The Business Law Program at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law is pleased to share that Maura Dodson ’28 has been named Maryland Carey Law’s inaugural Consumer Law Fellow. This summer, she is applying her legal training and gaining hands-on consumer law experience by serving as a consumer law intern with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS). We invited Maura to share reflections on her path to law school, her 1L experience, and her growing interest in consumer protection.
Q: What led you to pursue a legal education, and why Maryland Carey Law?
A: Throughout my time as an undergrad at the University of Maryland, College Park, it was my goal to go to law school, but it wasn't until I worked as a paralegal in the Department of Justice that I fully solidified that law school was the right path for me. The job gave me great hands-on experience, and it also made me want to learn the legal principles behind the work I was doing. I knew Maryland Carey Law was the right fit for two reasons: first, my undergrad experience showed me that a large state university system like Maryland provides excellent resources and opportunities. I owe so much to UMD for helping me secure internships, jobs, and academic pursuits, and I'm already receiving amazing opportunities from Maryland Carey Law. Second, I was drawn to living in Baltimore and experiencing such a vibrant and unique city.
Q: Looking back on your 1L year, what class had the biggest impact?
A: My Lawyering course stands out immediately. Every time I complete a Bluebook citation or read a legal memo, I am so thankful for everything I learned in that class. The oral argument assignment was also really meaningful. I had spent so long convincing myself I'm not great at public speaking, but it ended up going pretty well! Law school in general takes you out of your comfort zone, and embracing some discomfort to discover new capabilities was transformative in my 1L year.
Q: What surprised you most about your 1L year?
A: I was surprised by how invested Maryland’s professors are—not only in our success, but our overall wellbeing as students. Going into law school, I had this idea that it would be contentious and competitive. I quickly realized the professors, administrators, career development counselors, etc. were there to support me. It was so valuable to chat with my professors or stop by the career office, and it has given me a clearer idea of the other experiences and courses I want to pursue as a 2L and 3L.
Q: What drew you to your summer internship with MVLS?
A: I knew I wanted to experience consumer law and public interest law, and I thought the legal nonprofit space would be a great setting to do so. I was particularly drawn to MVLS because the organization prioritizes providing legal resources to members of the community who have experienced structural barriers to justice. After I applied, I chatted with some MVLS attorneys at a public interest career event at the law school. I could tell how passionate they were about pro bono legal advocacy, and I knew MVLS was the right setting for me.
Q: What kind of work have you been doing at MVLS so far?
A: Even in a short time, I have learned and done so much! My biggest project so far has been contributing to an amicus brief for a case relating to consumer lenders and borrowers. I have also attended a few consumer protection clinics at the District Court of Maryland, shadowing and assisting MVLS staff attorneys as they counsel clients who are being sued by debt collectors in ways that are predatory and coercive. And I’ve helped with community outreach projects for MVLS's Tangled Title Project; researched and drafted a deed; and I'm learning about Baltimore City's water and tax policies.
Q: Has there been a moment this summer that affirmed your interest in consumer protection work?
A: The weekly Consumer Protection Clinic has been especially meaningful. Many clients are dealing with serious financial hardship and are being targeted by debt collectors in ways that feel overwhelming. MVLS attorneys help them understand their options and advocate for themselves. Seeing how empowering that information can be—how it helps people regain a sense of control—has really reinforced my commitment to this work.
Q: How has this experience shaped your long-term goals?
A: My experience reinforced how powerful a legal education can be and how fortunate I am to be a law student. Understanding the law and using that understanding for the benefit of others changes lives and takes people out of difficult circumstances. My goal is always to keep this in mind throughout my career and to use my education to help others.
Q: How has receiving Maryland Carey Law’s inaugural Consumer Law Fellowship made a difference for you this summer?
A: It’s made a huge difference, and I feel truly honored to be the recipient of this fellowship. The fellowship guarantees the stability and flexibility to continue exploring the public interest side of consumer protection law. 1L was challenging and I experienced many moments of imposter syndrome. My internship at MVLS and the Consumer Law Fellowship grant were both strong reminders that I'm on the right path and to keep working hard because there are people who notice and reward that hard work!
Q: Outside of law school, how do you like to spend your time?
A: I love to cook and bake, especially with and for my family and friends. I'm a huge foodie, which makes living in Baltimore extra fun because there are so many restaurants to try! This year, I started volunteering at BARCS (animal shelter) which has been so rewarding and a great way to decompress from school. I'm never thinking about personal jurisdiction or mens rea when I'm playing with rescue cats!
Originally from Haddonfield, New Jersey, Maura earned dual degrees in Government and Politics and Spanish from the University of Maryland, College Park. As she returns to Maryland Carey Law this fall, she is looking forward to being back in the classroom and continuing to explore her interest in consumer protection and antitrust work. She is particularly excited about her writing seminar, Corporate Accountability and Social Justice. She will also be interning at the Appellate Court of Maryland, serving as a staff editor on the Maryland Journal of International Law, and continuing to participate in the new Consumer Justice Advocates student organization and the International Law Society.
The Business Law Program deeply appreciates the generous philanthropic gift that established the new Consumer Law Fellowship earlier this year. The fellowship provides summer financial support for a selected rising 2L or 3L who secures a 10-week summer position with a public interest organization or government agency that focuses on consumer law. The fellowship aims to help students gain hands-on experience in consumer protection while building skills that will serve them in practice.
Through the fellowship, students like Maura have the opportunity to work closely with lawyers and advocates who handle issues that affect people in their daily lives, including lending practices, housing, and consumer fraud. The experience offers practical training, exposure to real cases, and an opportunity to see how consumer protection law operates in practice across government agencies and nonprofit organizations.