Have You Visited Your
Membership Benefits Lately? by David B. Walls, CAE, CMP
As quick as it came, 2007 is gone;
now we are nearly a quarter of the way through 2008. Rather obvious, right? Exactly, but how many things in life are obvious and we either forget them or take them for granted? We move too quickly from one project to the next; from one gadget to the next without really understanding the goal of the project or how the device is meant to help. Fortunately, our members remind me
on a daily basis to step back and focus on the foundations of the organization, and the importance of bringing membership benefits to the nearly 1,200 members of the association. It seems that the most calls we receive
in the office are about the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association’s listserv. It’s no coincidence that the listserv has been rated the No.1 membership benefit. Did you know that MTLA’s general
listserv is different than the section list- serv? Some members don’t know that they are two different entities; therefore, they may not be using this benefit to its fullest extent. The general listserv is available to all
of our members; it is a forum where you can have an online discussion, ask ques- tions, solicit forms and receive advice for your client or cases. Section listservs focus on section-specific topics. There is a nominal fee for the general listserv, but the section listserv fee is included in section dues. An obvious question might be: “if I al-
ready have a section listserv, why should I join the general listserv?” It all comes down to preference and your practice. If your practice is exclusively to one area of the law, then the general listserv may
not help. However, I was speaking with a member recently who was reluctant to join the general listserv only to hear back from them after they joined; they said: “I received one piece of advice from the general listserv and it helped me win my case – thank you.” The choice is yours. If you are not
a member of the general listserv and would like a free trial, contact the staff at the MTLA office. Another benefit of membership is the
MTLA website. Since its recent revision, we are seeing more members logging on and spending more time searching and using the resources. On page 50-51 you will find a two-page, “Navigating MTLA’s Website” guide. This guide will direct and help with searching the Deposition Library, Briefs and Motions, Defense Expert Database, Expert Chal- lenges and previous postings on the general listserv. Enough of the technical; what about
MTLA’s other benefits? I’m glad you asked. On the inside back cover, you will find a full page of MTLA benefits. From affinity programs (special offers and discounts), to educational programs, to meeting space across the state, to pub- lications and the website; over 20 tools and resources are available to enhance your professional development and save you valuable time. Are you taking advantage of all of
your benefits? Each benefit provides the education and resources that makes MTLA membership so valuable. Make sure that you are focusing on all of your benefits. What about the benefits that can take
care of you? In the Summer issue of the Trial Reporter, we will have the 2008
Legislative Update. Here you will learn how hard the legislative committee is working in Annapolis and the results of their efforts. Advocacy is the benefit we work hardest to provide. Here is where a real difference can be made for your practice, the citizens of Maryland and their families. There are also premium occasions
for you to connect with other MTLA members. We are preparing for the transition in the board and committees; we have great upcoming CLE programs and membership dinners. And let’s not forget the President’s Dinner on May 31 all great networking opportunities. I opened this article pointing out that
time passes quickly. In closing, I would like to ask that you stop, for just a mo- ment or two, and remind yourself why you became a member. And to remind yourself that MTLA is here to provide valuable tools for you and your practice that can help you reach your professional goals. Don’t let 2008 pass you by without reconnecting with MTLA. n
About the Author
David B. Walls, CAE, CMP, is the Ex- ecutive Director of the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association. 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 20 years in the association, meeting planning and hospitality industries. He earned the prestigious Certified As- sociation Executive (CAE) designation (June 2004) and earned his Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designa- tion in 1991.
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Trial Reporter
Spring 2008
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