Staff Profile: Sylvia Davenport

Sylvia Davenport joined PBRC in 2022. As a staff attorney with the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP), Sylvia staffs PBRC’s limited scope courthouse-based pro bono clinics for consumers and tenants in Baltimore County and Baltimore City, as well as recruits and mentors CAP volunteer attorneys. Sylvia’s demonstrated passion and experience advocating for tenants’ rights and fair housing will help PBRC ensure that Maryland tenants have access to safe housing.  

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Delaware.

What brought you to Maryland/Baltimore?

After law school, I was hired as an Equal Justice Works/AmeriCorps VISTA Legal Fellow at Maryland Legal Aid in Baltimore. Prior to law school, I had attended Stevenson University, so I was already familiar with the Maryland and glad to be back.

Where did you go to school and what was your major/focus?

I attended law school at Appalachian School of Law, where I received my Juris Doctor. Prior to the law school, I attended Stevenson University, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I attended Catholic University of America, where I received a Master of Science in Management. I also attended Wilmington University, where I received a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.

Why did you want to become an attorney?

I wanted to become an attorney because I felt it was what I was born to do. I couldn’t shake the feeling that being an attorney was meant for me, and I knew if I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, then this what I was meant to do in order to do so.

What are your interests/hobbies?

I love to exercise and travel. I am a big movie buff, so I always love to watch a good movie. I also love to cook, write, shop, and hang with family and friends.

How did get involved with PBRC?

I found out about this awesome opportunity to be a part of PBRC, applied, and was hired for the Staff Attorney position.

What were you doing prior to working here?

Prior to working here, I was a Staff Attorney at Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, which is in Greenbelt, Maryland.

What do you do at PBRC?

I work as a Staff Attorney for the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP).  I staff the PBRC’s limited scope courthouse-based pro bono clinics for consumers and tenants. I also recruit and mentor CAP volunteer attorneys.

What is your proudest accomplishment? 

One of my proudest accomplishments was graduating law school. Law school was one of the hardest journeys of my life, but I made it through!

What motivates you?

The difference I make in the lives of those I work with is what motivates me to keep doing the work I do.

What has been your most meaningful experience with PBRC?

Although I just started in January 2022, it has been awesome just connecting with the staff and assisting individuals who seek pro bono legal services.

What sets PBRC apart in your mind?

PBRC is an organization that goes above and beyond in its ability to make a difference in the lives of those who need pro bono legal services, and in the lives of the attorneys who are providing those services. Working as an attorney with PBRC allows your life to be changed for the better as you witness and become a part of the lifechanging impact PBRC has on the individuals’ we serve.

What message would you give to people thinking about volunteering with PBRC?

If you are thinking about volunteering, DO IT! You won’t regret it! You will not only make a difference in the lives of those you will serve, but you will grow and learn how to consistently make that difference wherever your career leads you.