Holland (Holly) Brownley joined the board of Shore Legal Access (SLA) in 2020, but has been providing pro bono services for much longer than that. As she prepares to transition from the board of directors, we invited her to share some memories and advice. 

Back in spring 2009, I was a law clerk for Judge Ross in Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court and planned to start my own practice once my clerkship ended. I met former executive director Sandy Brown at an event, and she told me about the work Mid-Shore Pro Bono (now Shore Legal Access) was doing. It seemed like a great way to get experience handling family law cases, which were the organization’s primary focus at that time, while also helping the community where I lived and worked. 

I was approached by former District Court Judge William H. Adkins, who was also a member of the judicial advisory committee for SLA, regarding my interest in participating on the Board of Directors. Since I had joined the public defender’s office a few years earlier, it seemed like a great way to return to and participate with an organization that I had worked with so often as a private attorney. 

After I had been on the board for a period, Tim Abeska became president and asked if I wanted to join the executive team. Although it was my first experience being on a board of directors, let alone holding a leadership role, I said yes.

Looking back, I am so glad I had that opportunity to be part of the growth and changes this organization has undergone over the past six years.

Can you share a highlight of your time on the board?

I would say that my first strategic planning retreat (held at the Academy Art Museum in April 2024) was very memorable for me. I was new at that time to the process of strategic planning, and it was also the first opportunity I had to meet most if not all of the staff of SLA, some of whom work at the Lower Shore Office. 

I learned a lot through that process.

What strategic initiatives are you most proud of during your time on the board?

 The choice and process of re-naming the organization from Mid-Shore Pro Bono to Shore Legal Access was something I can say I was definitely a part of from start to finish, and I know it will maintain for years to come

If there was one piece of advice you could share for future board members, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to join, even if you think you lack the experience. You will learn, and hopefully make some great contacts in the process!

What does the future of Shore Legal Access look like?

Bright, with outstanding leadership, continuing to ensure that SLA is synonymous with access to legal services on the Eastern Shore.

We’re grateful to Holly for her guidance through key milestones in Shore Legal Access’ history! Interested in joining the board? Find out what our desired qualifications are and review the nomination process here.