Defending the Judiciary Conference Spotlights Judicial Safety and Independence

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.

A National Call to Defend the Judiciary

The Defending the Judiciary Conference opened with remarks by Judge Paul W. Grimm, Director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and retired United States District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. Judge Grimm emphasized the urgency of mobilizing the legal community to respond to increasing physical and verbal attacks against members of the judiciary. His message highlighted how such actions not only endanger lives but also erode public faith in the rule of law and judicial neutrality.

Judge Grimm set the tone for a two-day event that included keynotes, panels, and strategic discussions on the role of lawyers and legal organizations in protecting judicial integrity. The event was invitation-only, underscoring its focus on gathering high-level voices capable of influencing meaningful institutional and legislative change.

Honoring a Personal Story of Courage and Advocacy

One of the most powerful moments of the Defending the Judiciary Conference came when Judge Esther Salas of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey received the 2024 Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian Medal. The award recognized her courageous advocacy following a tragic and personal act of violence. In July 2020, Judge Salas’s son, Daniel, was killed, and her husband, Mark Anderl, was seriously wounded after a disgruntled litigant opened fire at their home.

Judge Salas shared her family’s story and her legislative efforts that followed. She was instrumental in the passage of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2021, signed into law by President Biden in December 2022. This federal law prohibits the online sale or publication of personal information of federal judges and their families. Her continued advocacy has extended to the state level, including Maryland’s own Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act, named after a Maryland judge tragically killed in 2023. This state law took effect on June 1, 2024, and further solidified Maryland’s efforts to protect its judiciary.

Voices from Across the Judiciary and Bar

Following Judge Salas’s keynote, the conference featured dynamic panels led by distinguished members of the judiciary and bar. Speakers included FBA President-Elect and U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick (Middle District of Pennsylvania), Chief Justice Matthew Fader (Supreme Court of Maryland), Judge Joan Lefkow (Northern District of Illinois), and Judge Robin Rosenberg (Southern District of Florida). La’Verne Edney, President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, also participated.

Together, these leaders examined the institutional consequences of attacks on judges, explored trends in threats and harassment, and discussed the evolving role of bar associations in defense of judicial independence. Participants also heard from experts in online safety and social media, including Meta’s Director of Content Policy, Michael Marando, who discussed strategies for responding to online harassment and misinformation campaigns targeting members of the judiciary.

Practical Tools for Advocacy and Civic Education

Importantly, the Defending the Judiciary Conference did not stop at reflection—it provided actionable guidance. Attendees received practical strategies for supporting judges under threat, speaking out when the judiciary is unfairly criticized, and improving public understanding of the courts through civic education initiatives. Panelists encouraged bar leaders and practitioners to serve as ambassadors of judicial independence and to promote transparency and trust in the legal process.

Maryland Chapter President Maria Salacuse represented the Chapter at the conference and shared the Chapter’s continued commitment to standing with judges and reinforcing the rule of law. Her participation reflected the Chapter’s leadership role in both local and national efforts to support judicial safety and preserve institutional integrity.

Reaffirming Maryland’s Commitment to Judicial Integrity

For the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the Defending the Judiciary Conference reaffirmed a core pillar of its mission: to protect the fair and impartial administration of justice. The insights shared, relationships built, and tools provided throughout the event will empower FBA Maryland’s leadership and membership to take action through education, legislation, and advocacy.

As threats against judges and courts evolve, so too must the profession’s response. Events like the Defending the Judiciary Conference equip the legal community with the knowledge and resolve to defend the judiciary not just in moments of crisis, but through sustained commitment to justice, transparency, and public trust.

To learn more about upcoming programs like this, visit explore our events and join us in defending the judiciary.