Depositions Tese three questions may seem simple enough, but by


sitting down and really thinking about them, your firm will be able to focus and develop a true mission statement.


Analyzing MAJ Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats: Four Key Issues Emerge


After developing the new MAJ mission statement, the


group focused on the results of membership surveys that provided information for the SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Treats). By performing a SWOT analysis, the goal is to value the strengths, improve on the weaknesses, utilize the opportunities and diminish the threats. Using the SWOT analysis, you can identify key issues. From the key issues, comes the strategic focus.


It is


these focuses that will become the strategic plan. Te MAJ Board of Governors honed their focus to


four Key Issues: Diversity, Legislative Advocacy, Member Engagement and Volunteer Development.


Diversity Society no longer sees Diversity as a “Committee.” Te


concept of diversity is integrated and woven throughout ALL business actions and communications. MAJ’s Board, Sections and Committees will be looking


to recruit more members, more diverse members, younger members and improve communications on all levels.


Legislative Advocacy Legislative advocacy for our member’s clients has been


the key focus of the Association for many years. Te Board


has committed to working with the


Legislative Committee to frequently update our members and other stakeholders on the battles and success with the new legislative session starting each January. A second goal is to actively engage MAJ members in the


legislative process. With more members involved, it becomes easier to communicate with their legislators so that their policymakers better understand the reasons why we support or oppose certain legislation. Te third goal is to develop a group of “Legislative


Advocates,” our second string of MAJ members to assist the Legislative Committee with the legislative hurtles. Of course, increasing diversity in this area is important: legislators need to interact with MAJ members who represent clients from all parts of Maryland.


Volunteer Development Board members, Section Co-Chairs, Committee Co-


Chairs, and the members of the Sections and Committees constitute the “volunteers” of the organization. Te volunteers provide the support and direction for the Association. Te current volunteers would like to work with more MAJ members to develop the next generation of volunteers. By recruiting younger and more diverse volunteers, the


organization will reflect the needs of the next generation of leaders.


Member Engagement Most of the discussion and ideas came from this


area. Te group recognizes that “everyone is busy” and the commitments of family and friends are in direct conflict with members involvement with a “volunteer” organization. By using the newest technology and communication


techniques, members can become more involved. Reaching out, getting involved, embracing diversity and


improving the civil justice system through communication were themes that continued to reverberate throughout the weekend and continue today. Te MAJ Strategic Plan is being refined by the Planning Committee and will be available soon. When finished, a copy will be posted on the MAJ website. Te plan will be constantly revisited by the Board, Section and Committee Co-Chairs, and will become the focal point of future projects. I encourage you to read the plan and get involved. Te Association exists to serve its members. We all look forward to working with you. On a personal note, I’d like to thank the MAJ Long


Range Planning Committee and MAJ Staff for their hard work, research and facilitation. Strategic planning sessions are always long and contentious, and a lot of work is needed to get group consensus. Te group worked hard on this year’s plan and I am proud to have been a part of the session. I look forward to executing the plan and working with the staff and volunteers. 


Biography David B. Walls, CAE, CMP is the Executive Director


of the Maryland Association for Justice. In this capacity, Mr. Walls is responsible for the overall operations of the Association. Former managing director for ELM Services, Inc., Mr. Walls has spent more than 30 years in the association, meeting planning and hospitality industries. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 2004 and earned his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Designation in 1991.


Trial Reporter / Winter 2011 7


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