Federal law clerk bar admissions were front and center on June 13, 2025, as the FBA Maryland Chapter proudly sponsored a ceremony honoring new members of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

On June 12, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter gathered for a vibrant evening of networking and camaraderie at TopGolf. While members enjoyed reconnecting and sharing professional updates, the focal point of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 DiRito Award, which honors exceptional public service in support of the FBA’s mission. This year’s award was presented to longtime FBA leader Bonnie Greenberg, whose federal legal career and commitment to the FBA exemplify the spirit of the award.

The Demystifying Federal Clerkships event, held on April 16, 2025, at the University of Baltimore School of Law, provided students with valuable insight into the federal clerkship process. Hosted by the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association in partnership with the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys and the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, Inc., the event brought together federal judges, former clerks, and aspiring law students for an evening of learning and networking.

Judge Nancy V. Alquist was the featured guest in a recent fireside-style event hosted by the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association in collaboration with the Maryland Bankruptcy Bar Association. Held on April 16, 2025, this unique conversation gave attendees an inside look at the judicial philosophy, career path, and international service of one of the most experienced bankruptcy judges in the state. The program was moderated by Irving E. Walker of Cole Schotz P.C., a seasoned litigator and frequent advocate in the Maryland Bankruptcy Court.

Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams is celebrated by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Black History Month for her groundbreaking judicial career and enduring commitment to community-centered justice. From being the first African American woman appointed to the District Court in Prince George’s County to becoming Chief Judge of Maryland’s Seventh Judicial Circuit, Judge Adams has continually broken barriers and advanced equity in the legal profession.

The 2025 Annual Luncheon of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Maryland Chapter brought together more than 250 distinguished guests on April 11, 2025, at a celebratory event highlighting community, judicial excellence, and a shared commitment to justice. The program honored both the future and legacy of the Maryland legal community, with heartfelt tributes to newly appointed and retiring judges, a moving remembrance of the late Judge Peter J. Messitte, and an inspiring keynote conversation with Tony West, Chief Legal Officer of Uber and former Associate Attorney General of the United States.

The 2025 essay contest organized by the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association invited high school students from across the state to weigh in on one of the most timely legal and civic issues today: whether schools should have the authority to censor or punish students for their social media posts. Running from February 3 through March 28, 2025, the contest received twenty thoughtful submissions from students across Maryland.

Judge Rosalyn Tang is celebrated by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month for her historic achievements and unwavering dedication to justice. A groundbreaking jurist and dedicated advocate for diversity in law, Judge Tang became the first Asian American and the youngest woman appointed to the Appellate Court of Maryland in 2022.

Margaret Brent is honored by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Women’s History Month for her groundbreaking role as the first female attorney in the American colonies. Widely recognized as a pioneer in the history of American law, Brent’s legal career in 17th-century Maryland set a precedent for generations of women in law and politics. Her story is one of fierce independence, legal intellect, and resistance to social norms that excluded women from formal power.

The Defense of the Judiciary Statement issued by the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association on February 28, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the Chapter’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the independence and integrity of the federal judiciary. Against a backdrop of mounting public and political attacks on the judicial system, the statement calls on legal professionals, bar associations, and the public to stand firm in defending the courts and upholding the rule of law.

Juanita Jackson Mitchell is honored by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter as part of its Black History Month celebration, recognizing her historic achievement as the first Black woman admitted to practice law in Maryland. A fearless civil rights advocate and legal trailblazer, Mitchell devoted her life to dismantling segregation, expanding voting rights, and advancing racial justice through both community activism and courtroom advocacy.

Sherrilyn Ifill is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Women’s History Month for her extraordinary contributions to civil rights, constitutional law, and legal scholarship. A nationally respected advocate and longtime Maryland resident, Ifill has dedicated her career to advancing racial justice, empowering communities, and protecting democratic institutions through legal and academic leadership.

Donald Gaines Murray is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter as Black History Month concludes, honoring his pioneering role in the desegregation of higher education. As the first Black student admitted to the University of Maryland School of Law, Murray’s courage and legal fight reshaped the trajectory of civil rights in the United States. His landmark case, Murray v. Pearson, not only opened doors for Black students in Maryland but laid the foundation for the broader dismantling of educational segregation.

Judge Timothy J. Sullivan offered an insightful look into his legal journey during a fireside chat hosted by the FBA Maryland Chapter on February 6, 2025. The discussion, held at the University of Baltimore School of Law, was moderated by FBA Board Member Beatrice “Bea” Thomas. Attendees were treated to a candid and compelling narrative of Chief Magistrate Judge Sullivan’s transition from a decorated federal defense attorney to his current role on the bench. Appointed Chief Magistrate Judge on September 1, 2023, he reflected on both the triumphs and the tragedies of his career with humility and candor.

Judge Theodore D. Chuang is honored in this AAPI Heritage Month spotlight by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter. A trailblazer in the federal judiciary, Judge Chuang has built a legacy rooted in public service, constitutional integrity, and legal advocacy. He is the first Asian American to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, as well as the first in the Fourth Circuit. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to both the rule of law and the communities he serves.

Everett J. Waring is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Black History Month as a pioneering figure in the legal history of the state. In 1885, he became the first Black attorney admitted to practice law in Maryland—breaking a major racial barrier and laying the foundation for generations of African American legal professionals. His remarkable legacy spans courtroom advocacy, constitutional litigation, and a historic appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court.

On November 21, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association hosted a memorable fireside chat featuring Chief Judge George L. Russell, III. This engaging event, moderated by FBA Board Member LaShanta Harris, continued the Chapter’s signature series, offering law students and practitioners a behind-the-scenes view into the professional journeys of Maryland’s esteemed federal judges.

Judge Richard D. Bennett is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter in celebration of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month. A distinguished jurist and military veteran, Judge Bennett’s decades of service reflect a profound dedication to both country and law. As a United States District Judge and retired Army officer, he exemplifies the values of leadership, duty, and sacrifice that define military and public service alike.

Anthony G. Brown is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during National Veterans and Military Families Month for his extraordinary career in service to both country and community. As Maryland’s first African American Attorney General and a decorated U.S. Army veteran, Brown brings an unwavering sense of duty, compassion, and leadership to every facet of public life. His combined experiences in military and legal service have informed a career dedicated to justice, equity, and the well-being of all Marylanders—especially those who have worn the uniform.

On October 31 and November 1, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association proudly participated in the Defending the Judiciary Conference, an exclusive event convened by the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University. This timely national gathering brought together judges, legal professionals, bar associations, and security experts to address the rising threats against the judiciary and to reaffirm the legal profession’s commitment to safeguarding judicial independence and public trust in the courts.