The Latest News
FBA Maryland Chapter Congratulates FBA Board Member Adam Abelson on Appointment as U.S. District Court Judge
The FBA Maryland Chapter congratulates Adam Abelson on his elevation from U.S. Magistrate Judge to District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Judge Abelson was sworn in as a Magistrate Judge on September 18, 2023. In May, President Biden nominated him to serve as a U.S. District Judge to fill the vacancy created when the Honorable James K. Bredar took senior status. The Senate confirmed Judge Abelson’s nomination on September 11, 2024, and President Biden signed his commission on September 12, 2024. Judge Abelson was sworn in as a District Judge on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Both before and after joining the Court, Judge Abelson has been an active member of the Maryland Chapter’s Board, serving in both a Board member and officer capacity since 2018. In January of this year, the Chapter had the opportunity to learn more about him during a virtual Fireside Chat. Judge Abelson spoke about how his grandmother, a first-generation American, instilled in him the importance of public service. He also praised the collegiality of the court and shared how his colleagues’ “open door” policy has been invaluable as he continued to learn and grow.
“Throughout his tenure with our Chapter, Judge Abelson has been an invaluable asset, demonstrating leadership, integrity and a tireless commitment to advancing the legal profession,” said FBA Maryland Chapter President Maria Salacuse. “The Chapter is immensely proud of his achievements and confident that he will continue to serve with distinction and uphold the highest standards of our judiciary.”
Before joining the Court, Judge Abelson worked as a litigator with the law firm Zuckerman Spaeder LLP. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Catherine C. Blake, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and the Honorable Andre M. Davis, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (ret.). He graduated from Princeton University, cum laude, and the New York University School of Law, magna cum laude, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif.
Final 2024 Chapter Event at TopGolf
On June 25, 2024, the FBA Maryland Chapter had an enjoyable evening of golf, catching up with colleagues, networking and great food. The Chapter also took the opportunity to thank outgoing President Ezra S. Gollogly for his excellent leadership.
Younger Lawyers Committee Happy Hour & Networking Event
On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, the Maryland Chapter’s Younger Lawyers Committee hosted a happy hour and networking event for younger lawyers and soon-to-be lawyers at Guilford Hall Brewery in Baltimore. The Younger Lawyers Committee was excited to welcome nearly 40 attendees to the event, including younger lawyers from private practice and public service, federal judicial law clerks, and lawyers-to-be, including law students, summer associates, and interns. In addition to enjoying a variety of refreshments and the beautiful spring weather, the younger lawyers and lawyers-to-be met and mingled with each other and Maryland Chapter Board members to learn more about the Chapter, the many benefits of FBA membership, and legal practice opportunities in and around Maryland.
2024 Summer Speaker Series: The Judicial Panel
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association kicked off its annual Summer Speaker Series with the first installment in the 2024 series: the Judicial Panel. The panel took place in-person at the United States District Court for the District of Maryland’s Baltimore courthouse. The Chapter was honored to have United States District Judges Stephanie A. Gallagher and Brendan A. Hurson speak to a full room of younger lawyers and lawyers-in-the making about a variety of topics, including day-to-day operations of a District Judge in our Court, federal practice and the many opportunities within, and career insight and advice. Panel attendees not only had the opportunity to engage with two District judges from our own bench, but they enjoyed Judge Gallagher and Judge Hurson’s career stories and humor. The Chapter thanks Judge Gallagher and Judge Hurson for their participation, the attendees for coming to the event, and Megan J. McGinnis, a Principal at Miles & Stockbridge, for moderating the panel discussion.
