Maryland Bar
Bulletin
Publications :
Bar Bulletin
Editor: W. Patrick Tandy
January, 2004
MSBA
Welcomes New Lobbyist
By Janet Stidman
Eveleth
On November 17, 2003,
Richard A. Montgomery, III, joined MSBA’s staff as the Association’s new
Director of Legislative and Governmental Relations. He succeeds Albert “Buz”
Winchester, who retired on November 30 after 16 years of outstanding service to
MSBA and Maryland’s legal community. Montgomery brings a wealth of legislative
and lobbying experience to MSBA, including 15 years as a legislative liaison to
Maryland’s General Assembly, and will serve as MSBA’s exclusive, full-time
lobbyist in Annapolis.
Montgomery has extensive
experience as the legislative representative for the Maryland Governor’s Office
and an advisor to Governors Parris Glendening and William Donald Schaefer. He
holds a B.A. from the University of Maryland in Economics and most recently
served as Director of the Office of Government Relations and Executive
Appointments for the Office of the Secretary for the Maryland Department of
Housing and Community Development. His previous representation includes the
Maryland Departments of General Services and Human Resources.
Montgomery’s legislative
talents reflect a leadership role in the passage of significant legislation
involving a wide range of issues and areas.
“From a field of
approximately 60 interested applicants, many with strong legislative experience,
I selected Richard,” states MSBA Executive Director Paul V. Carlin. “I was
impressed with his lobbying credentials and his knowledge of the Annapolis
governmental environment. I feel confident that Richard will work well with our
officers, Board of Governors, Laws Committee and staff to implement our Board’s
positions.”
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Working with MSBA’s Laws
Committee and Board of Governors, Montgomery will oversee the Association’s
legislative program and maintain contact with state executive, judiciary and
regulatory agencies. His primary role will be the development and execution
of MSBA’s legislative initiatives and policies. The new Director of
Legislative and Governmental Relations will monitor and review all proposed
legislation impacting the legal profession and Maryland lawyers, recommend
positions, represent MSBA at legislative hearings in Annapolis and
constantly update members on the progress of key bills and issues.
In addition, Montgomery
will maintain communication with legislators, legislative committees, the
Governor, relevant executive agencies and other related organizations,
conveying MSBA’s legislative positions and concerns. Working with MSBA
Sections, Committees and local and specialty bar associations across
Maryland, he will cultivate a grassroots network to effectively and
expediently coordinate MSBA’s legislative efforts. He will also serve as a
liaison between MSBA and Maryland’s Judiciary and Executive branches of
government. |
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| Richard Montgomery, III |
Montgomery is excited
about his new position. “I have spent years defending state budget
appropriations, so I am looking forward to tackling substantive changes in the
law that affect the administration of justice and the lives of Maryland
citizens,” he states. After dealing with budget cuts for many years, MSBA’s new
Legislative Director finds it refreshing to address a broad spectrum of legal
issues. “It is going to be interesting learning about a set of new issues,” he
adds.
He has always found
lobbying “fascinating.” Montgomery says, “As a lobbyist, you experience many
different perspectives and engage in the art of compromise.” MSBA’s new lobbyist
hopes to continue the Association’s legislative momentum. “My impression of MSBA
has always been quite positive,” he states. “The Association has a low-key,
highly visible legislative presence in Annapolis and a solid reputation. I want
to maintain this.”
He plans to work closely
with all MSBA entities. “MSBA offers a host of resources that are available
within its membership,” he notes. “Members of our Laws Committee and Board of
Governors in our Sections and Committees and in local and specialty bar
associations serve as valuable legal resources. These ‘thought-leaders’ offer a
great deal of expertise and play a vital role in our grassroots legislative
efforts.”
To this end, as
Montgomery begins his first Legislative session in Annapolis as MSBA’s
representative, he seeks input from MSBA’s members. He will maintain constant
communication with all MSBA entities, including MSBA’s entire membership, to
keep them informed on Association positions and progress. He also encourages
members to communicate with him about their legislative concerns.
“Richard is enthusiastic
about representing MSBA’s interests in Annapolis,” adds Carlin. “He has the
great benefit of working from our program’s excellent foundation which was
established by Buz and our Laws Committee. Now chaired by Michael J. Baxter,
this Committee began meeting weekly earlier this month.”
