Advocate January 2018

THE ADVOCATE Newsletter of The Baltimore County Bar Association VOLUME XXVI, NO. 7

January 2018

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Adam Thomas Sampson Happy New Year!

Thanks to Chair Neill Thupari, Vice-Chair Craig Borchers, and the entire Young Lawyers Committee for planning a very successful Holiday Luncheon to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Baltimore County.

Because of your efforts and the generosity of our members, the Baltimore County Bar Association had the privilege of delivering to CASA a truck full of toys, games and stuffed animals, as well as a check for $610. The money raised will be used to purchase additional gifts for the children in foster care who receive services through CASA. On December 14, 2017, I had the high honor, at the invitation of the Court of Appeals, to move for the admission of candidates, who had successfully passed the Bar exam,

to the Maryland Bar. Twenty years ago, I sat in the same seat as these candidates. I wish to share some of my remarks to those candidates, that apply equally to all of us as members of the Bar. After informing the candidates that they, like me, would not remember who moved for their admission or what was said, and after sharing a joke about lawyers chained together at the bottom of the sea, I reminded the candidates to appreciate the responsibilities that will fall upon their shoulders and to embrace the opportunities it will afford.

For example, I suggested that, as lawyers, they should be: Diligent and prompt in representing a client.

Calendar deadlines and plan ahead to meet them.

Be on time for meetings and court dates, which

Inside This Edition ABA House of Del. Annual Sponsors Bench/Bar Report Calendar of Events Committee News County Council Update Court Notices District Ct Assignments Holiday Party Judicial Portrait Fund Law Library Member Ads Members on the Move Pet Picture Contest Robert K. Erdman, Jr. Save-The-Date Flyer Veteran Mentors Needed

Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg Pg

17 34 10 3 24 14 5 4 20 9 30 36 18 15 12 8 23

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January 2018

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Adam T. Sampson, BCBA President

means be early. Return phone and email messages in a timely manner.

Don’t procrastinate. Bad things can happen if you procrastinate. Following these simple steps will avoid complaints from clients, criticism from counsel, and rebukes from judges.

Thoroughly prepared in everything you do – from researching legal issues; drafting legal memoranda, court filings, or transactional documents; presenting oral arguments; and trying cases. You will achieve success by outworking your opponents, while gaining respect from clients, counsel and judges.

Civil and courteous when dealing with opposing counsel. Zealous advocacy for a client does not require being a jerk. In fact, acting in an uncivil and discourteous manner projects weakness, insecurity, and a lack of confidence.

A confident lawyer, well prepared and sure of her or himself, promotes more effective advocacy and a reputation that appeals to clients, counsel and judges.

I told the candidates that being a lawyer also affords distinct opportunities to contribute to our society.

You advance justice through the fair resolution of disputes. You can advocate for legislative change.

You can influence public opinion through an op-ed or blog. You can serve the Bar and community

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through leadership positions on boards. In short, being a lawyer gives you a powerful voice.

Finally, I encouraged each candidate to join and be active in their local and the State Bar Association.

Bar membership offers the opportunity for collegiality with colleagues, networking, continuing legal education and mentoring.

Congratulations to all of the newly admitted lawyers to the Maryland Bar on your achievements to date.

Welcome to the Bar, and may you have successful careers, and more importantly, successful lives.

And thank you to Chief Judge Ellen Barbera, and Judges Michelle Hotten, Robert McDonald, Clayton Greene, Jr., Sally Adkins, Shirley Watts, and Joseph Getty for chatting with me after the ceremony. As I discussed the nearly 100 year tradition of our Bar Association’s Black Tie Banquet (Prom), and the feverish planning we are currently undertaking to prepare for this event, at least one Judge asked me if that is the one that involves throwing food, to which another, I think, clarified that rolls (in particular) are thrown!

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January 2018

C ALENDAR

2017-18 Officers President Pres-Elect Secretary Treasurer

OF

E VENTS

Adam T. Sampson Rebecca A. Fleming Michael W. Siri Jay D. Miller

Executive Council Stanford G. Gann, Jr. John G. Turnbull III Lisa Y. Settles Sondra M. Douglas Richard Grason VI Robert K. Erdman, Jr.

