“I’m excited to help people in this arena, gain new skills, meet and work with more lawyers, and delve into such an important area of law.”

“I hope to gain advice for family law cases so that I can better serve my clients and avoid common mistakes.”

“There is a big need for accessible representation in this area, and specifically within the Latino community of which I am a part.”

“As a newer attorney and solo practitioner, I would like to learn more about practicing Family Law in Maryland.”

“In the future, I aspire to serve as a mentor myself and help guide new volunteers as they enter the field of family law.”

“I believe becoming a member of this cohort will be helpful to my continued development as a family law practitioner.”

“I’m also looking to do more pro bono work in Maryland.”

“I have been practicing law for over 33 years and have mentored many younger attorneys over the years. This has led to great friendships and collaboration and training. It is mutually beneficial to me and the mentees. I enjoy doing this. I enjoy helping to train the next generation of attorneys and to help them grow and hopefully not make any of the mistakes I may have made over the years.”

“I mentor because it is deeply rewarding to help lawyers who are new to family law gain the confidence and tools they need to do their best work for the people who need our help the most.”

“I chose to be a member of the cohort to bravely swim to the mooring line in the choppy seas of Family Law, orient myself, and sink deeper into the murky waters to find what is hidden under the surface and win the battle to breathe easy and open my eyes to something one cannot see from the surface. This is a journey where one learns that panic causes the chaos that separates children from parents and muddies the waters.”

“Family law offers newer practitioners a chance to engage in litigation which is challenging on many levels. There are emotional and financial issues for the clients and their children, mixed in with court procedures and strategies. There are abundant opportunities for courtroom practice, including bench trials. And there is a pressing need for legal representation among those of limited income whom MVLS serves. MVLS has helped me to develop a family law practice and become a better lawyer. As a mentor, I hope to pass that along.”

“I am volunteering as a Mentor for the Family Law Cohort for the second year with MVLS because I’ve seen what happens when families can’t access timely legal help. Too often they remain stuck in limbo, unable to move forward with their lives. By mentoring another attorney in family law, I can help MVLS reach more families who are struggling in Maryland’s access to justice gap.”

“I choose to volunteer with MVLS for a few reasons. I started my career in non-profits and never really thought I’d leave them; I like the work and the people. MVLS cases offer me a sense of balance in my career. Mulinazzi Law Office is very dedicated to volunteering with MVLS and encourages a similar commitment in me. I strongly believe that if you can help, then you should.”

“I have great appreciation for the law, especially in family law, as we possess a tremendous amount of power. Our power to learn, continuously learn, operate with compassion and integrity all while zealously advocating, affects the lives of families and children for years to come. Therefore, when we can, we must be a beacon for any of those who seek to delve into and embrace this awesome responsibility to utilize our powers for the good of those we will ultimately affect!”