MAJ Leadership Academy

MAJ Leadership Academy: Developing the Next Generation of Trial Lawyer Leaders

Are you ready to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact on the future of Maryland’s civil justice system? Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 cohort - Apply before June 30, 2026!

The MAJ Leadership Academy was created to empower the next generation of trial lawyer leaders. This year-long program provides the tools, connections, and confidence needed to lead—within MAJ and beyond. Through workshops, mentorship, and meaningful engagement, participants gain insight into what it means to lead with purpose in the courtroom, the community, and the profession.

We’re looking for members from all regions and practice areas who have shown leadership in their firms, communities, or professional lives—and are ready to take the next step.

There are many ways for attorneys to build their leadership skills. Through the various sessions of the MAJ Leadership Academy, participants will gain knowledge and be empowered to:

Become stronger leaders within their firms
Serve as a MAJ leader on the Board of Governors, Committee, or Caucus
Speak at a seminar or CLE
Assist in MAJ's legislative lobbying efforts
Get more involved with AAJ and MAJ PAC advocacy efforts
Run for state office as a lawyer-legislator

Thank You to our Leadership Academy Sponsors:

Who should apply?

We encourage MAJ members from diverse regions and practice areas who have a history of involvement and leadership in their communities, offices, and/or profession to apply. You will likely be a great fit if you are an attorney who wants to build on your leadership skills, become more involved in MAJ and you have a genuine interest in empowering a strong community of trial lawyers in our state.

What should I know before I apply?

Participating in the MAJ Leadership Academy requires a commitment of time and resources. We guarantee that your experience in the program and the rewards of participation will greatly outweigh any sacrifice you will make to attend.

Participants are selected through a competitive application process and are chosen from diverse geographic locations and areas of trial practice. A letter of recommendation from at least one current MAJ member, your employer, community leader, legislators, judges, etc. is required.

Timeline

MAJ Leadership Academy will meet monthly over a 5-month period, beginning in October 2026, for a full day of engagement with speakers, leaders, and one another at various venues across the state.

Program dates are below, and participants must commit to attending all sessions:

Applications Open: May 8 - June 30, 2026
August: Cohort members are selected
September: Members are paired with mentors
Kickoff Event: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Sessions:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Thursday, January 7, 2027
- Thursday, February 4, 2027
- Final Session and Graduation: Wednesday, March 31, 2027

Leadership Academy participants are strongly encouraged to attend MAJ’s Annual Convention March 17-19, 2027 and will be recognized during the program.

How are candidates selected?

Applicants must:

Be a current MAJ member
Be in good standing with the Maryland Bar
Attend all MAJ Leadership Academy sessions

Applicants should submit the following:

Completed application no later than June 30, 2026
1 Letter of recommendation (preferably from a current MAJ member)

Fee:

$2,500 per participant, covering all program fees, meals during events, and graduation costs. Scholarships are available.

Apply for MAJ Leadership Academy

About the Facilitator

Jes Averhart is the founder of Jes & Co. specializing in stakeholder engagement and leadership development. Jes advises executive leadership on growth strategies and talent development. www.jesaverhart.com

MAJ’s program will be modeled closely after Jes’s programs with North Carolina Association for Justice and South Carolina Association for Justice.