Robert J. Thompson, Immediate Past President A. Neill Thupari, YL Chair

The Advocate David F. Luby Committee Chair Ari J. Kodeck Committee Vice -Chair

Contributing Writers Thomas H. Bostwick Mariela C. D’Alessio Justin E. Fine Bruce E. Friedman William R. Levasseur, Jr. Margaret M. McKee Cecilia B. Paizs Kimberly K. P. Rothwell Jeffrey R. Scholnick Scott D. Shellenberger Alaina L. Storie Whitney E. Wilder Matthew I. Wyman

February 2018 1.

5pm, Family Law Committee, Spring Mini-Series Parenting Plans. Jury Assembly Area 15. 5pm, Young Lawyers Committee, Thirsty Third Thursdays, 7 West Bistro 20. Noon, CLE Committee, Client Communications: Avoiding Malpractice and Ethical Complaints in Your Law Practice.

Grand Jury Room.

21 Noon, Real Property Committee, Condos, HOAs, Bowie & Jensen, Towson 21. 5pm, Family Law Committee, Custody Evaluations, Woodholme Country Club 22. 5pm, NIWC Committee, A View from Big Insurance, Grand Jury Room 28. 5pm, Estates & Trusts Committee, Gibber Presentation, Grand Jury Room *If you are interested in volunteering for the monthly Lawyer in the Lobby, please contact Rachel Ruocco, 410-337-9100

The Advocate is a monthly publication of the Baltimore County Bar Association informing its members about current events relating to law. Articles do not necessarily reflect the official position of the BCBA and publication does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed.

The contents of advertisements are the responsibility of the advertisers and are not recommendations or endorsements by The Advocate.

Publication deadline: 15th of the month preceding publication.

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January 2018

Maryland Legal Services Corporation Welcomes New IOLTA Compliance Manager December 27, 2017, Baltimore, MD – Kaa Andam is the new IOLTA Compliance Manager of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, which makes grants to nonprofit organizations that provide civil legal aid to low-income Marylanders. Andam will manage compliance by financial institutions and Maryland licensed attorneys with the Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts program administered by MLSC. Andam comes from a career in banking with a Master in Business Administration from University of Maryland University College and Bachelor of Science in finance from Salisbury University. Her most recent position was Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager, at PNC Bank in Rockville.

“We are excited to have Kaa join MLSC to help enhance relationships with financial institutions and the bar at a time when interest rates have begun to gradually improve. This translates directly into increased IOLTA revenue, enabling MLSC to strengthen its support of civil legal assistance to the most vulnerable in our state,” said Executive Director Susan Erlichman.

MLSC was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1982 to receive and distribute funds to nonprofit organizations that provide civil legal assistance to lowincome persons. From its inception, MLSC has made grants totaling over $270 million to help provide services in nearly 3 million legal matters for Maryland’s families in areas of family, housing, consumer, employment, health care and other civil legal matters.

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January 2018

COURT NOTICES

Notice to Family Law Bar Motion to Strike Appearance in Settlement Court Cases If an attorney has filed a motion to strike an appearance and it has not been ruled on at the time of the Settlement Conference, the attorney MUST participate in the Settlement Conference.

If the Motion to strike Appearance is ripe and there is no trial date scheduled or the trial date is more than 30 days out, the Settlement Court judge may rule on the Motion to Strike Appearance after the Settlement Conference is completed.

If the Motion to Strike Appearance is ripe and the trial date is within 30 days, Settlement Court shall send Motion to Strike Appearance to Judge Cox after the Settlement Conference is completed for review.

Judge Kathleen Gallogly Cox 12/14/17

Judge Ruth Ann Jakubowski

Notice to the Bar and Litigants: Civil Contempt Protocol for Family Cases

This protocol explains how the Court processes and hears Petitions for Contempt filed in divorce, child custody, visitation, and child support cases. Petitions for Contempt alleging a violation of a Protective Order are processed by Central Assignment and are always heard by a judge.

