Baltimore partner Deborah St. Lawrence Thompson will sit on a panel hosted by the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association at the U.S. District Courthouse in Baltimore, Maryland on Sept. 26. The panel discussion, "Impact Litigation: Making a Difference as a Woman Lawyer," will touch on impact litigation, also known as strategic litigation. Impact litigation is brought or defended typically when the case affects more than one individual even if there is one individual involved. Many impact litigation organizations are also deeply involved in policy work. Unlike traditional litigation, IL combines legal, political, and social techniques—from inception to outcome, as well as compliance with the decision. Thompson and the panel will respond to the following questions:

•  What is the greatest challenge you have faced when choosing a cause or choosing a client in your impact litigation practice? How did you overcome the challenge?
• What has been the most pressing issue that you have taken on as the subject of Impact Litigation? The most rewarding outcome?

Thompson represents a broad array of clients in complex cases in jurisdictions around the country, primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, mass tort litigation, products liability, toxic torts, labor and employment law.