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.

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.

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 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.