1. FILING A PETITION FOR CONTEMPT a. Petitions for Contempt have a $31 filing fee. The Clerk’s office cannot process the Petition without a filing fee, unless the Petitioner has requested and been granted a fee waiver. b. The Petitioner should submit a Show Cause Order with the Petition. Forms are available from the Clerk’s office.

2. REFERRAL TO PRE-HEARING CONTEMPT CONFERENCE OR HEARING All cases are scheduled for either a Pre-Hearing Contempt Conference or a Hearing, which takes place approximately 45 days from the date of filing. a. Most Petitions for Contempt are referred to a Pre-Hearing Conference with the Office of Family Mediation. A hearing is scheduled if mediation is unsuccessful. b. Cases involving a party who lives 100 miles or more from the courthouse, or in which at least 3 Petitions for Contempt have been filed in the past two years, go directly to a hearing before a Family Magistrate or Judge.

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January 2018

COURT NOTICES

i. Matters heard by judges: 1. Breach of separation agreement/contract provision 2. Interpretation of separation agreement or Order 3. House repair/sale 4. Pension/retirement 5. College tuition 6. Tax credits. ii. Matters heard by magistrates: 1. Child access/visitation 2. Communication/legal custody 3. Nonpayment of child support, including reducing the arrears to a judgment 4. Nonpayment of alimony 5. Use and possession 6. Health or life insurance 7. Drug testing. iii. Requests for jail time: if the issue is one typically heard by a magistrate, the case is assigned to a magistrate. At the hearing, the magistrate will determine whether the Petitioner actually wants jail time. If so, the magistrate will contact Central Assignment to get a hearing date with a judge, and the parties will be served with hearing notices in open court. iv. Specially assigned cases: are typically heard by the assigned judge.

3. SHOW CAUSE ORDERS AND SERVICE .a. Petitions for Contempt are referred to the Chambers Judge (or the assigned Judge if the case is specially assigned) to grant or deny the Show Cause Order. b. The Show Cause Order, if granted, will include deadlines for service (20 days from the date of the Order) and filing an Answer (10 days from the service deadline). The Show Cause Order will also specify how service is to be made. c. The Petitioner is responsible for making sure the Petition and Show Cause Order are served before the deadline, and the Affidavit of Service is filed with the Court. d. If the Petition and Show Cause Order are not served by the deadline, the Pre-Hearing Contempt Conference or Hearing will not take place. The Court will not take any further action unless the Petitioner requests that the Show Cause Order be reissued.

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January 2018

COURT NOTICES

Baltimore County Pilot Program for Bail Review and Pretrial Supervision Since the revisions to Maryland Rule 4-216 took place on June 1, 2017, courts throughout the State have experienced changes in the decisions being made when considering pretrial release. Over the past several months, judges from the Circuit and District Courts have been meeting with administrators from the Baltimore County Detention Center, the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Public Defender to monitor the changes in our detention and pretrial supervision populations, and to consider program reforms. As part of that process, this “Pretrial Workgroup” has also examined effective practices utilized in other counties and states.

Two principles became clear from the review of best practices in other jurisdictions. The first is that consistent utilization of a risk assessment instrument ensures better and more consistent bail decisions. The second is the need for close and effective pretrial supervision, with prompt notification to the court for violations.

The Pretrial Workgroup has developed a risk assessment instrument for use in bail review hearings in both the District and Circuit Courts starting December 4, 2017. At each initial bail hearing, the presiding judge will have the scored results of the risk assessment, together with any recommendation for an override based upon the screening interview with an inmate. The judge will be given a recommendation either for release without conditions, release with pretrial supervision, or continued detention. Where pretrial supervision or continued detention is recommended, the presiding judge will also be advised whether the individual is eligible for home detention supervision through the jail.

For individuals recommended for release with supervision, there will be three options: Level One supervision, which requires periodic phone check-in; Level Two supervision, which adds periodic in person check-ins, drug testing, and referrals with monitoring for services such as drug or mental health counseling; and Level Three supervision, which will continue detention without bail but authorize supervision in the community on home detention, if approved by the Detention Center, with monitoring consistent with Level Two supervision. These recommendations are not binding, and the presiding judge is free to detain or release under conditions he or she deems appropriate.

