The Latest News
FBA Maryland Chapter Congratulates Federal Law Clerks on Their Admission to the District and Fourth Circuit Bars
On June 13, 2025, the FBA Maryland Chapter was honored to sponsor a ceremony celebrating the admission of federal law clerks to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Chief Judge George L. Russell III welcomed the applicants and their families. Clerk of Court Catherine M. Stavlas presented the applicants for admission to the District Bar. Chapter President Maria Salacuse made remarks, encouraging the applicants to become engaged in the federal bar community. Federal Public Defender James Wyda made remarks about the importance of the Rule of Law and representing those less fortunate. He then moved to admit those clerks seeking admission to the Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Fourth Circuit Judge Paul V. Niemeyer made remarks and administered the Fourth Circuit oath. Chief Judge Russell then administered the District Court Oath. The ceremony adjourned and was followed by a reception.
FBA Maryland Chapter Meets at TopGolf and Presents DiRito Award to Bonnie Greenberg
On June 12, 2025, the Chapter met at TopGolf for an enjoyable evening of golf, catching up with colleagues and networking. The highlight of the event was the Chapter's presentation of its DiRito Award to Bonnie Greenberg who has been a long-time member of both the Maryland Chapter as well as FBA National. Named in honor of former Maryland Chapter President Peter A. Dirito, the the award is given annually to recognize public service that advances the FBA's mission of enhancing the federal legal profession, advancing justice, and improving society.
With the Maryland Chapter, Bonnie served in various capacities, most notably as President in 2004 and Chapter National Delegate from 2014-2022. With FBA National, she recently served on FBA National's Board of Directors (2022-2024) and as a committee member of several FBA National committees, including the Annual Convention Committee (2022-2023), the Sarah T. Hughes Civil Rights Award Committee (2024-2026), and the Audit Committee (2017-2018). She also was the Chair of the Professional Development Committee 2020-2022) and participated on several task forces, including the Public Service Task Force (2018-2019), the National Council Task Force (2019-2020), and the Future of FBA Conferences Task Force (2022-2023). Additionally, she is a Life Fellow with the Foundation of the FBA (2016).
Bonnie’s federal career exemplifies excellence in public service. After graduating from Temple University School of Law (now Temple University Beasley School of Law), she began working as an Honors Attorney for Department of Justice (DOJ). She worked in DOJ’s Antitrust Division and the Criminal Division before joining the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Bonnie spent over 37 years as a prosecutor for the DOJ prosecuting a wide range of cases, such as violent crimes, child exploitation, public corruption, national and international narcotics organizations, and federal racketeering crimes. From 1987 to the present, she also served as adjunct faculty for the DOJ’s Office of Legal Education, teaching Trial Advocacy, Evidence, Child Exploitation, and other subjects to federal prosecutors. Her final position was serving as an Attorney Advisor for the Department of Justice, Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training Section (“OPDAT”). In this position, she taught Trial Advocacy and other subjects to students all over the world, including a two-week Trial Advocacy program in Bangladesh
Although she retired in 2023, her public service commitment did not stop. She continued her work with the FBA stepping down only recently from the Board of Directors. She now focuses on teaching, both in the United States. and abroad. She is also continuing as adjunct professor for Georgetown Law, teaching Trial Advocacy and Applied Evidence, and completed a corruption program for Uzbekistani prosecutors in Spring 2023.
Bonnie’s dedication to the legal profession and public service is nothing short of remarkable. Her contributions to the Federal Bar Association on both a local and national level, her decades of prosecutorial excellence, and her commitment to education and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the federal legal community. Her ongoing efforts to train and inspire the next generation of legal professionals, both domestically and internationally, exemplify her lifelong dedication to justice and integrity
Congratulations to Our High School Essay Contest Winners!
The Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 High School Essay Contest. The contest, which ran from February 3, 2025, until March 28, 2025, was open to current high school students throughout Maryland. Students were invited to share their thoughts on the following topic: “Discuss whether schools should have the right to censor or punish students for posts or comments on social media.”
First Place - $1,000 Award: Khushi B. Patel, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (11thGrade)
Second Place - $500 Award: Paige Ananfack, Montgomery Blair High School (12thGrade)
Third Place - $250 Award: Kiersten Jackson, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (11thGrade)
Entries were reviewed and ranked by the following distinguished panel of judges:
- The Honorable Gina L. Simms, United States District Court for the District of Maryland
- Tamal Banton, Senior Assistant County Attorney, Anne Arundel County Office of Law
- Jaime W. Luse, Partner, Tydings & Rosenberg LLP
- Michael O’Day, Partner, DLA Piper
The Maryland Chapter received twenty essay submissions and thanks everyone who participated.
FBA Webinar on June 18 for Recently Separated (or Who May Soon be Separated) Federal Government Lawyers
If you’ve recently separated—or are anticipating separation—from federal government service, there are a range of valuable resources available to support you. On June 18 at 2:00 p.m., the Federal Bar Association will hold a webinar which will provide guidance on navigating your job search, managing your financial planning, and addressing your mental health during this period of transition. The panel will be moderated by former FBA Maryland Chapter President Bonnie Greenberg.
