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Social Impact Report 2017-18

Letter from the Leaders Table of Contents

Dear Reader,

As chairman and president, respectively, of the law firm of Miles & Stockbridge, we get to enjoy a "bird's Letter from the Leaders ............................................................................... 1
eye" view of the great work and selfless efforts of the firm's Social Impact Committee, an impressive collection
of civic-minded lawyers and administrative staff that oversees and helps coordinate our various community
service initiatives and partnerships. The range of acts and commitments is staggering in its breadth, from Women Rising ................................................................................................ 4
major firm-wide drives to more private, under-the-radar deeds of kindness and philanthropy. The common
thread, though, is the very real and important impact these efforts have had on individuals and families in
need all around us.
The Power of Different Voices ..................................................................... 7

It’s a very specific word: Impact. Merriam-Webster defines it in part as “to have a direct effect on.” We at the
firm have little interest in checking boxes for boxes’ sake, particularly when it comes to social responsibility,
but we are wholly committed to directly effecting real change and tangible improvements to peoples’ lives. Tours of Duty ................................................................................................. 9

When we began discussing the creation of a Social Impact Report, we wanted the publication to serve not
just as a typical “report”—a chronicle of (admittedly important) facts, figures and news—but also to inspire, Supporting Maryland Legal Aid: Straight (Line) Talk .............................. 12
to shed light on a sampling of the good stories we have to tell, as well as some (but most certainly not all) of
the good people and efforts that merit recognition. At the end of the day, the stories that are most important,
and the ones we most want to share, are human stories—real people doing real things to make this firm, our
communities and our world better, more inclusive places for all. Across Our Communities ........................................................................... 15

And we knew that “social impact” as a phrase covers a lot of ground. In the following pages, you will learn
more about our community service endeavors, yes, but also about the firm’s pro bono initiatives, as well as Pro Bono News ............................................................................................ 18
its commitment to diversity, both in terms of internal opportunity and beyond our office walls, in the context
of social justice for all.
Diversity News ............................................................................................. 22
At Miles & Stockbridge, it is imperative to us that we walk the walk, rather than just talk the talk. We
do, however, recognize the value of revealing this side of ourselves to clients and the communities, to both
educate our friends and colleagues regarding the opportunities that are available, as well as proudly honor
the positive impact that our team has had on some of our most vulnerable neighbors. We truly believe good
works breed more good works, and part of our mission is to share the positive impacts our colleagues have
made in order to further promote such efforts.

I hope you enjoy the Miles & Stockbridge 2017-2018 Social Impact Report, and we look forward to revealing
more inspiring stories in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Nancy Greene
Chairman, Miles & Stockbridge

Joe Hovermill,
President & CEO, Miles & Stockbridge 2