The Workgroup will monitor data from bail hearings over the ensuing several months to test the effectiveness of the risk assessment instrument and the pretrial supervision programs. In particular, the Workgroup will monitor recidivism pending trial and failure to appear rates. In addition, the Workgroup will monitor the impact on the detention center population.

The Workgroup seeks to increase the range of pretrial supervision options available within the County in programs that provide consistent monitoring and prompt reporting to the Court if there is noncompliance. It is our belief that this will result in a decrease in the pretrial population at the jail. It is also our belief that demonstrated compliance with pretrial monitoring will likely decrease the number of individuals sentenced to short terms of local incarceration, thus reducing the number of individuals serving local sentences.

Once the program is piloted and we have data to review, we will invite input from stakeholders before finalizing a County program.

Hon. Kathleen Gallogly Cox Hon. Robert E. Cahill, Jr. Hon. Dorothy J. Wilson Hon. Stacy A. Mayer

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January 2018

BENCH/BAR REPORT

by Carl R. Gold The Bench Bar Committee met on January

Sampson that Rachel Ruocco has been named the

11, 2018. Vice - Chairman Fred Allentoff called the

new Executive Director. Gregory Gaskins had no

meeting to order. The Honorable Judge Kathleen

report other than to remind the Clerk that the Office

Cox reported that the Court is continually assessing

of Law does not have to pay the appearance fee.

the Pre-Trial Risk Assessment/Bail Project using a

The Honorable Judge William Sommerville,

scoring Matrix Assessment, and that the project

on behalf of the Office of Administrative Hearings,

appears to be working well. Judge Cox reported that there are currently 90 individuals on home detention which is higher than usual. On behalf of the District Court, the Honorable Judge Dorothy Wilson

judicial portraits. He explained that the goal was to

observation was that more individuals were being

have portraits done upon retirement as opposed to

released with community supervision. She explained that an initial glitch in the numbers made it appear as if many defendants were being declined the services of the Public Defender but, in fact, these were

She advised that MDEC will roll out on April 13,

working well and much better than in other jurisdictions. Judge Wilson also told the Committee that there were still issues with repairing the District

Family Department was only one-day behind. She also told the Committee that she has six vacancies.

Committee that Magistrate Moore is retiring, and so

but there is no news on whether that will be granted.

Zaremba agreed that the Pre-Trial Assessment was

the Civil Department was up-to-date, and that the

Debra Schubert from Harford County told the

She said the Court is asking for a fourth Magistrate,

noneconomic reasons. Public Defender Donald

Clerk of the Circuit Court Julie Ensor reported that

upon death.

far 20 people have applied to replace the Magistrate.

individuals who were deemed to be not eligible for

Court in Woodlawn.

Chase, Baltimore City Bar Association liaison, asked 5:00 p.m. in the Grand Jury Room to raise funds for

also successful and moving smoothly. Her

were rolling along for the new Catonsville District

not yet know who the new judges were. Harry for support and attendance on January 18, 2017 at

confirmed that the Pre-Trial Risk Assessment was

Court from flooding damage, but that the caissons

reported that four vacancies were filled, but he did

2018 in Harford County. Initially, Court dockets will be reduced to ease the roll out. She discussed a problem with regard to MDEC’s inability to interface with the domestic violence paperwork causing long delays in printing orders. Judge Wilson advised that the MDEC staff is working very hard to address this problem. Ms. Schubert also reminded the Committee that Pre-Trial Statements are required at Pre-Trial Conferences in Harford County, and that even though lawyers are supposed to be present for Scheduling

Mr. Allentoff reported on behalf of Bar President THE ADVOCATE

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January 2018

BENCH/BAR REPORT

SHOW YOUR SOFT SIDE

Conferences in Harford County you can call to ask

Wine & Whiskey Glasses

for some discretion if you have to travel a great distance.

On behalf of the Family Law Committee, Amy Feldman reported that there were several successful seminars with topics such as Domestic Torts and Advance BIA training. There will be a Family Law dinner meeting on February 21.

