Baltimore Book of Lists – The Numbers Speak Volumes!

The Baltimore Business Journal has published its 2010 Book of Lists, and I’m proud to say that the Murthy Law Firm is well represented in several key categories. We are now – drum roll, please! – the 43rd largest law firm in the Baltimore area. This is no small feat, considering that all but five of the top 50 firms were founded before us, ten of them 100 years ago, or more! I am very grateful to our valued clients and the businesses who support us and to all of my esteemed colleagues at the firm for making our law practice grow and flourish, and I’m frankly amazed at what we’ve been able to achieve together over the last 15+ years.

I also could not be more pleased that the Murthy Law Firm is now the 23rd largest minority-owned business, and the 16th largest woman-owned business, in the Baltimore area. Personally, I feel very privileged to live in a country where it is possible for women and people of color to become successful entrepreneurs. I was not born wealthy, and I have worked hard for to build the Murthy Law Firm, starting from scratch in 1994.

I love the fact that I’ve been given the opportunity to live the American dream, and I feel obliged to use my success to help others who are still struggling. That’s why I am especially pleased that the Murthy Law Firm is ranked as the 21st largest corporate philanthropist in the Baltimore area! Through the MurthyNayak Foundation, my family and my firm provide financial support for education and women’s rights, for the betterment of immigration law, and for a wide spectrum of human-development initiatives, here and in India. Our beneficiaries in these endeavors – partners, really – include the United Way, the Girl Scouts, ASHA for Women (domestic violence prevention and treatment), the American Immigration Law Foundation, Agastya International Foundation (science education), and a host of other worthy causes.

Of all the vital statistics in this year’s issue of the Baltimore Book of Lists, though, I am proudest – by far! – to have achieved the third-highest ranking among the most generous corporate givers in the Baltimore area. We ranked 21st among the largest corporate philanthropists, yet we were the third most generous. I would like to challenge successful companies, not just in the Baltimore area but all over the United States and the world, including those also listed in the BBJ‘s “largest corporate” category – to give a more generous share of their annual income to worthwhile charitable causes to help others live a better life. A little more healthy competition in this arena is good for all of us!

Many of us are so blessed with our many privileges. It is better for all of us to share with others in a world where every person should have some basic rights, dignities, and opportunities.