MSBA Leadership Academy
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FELLOW’S FAQS
What is the MSBA Leadership Academy?
How does a person get into the Leadership Academy?
What is the deadline for applications?
What is required on the application?
Do you really count the words in the description to make sure there are only 100 words?
Must you be an MSBA member to submit an application?
Must you be an MSBA member to participate?
What is expected of Leadership Academy Fellows?
Must my employer be told of my participation?
Will the Fellows receive guidance on their Public Service Project?
Who can we contact if we have questions?
When and where are activities held?
Will I be expected to pay for any events?
What programs/activities will I be expected to attend?
Will I be able to bring a guest to any of these events?
Is attendance mandatory?
Can I be dropped from participation for poor attendance?
What happens at the end of the 12 months?
Is there an opportunity to meet with former Fellows or Committee Members to get more detailed information?
What will happen if the Fellows do not produce a Public Service Project?
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What is the MSBA Leadership Academy?
The Maryland State Bar Association Leadership Academy offers a 12 month program designed to assist lawyers become better leaders and offering opportunities for future leadership roles in the MSBA.
Each year 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 a special program 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.
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.
What is the deadline for applications?
March 31 of each year. Applications received after March 31 will NOT be considered.
What is required on the application?
Contact information including an email address and current firm/employer.
A short, 100 words or less, description, on why the individual believes he/she should be chosen to participate (PLEASE NOTE: Any application with a description over 100 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.
Do you really count the words in the description to make sure there are only 100 words?
Yes, when necessary.
Must you be an MSBA member to submit an application?
No
Must you be an MSBA member to participate?
No, but it is encouraged.
What is expected of Leadership Academy Fellows?
There are three components to participation as a Leadership Academy Fellow.
1) The Fellows as a group create and implement a public service project to serve the Maryland community by using their leadership skills. Each class of Fellows develops its own project independent of previous classes. The project is limited to the duration of the Fellowship year. A list of past projects is on the Leadership Academy website.
2) The Fellows will be required to attended monthly meetings/programs on topics to develop leadership skills.
3) The Fellows will be asked to participate with one section or committee during the course of the year.
Must my employer be told of my participation?
No. Please note, however, that 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.
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 some of the Leadership Academy Committee at the Bar President's Conference. 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 listserv to communicate with each other on the project.
Who can we contact if we have questions?
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 are two MSBA staff people assigned to the Leadership Academy Fellows to answer questions.
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 President's Conference in the fall from a Thursday-Saturday and the Annual Meeting in June from Thursday - Saturday.
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.
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 include:
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 in the Fall
Grant Writing
Public Speaking Program with Dale Carnegie
Stress and Time Management Skills
Negotiation Skills
Dinner with Chief Judge Bell
Joint Committee/Fellows Meeting
Saturday Day trip to Gettysburg in May
MSBA Annual Meeting in June from Thursday -Saturday
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.
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.
Can I be dropped from participation for poor attendance?
Yes. We do this very reluctantly but it is not fair to the other Fellows.
What happens at the end of the 12 months?
Two members are invited to be a member of the Committee. In addition each is recommended to the incoming president for participation on an MSBA committee. We also encourage and recommend Section Council participation.
Is there an opportunity to meet with former Fellows or Committee Members to get more detailed information?
Yes. There will be two informational meetings held in Baltimore City and Prince George's County prior to the application deadline. Those dates are listed on the Leadership Academy website.
Also 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.
What will happen if the Fellows do not produce a Public Service Project?
The entire class will be sent adrift on an iceberg in the Bering Sea.
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