Purchase the 2017-18 commemorative glass today.

The BCBA has a limited number of Riedel 12 oz Wine and Riedel 7 oz Single-malt Whiskey glasses, etched with the BCBA and Show Your Soft Side logos, available in the Bar Office. These are a great compliment to glasses from previous years, which include The American Red Cross, Notre Dame Preparatory School and Itineris. One free glass for a donation of $20. Cash & Carry only, please.

Cash or check payable to the BCBA. Donation of $40 or more include a free "Softie" poster!

The next meeting of the Bench Bar Committee is scheduled for February 8, 2018.

As the BCBA designated charity, 100% of your donation goes to Show Your Soft Side!

SYSS Tee-shirts Show your support and increase awareness of the charity, its mission and purpose. Men and women's sizes available (S, M, L, XL and 2XL). One free shirt for each donation of $20. Orders being accepted at the Bar Office. Cash (or check payable to Show Your Soft Side) & Carry only, please. Donation of $40 or more include a free "Softie"poster!

In advance, thank you for your generosity.

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January 2018

MEET ROBERT K. ERDMAN, JR.

By Wendy Sare Meadows Meet Robert K. Erdman, Jr.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce Robert K. Erdman, Jr. as the newest member of the Baltimore County Bar Association’s Executive Council.

Rob bears the distinct privilege of becoming the first male partner at Howanski, Meadows & Erdman, LLC. He will be serving as the President of the Bar Association from 2026-2027. That may seem a long way off, but oh how time flies!

Rob was born and raised in Baltimore County, and other than a 4-year stint in Delaware (University of Delaware) and a brief sojourn to Martinique, he has been a life-long Baltimore (county and city) resident. True to form, he is also a die-hard Ravens fan (first) and O’s fan (close second) and if you don’t know the extent of it – come visit him at our office. Rob and his wife, Jenny, are the proud parents to three boys under the age of 5, the first of whom owes his daddy a trip to the next Ravens’ Super Bowl. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, bourbon, beach trips with his family, and naps. The order of which he ranks these preferences has changed some over the course of the last 5 years and the “quad-fecta” would include all four in the same day.

Lest I presume you already know Rob and know his legal career . . . Rob is a 2005 graduate from the University of Baltimore School of Law where he served as Editor in Chief for the Journal of Environmental Law. Upon graduation, he began his legal career as Law Clerk to the Honorable Patrick Cavanaugh. After a year watching other attorneys try cases, he finally realized his dream of becoming a litigator and worked with Webb & Blitz where he had the opportunity to jump into general litigation and jump into the courtroom as well. In 2009, he joined Kristine K. Howanski and me, and since then, he has focused on family law, with a special focus on serving as a Best Interest Attorney for minor children. I have had the opportunity to watch Rob grow as an attorney, both in terms of our daily work as advocates for clients, as well as within the BCBA and the “Big Bar” where he has served on numerous committees and the Board of Governors. In both arenas, Rob has been the epitome of the words: professional, courteous, effective, zealous, detail-oriented and driven. Rob has high standards for himself and he works tirelessly to maintain them. I have no doubt that he will apply these same standards during his tenure on the executive committee, culminating when he serves as our president.

What you may not know about Rob, he cannot resist a menu item with avocado (especially if it includes bacon and eggs). From what I hear, there are a few Towson establishments that make such things. Do yourself a favor and take Rob out for lunch to get to know him a little better (and if it is after 5, buy him a bud light too). Congrats to Rob for this distinct honor to serve our Bar!

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January 2018

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS are available to law firms and other businesses. If interested, please contact Rachel Ruocco, 410337-9103 or rruocco@bcba.org. These sponsorships provide you with an opportunity to market your business directly to members at specific committee dinners and educational programs. In addition to being included on the program flyer, all sponsors will be included in each issue of The Advocate, thanking you for your support.

NAGLE & ZALLER, P.C., 7226 Lee Deforest Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046; 410740-8100; LAW OFFICES OF AMY M. FELDMAN, Nottingham Center, Suite 101, 502 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204; 410-296-6100; and OFFIT KURMAN, P.A., 300 East Lombard Street, Suite 2010, Baltimore, MD 21202; 410-209-6400.generously sponsored Family Law - November 14, 2017: Domestic Torts, dinner and program.