Brian Levine, founder of FormerGov.com (the first directory of former government and military professionals), has partnered with the Federal Bar Association (FBA) to offer:
- A FREE year of standard membership to currently unemployed government workers
- Significant discounts to all FBA members
- Simply create a robust profile on FormerGov.com, and the platform will actively connect you with in-house counsel, recruiters, media, event organizers, and more
Kieren Reilly, CFP®, will be discussing an amazing nonprofit, Advisers Give Back, offering free financial guidance to those affected by government layoffs.
- To qualify:
- Non-retirement savings must be under $250,000
- Income must be below $100,000 for individuals or $150,000 for married couples
Eileen Grady Vermilye, a licensed social worker with over 35 years of experience and the former head of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys’ Employee Assistance Program, will be explaining how to access free or low-cost counseling resources and tools to support your mental health and wellness during this challenging time.
Maryland Chapter Holds Clerkship Event at University of Baltimore School of Law
On April 16, 2025, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, jointly with the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys and the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Inc, held an event entitled Demystifying Federal Clerkships: A Conversation with Judges and Law Clerks. The event included a panel discussion with the Honorable Charles Austin and the Honorable Ajmel Quereshi as well as former federal clerks on pathways to federal clerkships, including an overview of the application process. A reception followed the panel discussion during which the students had the opportunity to speak with the judiciary.
Fireside Chat Held with Bankruptcy Judge Nancy V. Alquist
On April 16, 2025, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, jointly with the Maryland Bankruptcy Bar Association, had another excellent fireside judiciary chat, this time with the Honorable Nancy V. Alquist of the Maryland Bankruptcy Court, Baltimore Division. The chat was moderated by Irving E. Walker of Cole Schotz P.C., who frequently appears in the Maryland Bankruptcy Court as well as other bankruptcy and federal courts in other states, representing companies in distress and other clients in litigation arising out of business bankruptcy cases. Judge Alquist, who was appointed to serve on the Maryland Bankruptcy Court in 2004, first spoke about her career and the importance of two very influential mentors in her development as an accomplished bankruptcy lawyer prior to her appointment to the bench.
With respect to practicing in her Court, Judge Alquist encouraged non-bankruptcy lawyers to seize opportunities to get involved in litigation in the bankruptcy court, since it is governed for the most part by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure as modified by the Federal Bankruptcy Rules and Local Bankruptcy Rules, and the Federal Rules of Evidence. She noted that this is a great way, especially for younger lawyers, to get experience handling evidentiary hearings in federal court, while also emphasizing the importance of knowing the applicable Bankruptcy Rules, the Local Rules and the bankruptcy judge’s protocols.
Judge Alquist discussed one of the bigger challenges the Bankruptcy Court faces, which is the very large number of pro se case filings by debtors in Maryland, and invited members of the bankruptcy bar to think about the reasons behind the fact that Maryland, for most years, is second only to Washington D.C. in the percentage of debtor cases filed pro se, and whether there is anything that can be done to reduce the numbers of such cases, given the difficulties debtors face in attempting to navigate through bankruptcy, especially Chapter 13, without counsel.
Judge Alquist also discussed her very extensive international experience devoting significant time to programs, through the Department of Commerce, conducting workshops and trainings in many developing countries to help them develop a judicial system for bankruptcy, commercial law, and insurance law, which are essential for countries to become attractive for international lending. Her work has included workshops with lawyers, judges and government leaders in Argentina, Chile, New Delhi, Kyiv and Odessa, Ukraine, Kosovo, Dubai, Kabul, Afghanistan, and Iraq, as well as a number of other countries. Judge Alquist also discussed briefly her service on the Bankruptcy Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States.
The program was a great opportunity for trial lawyers who may not have much familiarity with the Bankruptcy Court, as well as members of the Maryland Bankruptcy Bar, to hear about Judge Alquist’s unique experiences and perspectives.
More Than 250 Guests Attend the Maryland Chapter's Annual Luncheon
On April 11, 2025, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association was proud to host our annual luncheon. More than 250 guests, including twelve judges of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland joined us in honoring retiring Magistrate Judge A. David Copperthite and newly appointed District Judge Adam Abelson. Chief Judge George L. Russell, III provided a moving remembrance of Judge Peter J. Messitte. We also had the great honor of hosting an inspiring and uplifting conversation with Tony West, moderated by former District Judge George Hazel. Mark Saudek of Gallagher Evelius & Jones ably and seamlessly moderated the event.
Defense of the independent judiciary. The FBA opened the luncheon with a call to action to continue to defend the independence of the federal judiciary. We restated our commitment to standing with the federal judiciary, to ensure that our judges can continue to provide the fair and independent administration of justice, without fear or favor.
Recognition of Chapter achievements. Maria Salacuse, Chapter President, described the work of the Chapter over the course of the year, including many CLE programs, networking events, and events in partnership with the Court. Maria thoughtfully recognized the many people responsible for these accomplishments. Other speakers recognized Maria’s tremendous leadership and passion for moving the FBA forward.
