Baltimore, MD labor & unemployment lawyer Craig F. Ballew shares the philosophy that guides his work as well as the most rewarding aspect of his practice. He notes that his practice area is labor and employment law, where he works daily with clients across a wide spectrum of issues. Many of his clients are small organizations without substantial infrastructure, such as a human resources department, though some are quite sophisticated, including governmental agencies. He ensures that clients understand not where the law was two years ago, but where it stands today.

He finds labor and employment law both interesting and challenging because it is an evolving practice area. Having been involved in the field for over 40 years, he has witnessed constant change, and he anticipates that it will continue to evolve. His role is to guide clients through these changes, helping them incorporate them into their decisions.

The most rewarding part of his practice is working with clients who must make difficult decisions. Many clients come with impressive skill sets in their respective industries, but labor and employment law is often not among them. He emphasizes responsiveness and attentiveness, carefully listening to each client’s issue, understanding the nuances, and providing straightforward, unbiased advice. He believes it is important to tell clients when their planned course of action may present problems, giving them the guidance they need to make informed business decisions.

Service to the community is another cornerstone of his career. Early on, he recognized that not all law firms take this seriously. He has been fortunate to work with individuals and organizations deeply committed to their communities and the bar association.

Two aspects of his community involvement stand out. First, he has served on the Maryland State Bar Association Committee on Laws, collaborating with judges from the district, circuit, and appellate courts, along with attorneys from various practice areas, to address legislative issues and their relevance to the state bar. He finds this work intellectually stimulating, challenging, and highly rewarding.

Second, he has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Maryland School for the Blind, beginning in the early 1980s. His involvement has included serving as counsel and as a member of the board of trustees. He values contributing to the school’s mission, supporting young people who benefit from its programs, and finds his role on the board deeply fulfilling.