The Application Period for the 2025-2026 Professional Skills Academy Has Ended.
Applications for the 2026-2027 Academy Fellowship will open in Summer 2026. If you applied for the 2025-2026 Fellowship, the selection committee will notify all applicants of their status by the week of September 2nd.
Questions or concerns? Contact Becca Odelius at bodelius@probonomd.org.
Professional Skills Academy
Shaping the next generation of pro bono leaders.
What is the PBRC Academy?
The Professional Skills Academy is a one-year, cohort-based program of training, mentoring, and service for newer lawyers or those who are getting back into legal practice (Fellows) that will:
- enhance the Fellows' lawyering skills;
- develop in the Fellows the habit of thoughtfully choosing and carrying out pro bono service; and
- introduce the Fellows to mentors and colleagues who can help them grow.
Fellows will receive extensive substantive training, in-court practice experience and cultural competence through service clinics, mentorship while serving, and a personal professional mentor who will meet with their fellow at least 4 times throughout the fellowship, including at least one substantive interaction (attending a service clinic together or inviting the Fellow to join the mentor for a significant event).
Who is eligible?
Applicants will be selected on the basis of demonstrated commitment to professionalism and a genuine interest in serving their community and promoting access to justice. Some preference will be given to lawyers in private practice. Maryland lawyers admitted and in good standing of the Maryland Bar may apply.
What is required?
General Service Track
Fellows must attend at least 1 clinic in each of the following areas:
- Consumer Debt Court (Baltimore City or Prince George's County)
- Immigration Court (Baltimore City or Prince George's County)
- Estate Planning and/or Tax Sale Foreclosure Prevention (Baltimore City and Baltimore County)
The remaining 5 clinics may be completed in any of the above areas.
Rent Court Service Track
Fellows who are particularly interested in housing law may opt into the Rent Court Track, in which all 8 required clinics will be completed in Rent Court (Baltimore City or Baltimore County).
- The first clinic will be an observation.
- Fellows in this track will receive extensive one-on-one mentoring from PBRC staff.
- This track is ideal for Fellows seeking deep, focused experience in litigation, courtroom advocacy, and eviction prevention.
Training
Fellows are required to complete a training (online on your own time) before volunteering at each of the above clinic types. Fellows are also required to attend 3 live (virtual) professional skills trainings held throughout the 10-month fellowship year. If a Fellow is unable to attend one of the live training dates, they can watch the webcast at a later date.
Networking
Fellows are expected to attend 3 networking events in the program year (all dates are tentative):
- a Kick-Off Event where Fellows will receive orientation and meet their mentor, other Fellows, and staff (September 17);
- a Mid-Year Event where we will network and celebrate the Fellows for their work so far (January 22); and
- a Graduation where Fellows are recognized for their completion of the program (June 18).
Why apply?
Class of 2026 Fellows
For questions contact Kiah Pierre (kpierre@probonomd.org).
Thank You to the Sponsors of the Professional Skills Academy!
Bar Association Insurance Trust