The FBA Maryland Chapter is honored to participate in The Defending the Judiciary Conference, an invitation-only event hosted by the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke University on October 31 and November 1, 2024. Chapter President Maria Salacuse will attend on behalf of the Maryland Chapter as part of this national effort to mobilize the legal profession in defending judges and the judiciary from unwarranted attacks that threaten judicial independence and diminish public confidence in the courts.

The conference will be coordinated by Judge Paul W. Grimm, Director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and former United States District Judge of the District of Maryland. Judge Grimm will open the program by presenting the 2024 Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian Medal to Judge Esther Salas of the District of New Jersey, honoring her leadership in strengthening laws to protect judges and their families. Judge Salas will also share her powerful personal story and ongoing efforts to advance judicial security laws nationwide.

Over two days, participants will hear from an esteemed lineup of judges, bar leaders, and experts, including Judge Karoline Mehalchick (U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania; FBA President-Elect), Chief Justice Matthew Fader (Supreme Court of Maryland), Judge Joan Lefkow (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois), Judge Robin Rosenberg (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida), and La’Verne Edney (President, American Board of Trial Advocates). In addition, security and social media experts, including Michael Marando of Meta, will provide practical tools for how attorneys and bar associations can respond to unfair attacks on judges and engage in civic education to strengthen public trust in the courts.

This conference will serve as a call to action for the legal community to stand firmly with the judiciary and protect the independence and integrity of our courts.