Record Attendance at FBA Maryland Chapter Annual Luncheon with Bench and the Bar
On Friday, April 12, 2024 the Maryland Chapter welcomed approximately 300 members of the Bar and Bench of the District of Maryland to the Chapter’s Annual Luncheon at the Baltimore Hyatt Hotel. During the pre-lunch reception, members mingled with colleagues and met new connections. As for the Luncheon, Mark S. Saudek warmly welcomed members and introduced all presenters and honorees. FBA Maryland Chapter President Ezra Gollogly provided opening and closing remarks. Honorees included the Honorable Adam B. Abelson, the Honorable Erin Aslan, the Honorable Charles D. Austin, the Honorable Brendan A. Hurson, and the Honorable Matthew J. Maddox. The Chapter also recognized the Honorable J. Frederick Motz. On behalf of the Chapter, Stuart Berman presented the Peter A. DiRito Award to the Honorable Deborah K. Chasanow, the Honorable Roger Titus, the Honorable Peter J. Messitte, and the Honorable Alexander Williams for their service to the District on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Greenbelt Courthouse. Established in 1987, the Peter A. DiRito Award recognizes public service that furthers the FBA’s goals of enhancing the federal legal profession, advancement of justice, and the betterment of society.
The Chapter thanks the presenters and honorees for their participation, as well as the FBA Maryland Chapter Luncheon Committee of Mark S. Saudek, Maria Salacuse, and Samantha Miller. For more photos of the event, click here.
Fireside Chat Held with Chief Judge James K. Bredar on April 25, 2024
On April 25, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association continued its fireside chat series with a conversation with Chief Judge James K. Bredar, whose tenure as chief judge will conclude at the end of May. Chief Judge Bredar described his early professional experience in the National Park Service and his unique profile as an attorney who worked both as a prosecutor and as a public defender before being appointed first as a United States Magistrate Judge (1998) and later as a United States District Judge (2010).
Chief Judge Bredar shared valuable insights with the guests who attended the chat, including about the need for lawyers to form and nurture professional mentorships early in their careers; the role of law clerks in chambers; and the important work of the Judicial Conference of the United States. Chief Judge Bredar concluded with some thoughts about the rule of law as a bulwark against anti-democratic pressures in contemporary society.
We are truly grateful for Chief Judge Bredar’s willingness to spend an hour with us and to share his views and experience after a long and rich career in public service.
Fireside Chat Held with Magistrate Judge Erin Aslan on March 27, 2024
On March 27, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association hosted Magistrate Judge Erin Aslan for its Fireside Chat series. Judge Aslan joined the court in December 2023 after working most recently in the Office of the Inspector General. She reflected on her path to the bench, including her experiences studying abroad in Latin America, her law school clinic work representing victims of domestic violence, and her clerkship in the Southern District of New York. Judge Aslan also spoke about how her work investigating allegations of police misconduct with the Civilian Complaint Review Board in New York City inspired her to go to law school and enhanced her commitment to public service. She provided insightful advice to both new attorneys and established practitioners regarding mentorship, career development, and being a working parent. She also shared some practical guidance for litigators. We are grateful to Judge Aslan for the enlightening chat with the Chapter.
Finding Justice: History of Women Lawyers in Maryland
In celebration of Women's History Month, on March 12, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Women's Law Center cosponsored an engaging webinar with the Honorable Lynne A. Battaglia who discussed her seminal work: "Finding Justice: A History of Women Lawyers in Maryland since 1642." Judge Battaglia traced the history of women lawyers in Maryland, beginning with those women during the colonial period who appeared as attorney-in-fact, such as Margaret Brent. Judge Battaglia discussed how married women faced more obstacles than those who were single since in many states such as Maryland a married woman could not individually own or inherit property, enter into contracts, or keep money earned unless her husband permitted it. The Married Women's Property Acts of 1898 significantly improved the legal status of married women and allowing even greater change in the legal community. Judge Battaglia highlighted many of the "firsts" such as Etta Maddox who was the first woman admitted to the Baltimore Law School in 1900 and became the first licensed woman in the State of Maryland. She also discussed her own experiences being the first presidentially appointed woman to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland and becoming the third woman to be appointed to the Maryland Court of Appeals. Judge Battaglia emphasized the importance of mentors, both male and female, to women lawyers to ensure diversity and accessibility in the legal profession.
