2026 Annual Luncheon
Join the Maryland Chapter of the Federal Bar Association on Friday, April 17th for our 2026 Annual Luncheon, located at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor (300 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202).
The Maryland Chapter’s Annual Luncheon is always a spring highlight. This year, we have an opportunity to welcome the spring by honoring new judges and re-connecting with members of the bench, colleagues, and friends.
This year’s reception will also serve as a special occasion to remember and honor the Honorable Catherine C. Blake, whose extraordinary service to this district spanned more than four decades. Judge Blake’s career exemplifies judicial excellence and public service.
Over the course of her distinguished tenure, Judge Blake served in roles of great significance within the District of Maryland as Assistant United States Attorney, First Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney, Magistrate Judge, District Judge, Administrative Judge, and Chief Judge. Each role reflected her deep commitment to this court and this community, and her remarkable range of service stands as a testament to an exceptional legal career.
Hon. Catherine C. Blake
Judge Blake exemplified the even-handed, thoughtful, and efficient administration of justice. Generations of colleagues, law clerks, and friends remember her as warm, engaging, and a model of integrity.
At April’s event, we will hear from members of the bench and bar. Representing our leadership, Maryland Chapter President Paul Caiola and National Delegate Mark Saudek will share a few words. We’ll also hear from Chief Judge George L. Russell III, the Hon. Chelsea J. Crawford, and the Hon. Douglas R. Miller.
We look forward to welcoming members of the Maryland legal community to this year’s event. Please register at the link below.
Meet Our Speakers
Paul S. Caiola
President, FBA Maryland Chapter
Paul Caiola represents entities and individuals in complex commercial and real estate litigation in federal and state courts, with first-chair trial experience across complex civil matters. He clerked for United States District Court Judge Walter E. Black and, before law school, served in the Peace Corps teaching mathematics and English in Malawi.
Mark S. Saudek
National Delegate, FBA Maryland Chapter
Mark Saudek handles complex commercial and civil litigation in federal, state, and administrative forums, focusing on contract disputes, business torts, trade secrets, intellectual property, and employment matters, including class and FLSA collective actions. He has significant experience with internal investigations and representing court-appointed monitors and receivers. Previously, Mark served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Catherine C. Blake.
Hon. George L. Russell, III
Chief District Judge, U.S. District Court District of Maryland
Chief Judge George L. Russell, III received his B.A. from Morehouse College and his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. He clerked for Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Maryland Court of Appeals before entering private practice and later serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions.
In 2007, he was appointed to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, and in 2012, was confirmed to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland following nomination by President Obama. He became Chief District Judge on May 1, 2024.
Hon. Chelsea J. Crawford
Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court District of Maryland
Judge Chelsea J. Crawford holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maryland School of Law, where she received the Dean's Award and was named Order of the Barristers. Before law school, she worked in local news in Philadelphia and at National Public Radio.
She clerked for Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher of the District of Maryland and Judge Andre M. Davis of the Fourth Circuit. She then practiced at Brown, Goldstein & Levy in complex civil rights, personal injury, and commercial litigation before her appointment as United States Magistrate Judge on March 24, 2025.
Hon. Douglas R. Miller
Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court District of Maryland
Judge Douglas R. Miller began his legal career clerking for Judge Irma S. Raker of the Maryland Court of Appeals before practicing commercial litigation, criminal defense, and legal ethics at Shearman & Sterling and Zuckerman Spaeder in Washington, D.C.
He then served as a felony trial attorney with the Federal Public Defender for the District of Maryland, representing over 250 clients, and in 2022–2023 was detailed to the Senate Judiciary Committee advising Chairman Richard J. Durbin on criminal justice policy. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
Register for the 2026 Annual Luncheon
Sign up for the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter’s 2026 Annual Luncheon at Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor (300 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202). If registering multiple attendees, please make sure to include their information in the respective field.
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