Maryland Carey Law’s Business Law Program Continues its popular Lunch & Learns. This fall semester, we have welcomed Susan DuMont ’16 and Trey Hilberg ’17 discussing the difference between a transactional and a litigation career, and Bill Cameron ‘94 discussing ethics, compliance, and corporate culture.
Transactional v. Litigation
Susan DuMont and Trey Hilberg of Miles & Stockbridge began their conversation with students by recalling their time at Maryland Carey Law and describing their paths to where they are now. They shared their perspectives on the differences between their roles in transactional and litigation law. Both highlighted that effective communication with clients and colleagues is what distinguishes a great lawyer from the rest .
Sharing their legal experiences, Hilberg advised students to be familiar with tax law. “If you’re bent on coming in and being a transactional lawyer, having some baseline understanding of how the tax code works and how it affects businesses will put you light years ahead of others.”
DuMont advised students to internalize all the rules issues in Evidence and Civil Procedure along with an enthusiasm for the work saying, “It’s a hard job, and the clients and practice are interesting, but if you’re just doing it because it’s what you do, then it’s not a happy experience.”
Both advised students that there are no bad clerkships. The view from behind the bench offered by a clerkship is unparalleled and is a benefit for nearly every future employment opportunity.
DuMont further advised students that her time on the Alternative Dispute Resolution team was incredibly valuable. “Eighty percent of what I do is negotiation, trying to get to a compromise and a conclusion. The skills of dealmaking are incredibly valuable.” Hilberg provide the students advice, “Be more comfortable reaching out to alumni and the practicing bar. Having conversations with folks currently practicing can give you a lot of practical advice to navigate your law school career.” Students enjoyed the opportunity to see the contrast and comparison between the two different types of law practice along with gaining invaluable advice and insights.
Ethics and Compliance and Corporate Culture
Bill Cameron offered students a unique view as an attorney who now works in the Corporate Ethics and Compliance space.
Upon graduation, Cameron worked in the State’s Attorney’s Office where he gained valuable litigation experience. It was during those trials at the State’s Attorney’s Office that he learned that a good lawyer can tell a good story.
Cameron served as a senior litigation counsel at large energy corporations. He then became involved with developing ethics and compliance programs. Over the years, he became an ethics and compliance leader. He explained the value of ensuring positive work environments not only benefits employees and employers, but also serves as an avenue for him to continue his career as a public servant.
He further discussed the evolution of the ethics and compliance field as not just “checking boxes”, but a more robust ethics and compliance regime that is required by both law and industry standards. Cameron described the Department of Justice’s guidelines and relayed the importance of compliance using recent scandals as examples of what not to do.
It was a pleasure to have Bill Cameron visit and share his insights to a field outside the normal course for law students by finding ways to improve corporate culture that is self rewarding and beneficial to clients.