Member-Get-A-Member Campaign –
How Are We Doing? by David B. Walls, CAE, CMP
David B. Walls, CAE, CMP, is the executive director of the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association. In this capacity, David is responsible for the overall operations of the Association. Former managing director for ELM Services, Inc., Mr. Walls has spent almost 20 years in the association, meeting planning and hospitality industries. He earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation (June 2004) and earned his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1991.
As you read this article, the MTLA
Member-Get-A-Member contest has reached its halfway mark. The campaign has doubled the number of new members we have historically received at this time during our fiscal year. However, we are FAR from reaching our goal! Currently, 20 MTLA members have
assisted in recruiting 76 new members. Laura Zois, Miller & Zois, LLC, is lead- ing the contest; she has recruited five new members. Beth Frey, Jack H. Olender & Associates, PC, Kevin I. Goldberg, Goldberg, & Finnegan, LLC, Robert J. Zarbin, The Jaklitsch Law Group, John J. Cord, Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC,Alison D. Kohler, Dugan, Babij & Tolley, LLC, and Kenneth M. Berman, Berman, So- bin & Gross, are close behind the leader. The full list of MTLA recruiters and new members can be found on our website (
www.mdtriallawyers.com). Recruiting members is easy. Simply
ask every plaintiff attorney you know if they are a MTLA member. You would be shocked to find out those attorneys and even office colleagues, who you think are members, are not. They are unaware of the tools, resources and benefits you receive everyday as a MTLA member. Think of it, a few well placed inquiries
and you are off to France. So, you’ve asked a colleague if they are
a MTLA member. They say, “No, why should I become a member? You may hesi- tate because MTLA has so many benefits to offer you may not know where to start. Here are my suggestions.
Start with the Listserv MTLA has an active general listserv that
receives thousands of postings per month. Each section also has an active listserv.
Highlight the Sections MTLA offers six sections: auto neg-
ligence, family law, medical negligence, new lawyers, nursing home, and workers’
compensation. Sections bring together peers to discuss and network on areas of common interest. Each section has their own listserv and holds meetings with speakers who focus on current issues and emerging trends.
Discuss the Quality Education Programs This year, we will host 18 programs
throughout Maryland. Many are offered via conference call, so that you don’t have to leave your office. If you have attended any of the programs so far, expand on the valuable information you received from the Deposition Clinic, Criminal Law Seminar, Auto Negligence Seminar, Membership Dinner, Medicare Liens Program, Workers ’ Compensation Seminar, the UM/UIM Teleconference or the Workhorse Conference. You can also talk about how you are looking for- ward to participating in the Membership Dinner and Medical Negligence Dinner in March, the Family Law Seminar and Annual Membership Dinner in April and the President’s Dinner in May.
Access to 317,000 Legal Documents Tell them how the depositions and documents bank connects them to over 317,000 legal documents and briefs. MTLA’s DME bank (debuted at the Workhorse Seminar) gives them pertinent information at their fingertips.
Case Evaluation Clinics Do they have a case that could use some help from a panel of trial experts? MTLA hosts Case Evaluation Clinics. Attorneys participate in confidential case peer re- view. Who couldn’t use another set of eyes or viewpoint?
Wrap it up OK, you have just given your colleague half a dozen reasons to join. If they are still not convinced, dazzle them with your knowledge of our political representation,
committees, meeting space, mentor/men- tee program, publications and networking opportunities you have, but they don’t. If they haven’t joined at this point, call
us! MTLA’s staff is knowledgeable on all details of membership and can discuss the appropriate involvement with your refer- ral. We also have resources (brochures, benefit lists, and testimonials) that can support your viewpoint on the value of membership. Remember to have your colleague
place your name in the “referral” section of the application. Anyone who refers a new member is eligible for monthly prize drawings. John Cord won a DVD player, compliments of LAD Reporting, in September. Harry Siegel won dance lessons, compliments of AMA Report- ing and Technology Group, in October. Monty Yolles won a gift basket including two bottles of fine French wine, com- pliments of Byte Right Technology, in November. MTLA sponsors are providing the monthly prizes. The grand prize is a trip to the south of
France! You will stay at Ruffe, a 200-year- old farmhouse located in a village 300 miles southwest of Paris. The farmhouse is located in wine country and is nestled on gently rolling hills and valleys. The house has four large bedrooms, each with a queen or double bed, two bathrooms and a well equipped kitchen/family room. The grand prize also includes $1,000 towards travel expenses. The contest ends April 6, 2007. The
field is wide open and anyone could win! Ultimately, we all win. With more mem- bers, MTLA can provide more benefits and representation in Annapolis. In the end, it is the client who wins. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Recruit Today! For more details,
visit the MTLA website at
www.mdtrial-
lawyers.com or call the office at (410) 539-4336.
6
Trial Reporter
Winter 2007
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