Staff Profile: Domonique Flowers, Esq.
Domonique Flowers joined PBRC in 2022. As a staff attorney with the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP), Domonique 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. Prior to joining the team as a staff member, Domonique volunteered with PBRC's projects as a member of the Professional Skills Academy.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Washington DC and grew up in the suburb of Clinton, which is a part of Prince George’s County, MD. I later moved to Baltimore in 2017 when I transferred job locations.
Where did you go to school and what was your major/focus?
I attended Coppin State College before transferring to the University of Baltimore where I graduated with my BA in Jurisprudence. I then attended Howard University School of Law and graduated with my Juris Doctorate degree in 2008. Later, I began attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County to pursue a master’s degree in history and graduated from this school with my MA in Historical Studies in 2021.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of PBRC?
When not practicing law, I enjoy traveling the world meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. I recently visited my 30th country and all 7 continents. I also enjoy hiking, mentoring young people and spending time with my 3-year-old son. In my quiet moments I enjoy scrapbooking and reading about history.
How did get involved with PBRC?
I first volunteered with PBRC in 2021 when I participated as a volunteer attorney with the Home Preservation Project assisting seniors with estate planning documents. I also volunteered as a lawyer in rent court and signed on as a mentor with the PBRC Professional Skills Academy.
What were you doing prior to working here?
I began my legal career as an associate at a small law firm representing individuals who were involved in civil matters in district court. I then joined another firm where I practiced bankruptcy law and represented clients in the process of filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Following my stint in private practice I began working for the federal government as an Attorney Advisor with the Social Security Administration where I evaluate disability cases. I also currently serve as an adjunct law professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law where I teach legal writing to first year law students.
What do you do at PBRC?
Currently, I work as a part time staff attorney in the CAP program. Here I represent residents who are facing eviction in rent court as well as consumers who are being sued by their creditors.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest professional accomplishment is taking part in a joint initiative in 2023 where I successfully petitioned the Supreme Court of Maryland to posthumously admit to the Maryland Bar a man named Edward Draper whose application to become a lawyer had been denied in 1857 solely due to him being a black man.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the shared experiences that I have with many of the clients I interact with. I grew up in a low-income family with many of the same social struggles and hardships that I hear about. I see a part of myself whenever I meet someone with a similar background which inspires me to serve as a voice for them and to give them agency in making their own choices.
What has been your most meaningful experience with PBRC?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to train and encourage other attorneys especially those who volunteer with our Professional Skills Academy. Through this program, attorneys can represent clients by volunteering in the different legal clinics that PBRC has to offer.
What developments within PBRC have you found most exciting or promising during your time?
The individualized attention and training that I have received from PBRC has been top notch. I also appreciate that the organization stays on top of the latest developments regarding landlord/tenant law which allows us to become better advocates for the clients that we represent.
What message would you give to people thinking about volunteering with PBRC?
I believe that volunteering will change the lives of each individual attorney and give them a brand-new perspective concerning their role as a lawyer. Volunteering and helping someone in need isn’t only beneficial to the recipient, I believe each attorney also learns a little more about themselves in the process. Indeed, they are making a monumental difference in improving the fabric of society one person at a time.
