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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

District Judge Adam Abelson was officially sworn in as a United States District Judge for the District of Maryland on September 16, 2024. His appointment marks a milestone in a distinguished legal career that has long been connected to both the bench and the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA). Judge Abelson previously served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge, having been sworn into that role on September 18, 2023. His elevation to District Judge follows the vacancy created when the Honorable James K. Bredar took senior status.