The Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is dedicated to serving as an essential resource and forum for lawyers practicing before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The Chapter provides value to its members by offering substantive programming and events; serving as an inclusive, equitable, and diverse forum for lawyers to discuss and address issues affecting our community; facilitating engagement between the bench and the bar; empowering lawyers to transition to federal practice; and growing the next generation of leaders for our legal community.
The Latest News
Fireside Chat Held with Chief Judge George L. Russell, III on November 21, 2024
On November 21, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association continued its fireside chat series with a conversation with Chief Judge George L. Russell, III, moderated by FBA Board Member LaShanta Harris. Chief Judge Russell was recently elevated to Chief Judge on May 1, 2024. Chief Judge Russell described his early professional experience with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, where he worked in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions before being appointed as a judge first to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City (2007) and later to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (2011).
Chief Judge Russell shared valuable insights with the chat attendees, including the strong influence of Chief Judge Russell’s father, George L. Russell, Jr., who was the first African American to sit on the Circuit Court in Maryland and the first African American to sit on an appellate court in the state of Maryland. A picture of Chief Judge Russell and his father graced the wall on the background of Chief Judge Russell’s chambers where the fireside chat was held. During the chat, Chief Judge Russell acknowledged the support of his colleagues and all of the personnel within the Maryland District Court who have helped facilitate a smooth transition to the Chief Judge position. Chief Judge Russell also encouraged new lawyers to surround themselves with excellent lawyers so that they can pick up the habits and traits that make an excellent lawyer, such as being a hard worker and having the utmost integrity. He also suggested that lawyers give back to their local communities by doing a community activity at least once per quarter. Chief Judge Russell then concluded with encouragement for all lawyers to continue to practice civility and professionalism in order to maintain the high level of excellence that exists in the community of Maryland District Court practitioners.
We are truly grateful for Chief Judge Russell’s willingness to spend time with us and to share his views and the experience he has gained through his long and continued career in our great Maryland legal community.
FBA Maryland Chapter Participates in The Defending the Judiciary Conference
On October 31 and November 1, 2024, FBA Maryland Chapter President Maria Salacuse attended The Defending the Judiciary Conference, an invitation-only event hosted by the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University. Director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and former United States District Court Judge of the District of Maryland Paul W. Grimm coordinated the conference as part of a national effort to mobilize the legal profession to defend judges and the judiciary from unwarranted physical and verbal attacks that threaten judicial independence and diminish public faith in the judicial system.
On behalf of the Bolch Judicial Institute, Judge Grimm opened the conference by awarding United States District Judge of the District of New Jersey Esther Salas with the 2024 Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian Medal in recognition of her efforts to strengthen laws that protect the physical safety of judges and their families. Judge Salas, with her husband Mark Anderl present, spoke about her own personal experience when in July 2020, a former litigant dressed as a delivery driver opened fire at her house, killing her son Daniel and severely wounding her husband. On December 23, 2022, President Biden signed the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021 which prohibits the selling, trading, transferring, or purchasing of judges’ personal information online. Judge Salas played a significant role in advocating for the passage of bipartisan legislation in Maryland to protect the personal information of current and former members of the Maryland judiciary. Named after Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson who was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by a litigant in October 2023, the Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act took effect on June 1, 2024. Judge Salas continues to assist other states in passing similar laws to protect state court judges and families.
The conference then proceeded with multiple panels led by distinguished members of the judiciary and various bar associations, including Judge Salas, United States District Court Judge of the Middle District of Pennsylvania and FBA President-Elect Karoline Mehalchick, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland Matthew Fader, United States District Court Judge of the Northern District of Illinois Joan Lefkow, United States District Court Judge of the Southern District of Florida Robin Rosenberg, and American Board of Trial Advocates President La’Verne Edney. Attendees also heard from security and social media experts, including Meta Director of Content Policy Michael Marando, and received practical guidance on how attorneys and bar associations can speak out when judges are unfairly attacked and can engage in civic education to improve public understanding of the courts.
FBA Maryland Chapter Cohosts 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Federal Public Defender’s Office
On October 18, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the FBA cohosted with The Historical Society for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Federal Public Defender’s Office (FPDO) for the District of Maryland. Welcoming and moderating the event was U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar who served as Public Defender from 1992 to 1998. He described the historical making of the FPDO in 1974 following the Criminal Justice Act of 1964.
The program continued with remarks from Baltimore City Orphan’s Court Judge Charles Gerald Bernstein who was the First Public Defender for the District of Maryland. Judge Bernstein described the opening of the office and highlighted several audience members who worked along with him until 1980, including Mike Shatzow, Gerry Glass, Paul Spence, Mike Frisch, Peter Ward, Gerry Richman, John Morris, and Norman Johnson.
To read the complete summary and view all of the event photos, please visit our event gallery.
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.
