On October 18, 2024, the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association cohosted the FPDO 50th Anniversary Celebration alongside The Historical Society for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. This milestone event commemorated fifty years of service by the Federal Public Defender’s Office (FPDO) for the District of Maryland.

Claudia R. Cubas is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Hispanic Heritage Month for her remarkable contributions to immigration law and public service. As the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge (ACIJ) for the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), Judge Cubas now oversees Maryland’s two immigration courts in Baltimore and Hyattsville. Her journey from legal advocate to federal administrative judge reflects a deep and sustained commitment to immigrant justice, professional excellence, and community empowerment.

Justice Angela M. Eaves is recognized by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter during Hispanic Heritage Month for her extraordinary contributions to the legal profession and her historic appointment to the Supreme Court of Maryland. In 2022, Justice Eaves became the first Hispanic person to serve on Maryland’s highest court—an achievement that capped a legal career defined by public service, legal advocacy, and barrier-breaking leadership.

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.