and Holly A. Leasure, Esq., Co-Chairs, presents Breakfast with the Bench with The Honorable Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill, Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Judge Fletcher-Hill will discuss Civil Motions from the Administrative Perspec-tive. This event will be held at the offices of Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP, 7 St. Paul Street, 19th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. Continental breakfast provided. Admission is FREE for BABC members, Non-members – $40*. BABC members may register by e-mailing to info@baltimorebar.org. Non-members may reg-ister at www.baltimorebar.org, or by calling 410-539-5936. Space is Limited – Register Early!

On Friday, January 24, 2020, from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., in Room 504, Clarence Mitchell Courthouse, 100 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, the Bar Associ-ation of Baltimore City’s Personal Injury Litigation Committee, Alison D. Kohler, Esq., Chair, presents Tips for Effective Opening Statements and Closing Ar-guments. Join us for a panel discussion on tips and best practices for opening statements and closing arguments, as well as the legal standards for each. Our guest speakers are: The Honorable Cynthia H. Jones, Circuit Court for Baltimore City; Chaz R. Ball, Esq., Schlachman, Belsky & Weiner, P.A.; and Kurt A. Hein-rich, Esq., Chief Solicitor, Baltimore City Department of Law. The program will be moderated by Sara E. Gross, Esq., Chief Solicitor, Baltimore City Department of Law. Lunch generously sponsored by CRC Salomon. Admission is FREE for BABC members, Non-members – $40*. BABC members may register by e-mailing to info@baltimorebar.org. Non-members may register at www.baltimorebar.org, or call 410-539-5936. Space is Limited – Register Early!

On Monday, February 10, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., in Room 504, Clar-ence Mitchell Courthouse, 100 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, the Bar Association of Baltimore City’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, James W. Motsay, Esq., Chair, presents The New Standards are here for Mediators, What Do I Do Differently as a Mediator? Our presenters will discuss com-paring the past standards with the new standards, and what the new standards mean for Mediators and their practice. Our guest speakers from the Maryland Judiciary Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office are: Heather V. Fogg, Quality Assistance Director; Cynthia M. Jurrius, Esq., Court ADR Resources Director; and Emmett J. Ward, MA, Alternative Dispute Resolution Resources Coordinator. The program will be moderated by James W. Motsay, Esq., Motsay & Lay, Attorneys at Law. Participants will receive 2.0 hours of ethics credit. Admission is FREE for BABC members, Non-members – $40*. BABC members may register by e-mailing to info@baltimorebar.org. Non-members may register at www.baltimorebar.org, or call 410-539-5936. Space is Limited – Register Early!

*Non-members can join the BABC and apply this fee towards their member-ship dues. Join at www.baltimorebar.org. For more information, email info@baltimorebar.org.

C O N T I N U I N G L E G A L E D U C A T I O N

Monday, January 13, 202014A TheDailyRecoRD.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LAW FIRM SPONSORS

Law Offices of Peter T. NichollBaker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC

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Law Offices of Frank F. Daily, P.A.Fedder & Garten, P.A.

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For information about our sponsorship program, visit us at www.baltimorebar.org, email info@baltimorebar.org, or call

Bar headquarters at 410.539.5936.

Special Thanks to Our Annual Corporate Sponsors

The Bar Association of Baltimore City encourages its members to patronize

the following businesses that generously support our organization. When you

contact our sponsors, please mention this ad and that you are a member of the Bar

Association of Baltimore City.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

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For information about Sponsorship Opportunities, call Bar Headquarter at 410-539-5936.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!JANUARY 22

CLE YLD Breakfast with the Bench

The Honorable Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill

JANUARY 24

CLE Tips for Effective Opening Statements

and Closing Arguments

JANUARY 29

Pathways to Leadership for Women

FEBRUARY 10

CLE The New Standards are here for Mediators,

What Do I Do Differently as a Mediator?

FEBRUARY 18

Black History Month Program “Race, Gender and the Law”

MARCH 17

Women’s History Month Program “Pathways to Leadership for Women”

MARCH 24 & 26

Baltimore Bar Foundation’s Spaghetti Opera Nights at Chiapparelli’s

MARCH 28

Greenmount Cemetery Tour

APRIL 7

Constitutional Law Seminar Maryland Constitution

MAY 21

BABC, YLD & BBF Annual Meeting

MAY (TBA)

Annual Memorial Services

JUNE 22

Baltimore Bar Foundation Annual Golf Outing

Monday, January 13, 2020 TheDailyRecoRD.com 15A

The Bar Association of Baltimore City Historical Committee Elva E. Tillman, Esq., Chair

Presents

Pathways to Leadership for Women

The 19th Amendment granted Women the right to Vote. It was passed by Congress June 4, 1919 and ratified on August 18, 1920. The year 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary. Join us for a presentation by Elaine Weiss, author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote, on this monumental milestone which was only achieved after a lengthy and difficult struggle. Women gained their right to vote a half century after black men were granted the right to vote. Ms. Weiss will discuss the efforts by the suffragettes as they battled the anti-suffragettes throughout the country and how racism served as one of the underlying strategies anti-suffragettes used in an attempt to defeat the Amendment. In addition, the impact of the suffrage movement will be addressed. By the early twentieth century, women were able to attend college and obtain degrees in professions that were previously only held by men. Greater numbers of women entered into male dominated professions like law, medicine, politics and business. The Women’s Suffrage Movement allowed women to secure a pathway towards leadership.

Lunch Generously Sponsored By: Baltimore Bar Library, Diane C. Bristow, Esq., The Honorable Theresa A. Furnari, & Elva E. Tillman, Esq.

Admission is FREE for BABC Members, Non-members $40. Space Limited – Register Early!

BABC Members may register by emailing info@baltimorebar.org. Non-members may register at www.baltimorebar.org.

Elaine Weiss Wednesday, January 29, 2019

12:oo noon – 1:oo p.m. Clarence Mitchell Courthouse

100 N. Calvert Street, Room 504 Baltimore, MD 21202

YLD Breakfast with the Bench

The Honorable Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill

Circuit Court for Baltimore City

Civil Motions from the Administrative Perspective

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP

7 St. Paul Street, 19th Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21202

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Admission is FREE for BABC members

Non-members - $40*

Space is Limited – Register Early!

BABC members may register by e-mailing info@baltimorebar.org

Non-members may register online at www.baltimorebar.org,

or call 410-539-5936

*Non-members can join the BABC and apply this fee towards their membership dues. Join at www.baltimorebar.org. For more information, email info@baltimorebar.org.

Nominations close January 14, 2020

Nominations can be made online at thedailyrecord.com/influential-marylanders/nominate

Editors of The Daily Record will select Influential Marylanders across 11 categories to be honored for their dedication, passion and commitment to their businesses and the state of Maryland. The awards are given in the categories of civic leadership, communications, education, finance, freestyle, general business, health care, law, philanthropy, real estate and technology. The Daily Record editors will review all nominations and add their own selections when identifying the final list of winners.

For event information and sponsorship information, contact Erin McLaughlin at 443-524-8161 or emclaughlin@thedailyrecord.com

AWARDS CELEBRATION: MARCH 26, 2020The Grand Lodge of Maryland, 304 International Circle Cockeysville, MD 21030