On November 20, six Linganore graduates will be inducted into the Distinguished Graduate Organization as students who have made a difference in their profession. The inductees will have the opportunity to speak to freshmen about their careers, their time in Linganore, and give advice to students.

This year’s graduate in Business is Class of 1999 graduate Shannon Hammond. Hammond is the founder of Hammond Law, LLC, which deals with elder law. As an an elder law attorney, Hammond is a part of many recognized groups such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Coalition of Geriatric Services, and the Senior Provider Information Network. From her success, she was selected as a Maryland Super Lawyer Rising Star by the Baltimore Magazine from 2013-2015 and again in 2019.

After graduating from Linganore, Hammond went to the University Baltimore School of Law.

She said, “I remember wanting to be lawyer since kindergarten… I think that it comes from having a lot of family members who work in the legal field.”

Due to having her goals set early, it was easier for Hammond to make key decisions during her time in middle and high school. “Every time I had a decision to make, whether it was which class I should take or club I should be involved in, it was geared towards getting me close to law school, and, ultimately, practicing law.”

Hammond had influential teachers that helped her achieve her goals, but her single most influential teacher was Dr. Pete Rothenhoeffer. Rothenhoefer would engage students and expose them to different cultures. Hammond  remembers when Rothenhoefer had the class watch the movie classic Casablanca.

Rothenhoefer would say, “At least you can say that you’ve watched this movie.”

Rothenhoefer’s writing rules in class forced Hammond to be as specific and concise as possible. “I still remember many of his writing rules; I try to use them in my legal writing.”

Hammond admired Rothenhoefer for his intellect, achievements, but, most importantly, for his support.

Hammond has plenty of valuable advice for the freshmen at this year’s ceremony. She encourages students to “get involved and be present.”

She explains, “I was very fortunate to not have a cell phone in high school. It takes away so much attention from the moment that you’re in. I can’t imagine capturing every moment that you’re in. It creates a vague memory, but takes yourself out of the moment.

For those who want to become lawyer Hammond warns the job is as rewarding as it is challenging. “I carry a lot of emotional burden from my clients. As a human being you can’t help but internalize some of the difficult situations they’re going through. It’s hard to turn that off at the end of the day.”

Hammond is the mother of two children with many responsibilities as the founder of her business, so finding that work-life balance is challenging.  In addition to law, she has started a real estate broker in Frederick this past March with her brother, Justin Grubby called Maryland Realty.

Hammond is an inspiration to her peers as someone who helps others and sets an example.

Vernon Treuth, Legal Assistant to Hammond at Hammond Law, said, “I like working with Mrs. Hammond because she gives me the freedom and independence.  She doesn’t micromanage. She is giving me the tools I need to advance in the legal field.”

Hammond’s sister-in-law, Devynn Creitz Grubby, has known Hammond has always know she would do something special in her life. “I’ve known her since third grade and I immediately realized the utmost over-achiever she was. She sets goals for herself and supasses them without fear. She excels in all aspects and is one of the finest people I’ve ever met.

During Hammond’s time to speak at the ceremony she would like to advise each student to have the trait of engagement in the school and community. “Be a part of the change you want to make and interact with others– excluding fake boundaries. When you get older you realize, we’re all just adults trying to do the same thing.”