Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I N O. X X V I I N OV E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 2 0 16 L AW makes you feel like you're not out in the wilderness so to speak." Spencer ibodeau, a Black associ- ate at Portland law firm Verrill who sits on the Portland City Council and ran for mayor last year, feels the same way, especially when it comes to those in public office setting an example for young people. "I didn't have my first Black teacher until I was in seventh grade and then not again until college," he recalls. "When we talk about representation, it's important to see yourself in somebody else." His advice to young attorneys starting out today: "Master your craft, be a strong advocate, and do not lose your world view." Another tip, from Preti Flaherty Boston-based director Shana Solomon, is not to be discouraged by the lack of diversity in the profession that she still notices after 15 years in practice. "e profession and the clients we serve need you," she says. "Your pursuit of a career as a lawyer will be part of the movement that helps to bring diversity to the profession." Back in Portland, Krystal Williams is preparing for her next chapter in that movement as a solo practitioner as she gets ready to leave Bernstein Shur next month. She's excited about starting her own law firm and setting up a nonprofit foundation to confront systemic racism and act as a support network to high school and college students of color with the goal of inspiring them to study law. "I don't think the practice of law is for everyone," she says, "but the skill set is so incredibly valuable, and you can use it in any industry. at's what I would tell a young person of color: If you want a degree that gives you maximum flexibility and the ability to play at all levels of the professional game, consider a law degree." R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z a n d @ r s c o r d e s Celebrate and Network with the 2020 Mainebiz Next List Meet and video network with attendees along with all the 2020 Next List honorees! Online event November 19 3:30pm — 5:30pm FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #MBNext20 BRIANA WARNER DREW DUMSCH CLAUDETTE NDAYININAHAZE KAY AIKIN TOM WATSON CORINNE WATSON KATIE SHOREY PATRICK CUNNINGHAM F O R M O R E I N F O A N D T O R E G I S T E R : www.mainebiz.biz/next SP ONSORS To make a Donation to the Next List Alumni Scholarship Fund through the Maine Community Foundation, visit mainecf.org and click on Make a Gift. Many of those conversations are taking place among members of the new BIPOC Lawyers Section as it works on its mission and bylaws. e section is co-chaired by Tom Douglas, a litigator originally from New Jersey with Westbrook's Douglas, McDaniel & Campo LLC. e 2003 University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School alumnus recalls being one of three attorneys of color he knew of in the state when he first came to Maine, and estimates there are now 30. "It's so refreshing,'' he says, "to be able to talk to people who have had similar experiences and different perspectives. It F O C U S » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F P R E T I F L A H E R T Y Shana Solomon Tom Douglas co-chairs the Maine State Bar Asso- ciation's new BIPOC Lawyers Section P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F V E R R I L L Spencer Thibodeau P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Even though we've been dealing with sexism and women's issues in the Maine bar as well as ageism, racial diversity is not something we've focused on, and clearly need to. — Angela Armstrong Maine State Bar Association

• Cover