Among the Maryland State Bar Association’s (MSBA) greatest assets is its extraordinary community of legacy lawyers—those who have practiced law for 40 years or more and whose dedication, wisdom, and leadership have shaped our profession for decades. As I reflect on my tenure as president, I am filled with deep gratitude to these remarkable attorneys, many of whom have personally guided and inspired me. Their generosity of spirit and service continues to strengthen MSBA and ensure its enduring impact on Maryland’s legal community.
Honoring the Legacy
Every stage of a legal career is significant, but the milestone of 40 years in practice carries special distinction. Legacy lawyers embody the collective memory of our profession—the traditions, values, and professional standards that define what it means to be a Maryland lawyer. They have lived through transformative shifts in the law, technology, and society, yet have remained steadfast in their service to justice and mentorship.
Throughout my presidency, I was privileged to benefit from the counsel and encouragement of many such legacy lawyers—past MSBA presidents, mentors, judges, colleagues, and friends. Their perspective and calm in the face of complexity, their sense of humor born of experience, and their empathy for those at earlier stages of their journey have been invaluable. Their quiet leadership continues to set the tone for what it means to lead with grace and integrity.
Establishing a Legacy Lawyers Committee
Recognizing the immeasurable contributions of these distinguished members, MSBA is launching an initiative to establish a Legacy Lawyers Committee to celebrate, engage, and connect attorneys who have practiced law for 40 or more years. This committee will serve as both a forum for fellowship and a channel for continued professional involvement. We need you!
The committee’s goals include developing customized programming, fostering mentorship opportunities, and curating social and educational events tailored to legacy lawyers’ interests and needs. Whether it be practice transition planning, legacy-building, or simply gathering to share stories and camaraderie, this group will highlight the vitality and value of those who have spent a lifetime in the law.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Angela Munro ([email protected]).
Bridging Generations
Legacy lawyers and emerging attorneys have much to offer one another. The wisdom gained through decades of service complements the innovation and creativity of newer lawyers entering the profession today. When these generations connect, our bar community grows richer and more resilient.
As part of my initiatives this year, we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to building those bridges—offering programs that pair experienced practitioners with younger colleagues for mentorship and collaboration. A first-year lawyer navigating their inaugural trial can gain invaluable confidence through the counsel of someone who has managed countless courtrooms. Conversely, experienced attorneys are often energized and inspired by the passion of newer lawyers as they discover their professional purpose. It is this balance of tradition and renewal that keeps the practice of law alive and evolving. Indeed, we have been fortunate to have these experienced lawyers leading our skills trainings throughout my presidency year—and at the upcoming Legal Summit—and they are the reason these programs are selling out.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
As legacy lawyers contemplate life beyond full-time practice, many face new questions: How do I transition my clients responsibly? How can I remain connected to the legal community? What meaningful paths can I pursue with my skills and experience?
MSBA is uniquely positioned to provide answers and support. Through specialized seminars and shared resources, we can assist lawyers in navigating succession planning, protecting client interests, and preparing ethically and practically for retirement or reduced practice. Beyond logistics, we hope to help members design purposeful next chapters—whether through teaching, mentoring, arbitrating, volunteering, or engaging in civic leadership. The goal is to continue using their profound expertise in ways that serve both the profession and the broader community. To that end, we ask that you reach out to headquarters and volunteer your time, ideas, and energy to building this new committee and the programming around it. This is your MSBA, and we want you to see the value added.
Celebrating Presence and Participation
Whenever legacy lawyers attend MSBA events, their participation elevates the entire gathering. Their presence links MSBA’s rich past with its dynamic present and aspiring future. They remind us of the progress we have made and anchor us in the shared values that will always define our work.
We are profoundly grateful for their continued involvement—whether at section meetings, CLE programs, social events, or our annual meeting. Simply put, their presence matters. It brings perspective, reinforces professionalism, and reminds us that the law is more than a career—it is a calling sustained by those who have lived it fully.
Looking Toward the Future
As we look forward, MSBA’s promise is clear: we will continue to recognize and honor our legacy lawyers, not just for their accomplishments, but for their enduring presence as mentors, standard-bearers, and friends. The creation of the Legacy Lawyers Committee is only the beginning of what we hope will become an even stronger culture of appreciation and connection across all generations of lawyers.
MSBA is, and always has been, a community that values continuity, mentorship, and purpose. Our legacy lawyers—attorneys who have practiced for 40 years or more—embody those ideals. It is through their dedication and example that the Maryland legal profession continues to flourish. Their legacy is our foundation. And our shared mission is to ensure it endures for generations to come.