What is the MSBA Leadership Academy?
The Maryland State Bar Association Leadership Academy is a 12 month program designed to assist lawyers in becoming better leaders and offering opportunities for future leadership roles in the MSBA.
Each year (up to) 15 Fellows are chosen from applications submitted to the MSBA. During their term, the Fellows will spend time attending MSBA events, developing and implementing a public service project, as well as, attending special programs on public speaking, media relations, interviewing skills, conducting effective meeting, budgeting and many other related areas. Fellows establish a relationship with past Bar Presidents and current bar leaders to learn more about the MSBA and to enhance leadership skills.
Team building is a significant part of the Academy, wherein the Fellows develop relationships that will last long after the Academy. The skills the Fellows learn will benefit the MSBA, the local or specialty bar associations and the public as a whole.
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How does a person get into the Leadership Academy?
Starting in January of each year, individuals may submit an application which is available on line at www.msba.org. In addition, many local and specialty bar associations and other members encourage individuals to submit an application.
All Local and Specialty Bar Associations are sent information about the Leadership Academy and asked to inform their members about the program.
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What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for the 2013-2014 Leadership Academy Class is Monday, March 25, 2013.
Applications received after March 25th will NOT be considered. Applications can be mailed, faxed or emailed to:
Maryland State Bar Association
Attention: Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne, CMP
Director of Meetings & Bar Liaison
520 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Fax: 410-837-0518
Email: WClaiborne@msba.org
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Who should I contact if I have questions about the application?
Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne
410-685-7878
800-492-1964
WClaiborne@msba.org
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What is required on the application?
- Contact information including an email address and current firm/employer.
- A short, 150 words or less, description, on why you believe you should be chosen to participate in the program.
(PLEASE NOTE: Any application with a description over 150 words will NOT be considered.)
- An updated resume.
- A list of all organizations in which individual has participated.
- Two personal/professional references with contact information.
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Do you really count the words in the description to make sure there are only 150 words?
Yes, in order to be considered it must 150 words or less.
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Must you be an MSBA member to participate?
Yes. If you are not currently an MSBA member, you can JOIN ONLINE.
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What is expected of Leadership Academy Fellows?
There are three components to participation as a Leadership Academy Fellow.
- The Fellows, as a group, create and implement a public service project to serve the Maryland community. Each class of Fellows develops its own project independently of previous classes. The project is limited to the duration of the Fellowship year. A list of past projects are on the Leadership Academy website
- The Fellows will be required to attended monthly meetings/programs on topics to develop leadership skills.
- The Fellows will be asked to participate with one section or committee during the course of the year.
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Must my employer be told of my participation?
No, you do not need to inform your employer, however, you will be expected to attend evening meetings as well as, two overnight events which will require you to be out of the office so it is highly recommended.
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Will the Fellows receive guidance on their Public Service Project?
The project is to be developed by the Fellows. They will present their ideas to the Leadership Academy Committee at the Bar President's Conference in September/October. However, the project is the sole responsibility of the Fellows.
The Fellows will be responsible for assigning duties for the project and meetings if necessary to make certain all tasks are completed.
The MSBA will provide the Fellows its own private Email List to communicate with each other on the project.
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Who can we contact if we have questions after being selected as a Fellow?
Each Fellow will be assigned a mentor who is a member of the Leadership Academy Committee. The Committee oversees the Fellows and the activities. Each Committee member is responsible for one of the programs throughout the year. In addition, there is an MSBA staff person (Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne) who is assigned to the Leadership Academy Fellows to answer questions.
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When and where are activities held?
Meetings are usually held in the evenings at locations throughout the state. However, there are a number of meetings that are held on Saturdays. In addition, you will be required to attend the Bar Presidents’ Conference in the fall from a Thursday-Saturday and the Annual Meeting in June from Thursday - Saturday.
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Will I be expected to pay for any events?
No. The MSBA pays for all expenses and meals but DOES NOT pay for travel expenses to any of the events.
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What programs/activities will I be expected to attend?
There are programs/activities each month which are designed to provide skills to help develop leadership skills. Those activities have included:
- Welcome Reception in July at Westminster Hall, Baltimore
- Team Building Activity in July or August
Working with Different Personalities on a Saturday in August or September
- Local and Specialty Bar President's Conference from Thursday - Saturday, September or October
- Grant Writing
- Public Speaking Program with Dale Carnegie
- Stress and Time Management Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Dinner with Chief Judge Bell
- Joint Committee/Fellows Meeting
- MSBA Annual Meeting in June from Thursday -Saturday
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Will I be able to bring a guest to any of these events?
For the overnight events, you may bring a guest at your own expense.
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Is attendance mandatory?
While emergencies will always happen, your attendance is expected at all events. You will be given ample notice for dates. You need to make a commitment for attendance for the 12 month period.
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Can I be dropped from participation for poor attendance?
Yes. We do this very reluctantly but it is not fair to the other Fellows.
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What happens at the end of the 12 months?
Two members are invited to be a member of the Committee. We encourage and recommend MSBA Committee participation.
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Is there an opportunity to meet with former Fellows or Committee Members to get more detailed information?
Listed on the website are the names and contact information of all past Fellows. You are free to contact any of them for additional information
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