Judge Messitte’s personal and international work for justice. Chief Judge Russell delivered moving remarks on the life and career of District Judge Peter A. Messitte, who passed in January. Chief Judge Russell described Judge Messitte’s lifelong commitment to international law and dedication to First Amendment rights. Judge Messitte was remembered for his judicial outreach throughout the world, and especially in Latin America, culminating in the Order of the Southern Cross for his contributions to the Brazilian Judiciary. Chief Judge Russell also honored Judge Messitte as a tireless advocate for the Southern Division, a treasured mentor to his law clerks, and a dear friend to the Court family.
Judge Abelson’s commitment to the Constitution. Judge Abelson provided remarks that included the deep honor he feels “to have been asked to serve our community as a judge of our court, a court where every person in every component is deeply committed to our mission under the Constitution—not only the judges and law clerks, but the Clerk’s office, court security officers, pretrial and probation, Marshals, and everyone else.” He went on to thank the Bar “for the work you do on behalf of your clients, for being our partners in delivering justice for our community.”
Judge Copperthite’s recollections. Judge Copperthite recalled the collegiality of the Bench and the deep respect he has for his former colleagues and the difficult work they do. During people’s most trying times, he pointed out, the U.S. District Court provides even-handed, impartial justice. Judge Copperthite recalled his strong relationships with Court staff and law clerks. He shared several anecdotes from his nine years on the bench. The Court has recalled Judge Copperthite for a certain number of days each year, so he said we can expect to see him continuing to don his robe, when he is not enjoying time with family and playing guitar.
Tony West’s inspiring remarks. We were honored to host special guest Tony West, Chief Legal Officer at Uber and former Associate Attorney General of the United States. Mr. West described his fascinating work at Uber, and in the Civil Rights, Antitrust, Tax, Environment and Natural Resources, and Civil Divisions of the Department of Justice, as well as the Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women, and the Community Oriented Policing Services Office. Following the financial crisis, Mr. West’s the Department of Justice secured nearly $37 billion in fines and penalties from financial institutions whose conduct harmed Americans during the 2009 financial crisis. Mr. West shared remarks that were topical and pressing, while still grounded and personal. He blended humor and modesty with keen insight that entertained and inspired us all. We are grateful for Mr. West’s generous remarks, as well to former District Judge George Hazel, who expertly moderated the conversation with Mr. West.
Our sponsors. We extend our thanks to our Gold Sponsor Prevail and our Silver Sponsor Planet Depos.
Thank you! We thank Samantha Miller Kavanagh and Caroline Bushel of Zuckerman Spaeder and Mark Saudek, Cristina Salce, and Vivian Lynch of Gallagher Evelius & Jones for all of their efforts in planning and coordinating this event. Most of all— THANK YOU to all who attended! We loved seeing each of you and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
The FBA Maryland Chapter Issues Statement in Defense of Judiciary
On February 28, 2025, the FBA Maryland Chapter issued a statement in defense of the judiciary condemning attacks on the independent federal judiciary and urging members of the bar to stand with our judges when they face threats and intimidation. The full statement may be found at Defense of the Judiciary - Federal Bar Association MD.
Fireside Chat Held with Chief Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan
On February 6, 2025, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association had yet another excellent fireside judiciary chat, this time with Chief Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Sullivan who was appointed to Chief Magistrate Judge on September 1, 2023. The fireside chat was moderated by FBA Board Member Beatrice “Bea” Thomas. Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan described his extensive federal defense work in different districts, helping to save lives through mitigation efforts with his colleagues. He detailed how important his defense work was to him, describing it as ”incredibly stressful, but incredibly rewarding.” He also reflected on the painful aspect of his work, sharing about the death of one of his clients, Dustin Higgs, who was the last person executed by the first Trump administration. With respect to his shift to becoming a judge, Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan described the tremendous admiration he had for federal judges in the District Court for the District of Maryland. Although noting that "they never agreed with me and I with them,” he found them to be respectful and delightful colleagues and friends. Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan explained that becoming a Magistrate Judge did not happen overnight, but he had a strong sense of public service and had good mentors like District Judge Paul W. Grimm (ret.), Magistrate Judge Beth P. Gesner (ret.), and Magistrate Judge William G. Connolly (ret.).
Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan addressed the importance of patience, recounting a time when lawyers had to put in “sweat equity" to find a path of law to specialize in. He noted that today lawyers seek to be senior partner before walking into a courtroom. He emphasized that good lawyering takes time, and that a new lawyer’s first priority should be to learn the practice of law. Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan also discussed the importance of mentors. He explained that face to face, in-person interactions are key to a successful mentor-mentee relationship. He encouraged attendees to have at least two people that they can have 100% confidence in and can call upon to help them move forward in their careers. Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan concluded by offering valuable insights to trial lawyers, advising that they recognize the weaknesses in their cases, and do not try to avoid them. He also cautioned that while preparation is important, lawyers should not be afraid to say when they do not know the answer.
It was a delight to have Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan sit down with us and offer a glimpse into the multi-faceted aspects of his professional experiences as an advocate and judge. As someone who has dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of others and upholding the rule of law, it is clear that Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan’s career path is marked by fairness, integrity, and a commitment to justice.
Fireside Chat Held with Chief Judge George L. Russell, III
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.