By Patrice Meredith Clarke and Sarah L. Smith 

In a time when change is constant, celebrating 70 years is an extraordinary achievement. For those of us who have had the privilege of watching MAJ grow, adapt, and shape the narrative for Plaintiffs’ lawyers in Maryland, now is a time to reflect not just on the past, but on the profound impact that such longevity signifies. When MAJ was founded, the world was a very different place. We were less connected, and technology was still emerging, but the challenges we faced were similar: our clients were harmed and needed a voice, corporations and insurance companies put profits over people, and the citizens of Maryland needed passionate and dedicated lawyers who understood that access to the courts leveled the playing field.  

When it began, MAJ had a vision to serve lawyers in our field to provide information, share knowledge, and be a catalyst for progress and change. Today, seven decades later, we find ourselves in a rapidly evolving industry, but MAJ’s legacy is firmly embedded in the fabric of what we have accomplished together. This anniversary is not just about reflecting on years gone by; it is about celebrating the milestones we have achieved together, the legislation we have helped to pass, the stories we have shared, and the relationships we have built over time. It is about honoring the vision of the founders of MAJ who recognized the need for a dedicated organization in a fast moving and ever-changing world where the Plaintiff is often the David facing Goliath. As we look back, it is impossible not to marvel at the incredible journey that has brought us to this point.  

This special issue of Trial Reporter contains updates to articles from years past that are still relevant today. They show how far we have come, and how little has changed. We are still fighting stigma against trial lawyers. We are still disproving myths of runaway verdicts. We are still showing the citizens of Maryland that we are willing to fight for their rights not only in the courts, but in the legislature.   

MAJ is only as good as its members—and MAJ is an incredible organization. Our members are dedicated, hardworking and willing to share their wisdom, triumphs and failures with one another. They are quick to send a research memo or draft of a motion, they are willing to refer a fellow attorney and they are committed to improving our profession as a whole. But MAJ is not just focused on its members and their professional practices—MAJ is also committed to improving the lives of everyone in Maryland. 

The MAJ Foundation has awarded grants to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting our most vulnerable citizens. These organizations include The Center for Hope, Disability Rights Maryland, and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. MAJ awards scholarships to law students committed to trial advocacy, and encourages law students and young lawyers to join the organization where they can learn and make connections to advance their careers.  

Members of MAJ have also seen the growth and creation of section groups and caucuses—groups of dedicated attorneys with a shared passion for particular issues. To name just a few, the Minority Caucus has been critical to the growth and empowerment of diverse members in our organization, and the Women’s Caucus has become a space for female trial attorneys to support and inspire one another. The Civil Rights and Constitutional Law Section is a platform for attorneys protecting and restoring fundamental rights and freedoms of their clients to work collaboratively and seek support. The Disability Benefits, Medical Negligence and Nursing Home Sections all work in their own ways to protect and lift up some of our most vulnerable citizens, while the Auto Negligence, Family Law and Workers’ Compensation Sections help their clients navigate the complex issues they face every day.  The Legislative Committee works tirelessly in Annapolis to protect the rights of Maryland citizens to access the civil justice system.  

As we mark this incredible milestone, we stand not only on the shoulders of those who have come before us—we are poised for the next chapter. MAJ is committed to lifting up and educating the next generation of attorneys who will continue the fight for the rights of injured people and correct injustices. The story of MAJ is far from over—it is evolving, adapting, and continually finding new ways to serve you our dedicated readers and members. Here's to the next 70 years.  

Biographies 

Patrice Meredith Clarke is a trial attorney who focuses her practice on representing victims of medical negligence.  She has served as lead counsel in numerous medical malpractice cases throughout Maryland and has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of her clients.  Ms. Clarke sits on the Board of Governors of the Maryland Association for Justice and currently serves as MAJ’s Secretary-Treasurer and the Co-Editor-in-Chief of MAJ’s Trial Reporter.  Ms. Clarke also serves on MAJ’s Judicial Review Committee and the Legislative Committee.  She was a 2024 recipient of “The Robert J. Zarbin Legislative Advocacy Award.”  Additionally, Ms. Clarke is an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association (“MSBA”) and serves as a member of the MSBA’s Appellate Practice Committee and as Co-Chair of the MSBA Special Committee on Voir Dire.  Ms. Clarke is also an active member of the Maryland Bar Foundation, the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the American Bar Association.   

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, swimming, and spending time with her husband and three sons.   

Sarah L. Smith is a partner at Offutt & Wallace. In 2019, Ms. Smith was one of three attorneys who represented Erica and Zubida Byrom in the landmark trial of Byrom, et al. v. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Inc., where the jury awarded Zubida Byrom $229,640,000 for injuries she sustained during labor and delivery--the largest medical malpractice verdict in United States history. Ms. Smith has been recognized as a “Super Lawyers Rising Star”, a “Top Attorney in Maryland – Rising Star,” a “Top 40 Under 40” and is a recipient of the 2020 President's Award from the Maryland Association for Justice. Ms. Smith is also the Co-Chair of the Maryland Association for Justice Trial Reporter Magazine and was named to the 2023 Daily Record Power List for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice.