Volunteer Profile: Shelia Bryant, Esq.

1. What brought you to begin and continue to build your legal career in Maryland?

I came to Maryland initially to work for the Dept of the Navy as the Inspector General at the Navy Yard. After some time, I accepted a position in Naples Italy in that same capacity and finally moved back to Maryland in 2019 and retired from civil service. I ran for Congress in 2020, didn’t win the election, but found that I could serve the community in a more direct way by volunteering. I decided to become a member of the Maryland Bar so that I could use my legal skills to help those who need legal help and have few resources.

2. Can you tell me a little about your private practice?

I began my legal career in California in 2000, after a career in the Marine Corps. I was active-duty USMC for 10 years, then joined the reserves for 20 additional years. I retired from the USMC in 2012 as a Colonel. I attended law school while in the Reserves and started to practice as an Asst DA in San Diego upon passing the bar. I then began practice as a solo-practitioner – representing clients in Family Law, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and limited Criminal matters. I was recalled to USMC active duty in 2006 during the Gulf War as a Judge Advocate and Inspector General for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton and later in Iraq. When I returned to my practice in 2008 it was no longer viable, so I accepted a civil service position with the Dept of the Navy as the Inspector General for Naval Facilities Engineering Command at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C. Since moving to Maryland, I practice primarily Family Law, Estate Planning and Eviction Assistance at low-bono rates. Normally, I get referrals from other non-profits and from community contacts.

3. Which of PBRC’s projects do you volunteer with, and how did you get involved?

I have volunteered for a number of PBRC programs, including MILAP Immigration Court, Consumer Protection Clinic, Estate Planning, Expungements, and Family Law. I became involved after attending the MSBA Conference in 2020 and a PBRC representative was there to recruit volunteers. I thought this would be an ideal way to get started in my endeavors to give back. I attended many of the training opportunities offered by PBRC and have been very pleased with the information and insights provided.

4. What is the problem this project addresses, and what do you do as a volunteer to help? Did the pandemic exacerbate this problem in any way that you’re still seeing today?

The Consumer Protection Clinic is the one most likely affected by COVID, as clients faced job loss and illness – falling behind on debts and obligations. Assisting them with negotiations and defenses in eliminating or reducing the debt is extremely important and provides a mental boost for clients who experience increased levels of stress and worry at an already tumultuous time. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction when I can help them and provide relief.

5. What do you find interesting about this work?

I find that the Immigration Clinic is very interesting, learning about the various immigrant experiences and the circuitous process of attempting to find asylum in the US. Especially the youth, who have many times been subjected to abuse, abandonment and trafficking. It is heart wrenching to hear their stories and try to get them the help they need.

6. What, if anything, did you find surprising about volunteering at community clinics or in-court?  What has been rewarding? What, if anything, has been frustrating?

By in large, my experience has been very rewarding. The most surprising thing is that there are so many clients who need help! I am very involved in the community with other organizations, and I hear the stories and hardships everyday folks have to endure. Having the ability to assist through the various clinics bring me a lot of satisfaction.

7. What did you find helpful/interesting about PBRC’s process?

The most helpful process PBRC provides is the myriad training and education sessions. Having practiced in California, it is most helpful to learn the nuances involved in the Maryland practice of law. The instructors are knowledgeable and eager to answer questions and provide practice tips which I have found to be extremely beneficial.

8. How does the project make it easy to volunteer?

I receive frequent emails and correspondence as well as the E-Bulletin, which provides volunteer opportunities around the state. I find that I can choose cases and clinics that appeal to me and where I can provide services based on my availability.

9. Tell me about a client you have met while working with PBRC, or a pivotal experience you’ve had volunteering with the projects.

One particular client who comes to mind was at the CPP clinic, where I helped negotiate a reduced debt on a repossessed auto claim by over 50%. The client was very grateful and excited that she could pay the balance off over a year at an amount she could afford.

10. Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

I really enjoyed the PBRC Volunteer Appreciation Event where I got to meet face-to-face with the staff and other volunteers and discuss common issues and see the faces associated with the emails!

11. How has doing pro bono work changed you?

I’m in a unique situation, being semi-retired and available to provide pro-bono services frequently. It not only provides me with the opportunity to give back and to learn new areas of the law, but it is extremely gratifying to serve my community in this way. I’ve always considered myself to be a problem solver and doing pro bono advocacy has given me many opportunities to do so, in that many situations individuals face can be resolved in a beneficial way with a little help and information.

12. How important do you think pro bono work is to the legal profession?

Pro bono work is extremely important to the legal profession. It can provide attorneys who specialize in a particular area with insight and perspective with regard to other areas in which they have limited experience. I believe it helps the profession and individuals with humility and compassion for clients without the resources.

13. What do you think other people should know about pro bono advocacy?

Pro bono advocacy is rewarding and gratifying and often opens your eyes to areas you may not have considered in the practice of law. I have spoken with many other volunteers who say that they always thought of themselves as community focused attorneys but opted for careers in more lucrative areas of the law. Volunteering provides an outlet for those altruistic instincts that we all have in the pursuit of justice and fairness.

14. What message would you give to attorneys thinking about volunteering?

Sign up now! The act of giving back is so much more rewarding than you may have thought. You have the opportunity to change the lives of others with your knowledge and experience.

For more information about volunteering in Maryland, please contact: education@probonomd.org