KAY KENNY and MINNESOTA LAWYERS MUTUAL; 1-800-422-1370 x4367 generously sponsored Technology - October 18, 2017, Hacking & Wire Fraud, and CLE February 20, 2018, Client Communications: Avoiding Malpractice and Ethical Complaints.

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January 2018

COUNTY COUNCIL UPDATE

by Thomas H. Bostwick Greetings! The members of the Baltimore County Council are grateful for the opportunity to update the County Bar on the activities of our County’s legislative body. Your seven member County Council serves as the independent Legislative Branch of County government.

The Council meets year-round, generally in bi-monthly Legislative Sessions (held at night) and bi-monthly Work Sessions (held during the day). All proceedings are open to the public, and the Legislative Session is broadcast on BCTV (Comcast & Verizon channel 25). The Council’s Website at www.baltimorecountycouncil.org provides helpful information as well.

At its December 4, 2017 Legislative Session, the County Council approved the following measures: Bill 69-17 – Maryland Children’s Health Program – the bill approves a supplemental appropriation of federal funds totaling $92,385 to the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) Gifts and Grants Fund program. The Program provides healthcare to eligible pregnant women, children, families, and single or married childless adults under age 65. Program staff provide eligibility determination and case management services for clients applying for health insurance benefits through the Maryland Medicaid Program. The grant funds will be used to support the salary and benefits costs of one new part-time Eligibility Program Supervisor and one existing part-time Case Screener. The positions will assist eligible Medicaid recipients in choosing a Managed Care Organization at time of enrollment and work to increase MCHP enrollment at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

Bill 70-17 – Emergency Management Performance Grant – the bill also approves a supplemental appropriation of federal funds totaling $286,163 to the Emergency Management Performance Grant Gifts and Grants Fund program. The purpose of the grant funds is to improve the County’s ability to plan for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from disasters and emergencies. The grant will be used to purchase 150 tablet computers and accessories for all first-line fire apparatus and medic units

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to enhance communications, new computer software to notify County residents and visitors of emergency information, and hazardous materials monitoring equipment to protect against natural and man-made chemical and biological disasters. The Fire Department expects to have all equipment purchased and installed prior to June 30, 2018.

Bill 71-17 – Zoning Regulations – Indoor Shooting Range – the bill permits an indoor shooting range in the Red Run Employment Corridor of the Owings Mills Growth Area. An indoor shooting range is an enclosed facility designed for the shooting of firearms for commercial, recreational, or training purposes. An indoor shooting range, also loosely known in this context as a “Guntry Club,” may include the retail sale of firearms and firearms-related equipment, an area designated for physical training, a standard restaurant, or an area designated for firearm-related educational purposes. The range may be located in the Red Run Employment Corridor of the Owings Mills Growth Area, but it must be located more than 500 feet from a principal residential structure other than a multifamily building.

The members of the County Council wish all the members of the Baltimore County Bar Association a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season, as well as a safe and prosperous New Year. We look forward to great things in 2018!!

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January 2018

Divorce, or probating an estate. Your client has options when it comes to the real estate.

Hawk Mortgage Group can help you and your client sort out the options and strategies they have at hand, to help at this time ‌ and down the road.

Jeffrey T. Hawk, President 443-619-7900 - Office 410-241-7071 - Cell Jeff@hawkmortgagegroup.com

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January 2018

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION STATE DELEGATE REPORT MARYLAND Barbara Kerr Howe bkhowe@verizon.net I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season with family and friends.

The ABA Midyear Meeting will be held in Vancouver, Canada, January 31 – February 5, 2018. The Vancouver Convention Centre will serve as the conference headquarters.

The House of Delegates will meet on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting’s Preliminary Agenda is available electronically on the ABA House of Delegates Webpage. It contains a brief description of the Resolutions with Reports that were submitted to be considered by the House at the Midyear Meeting.

The E-Book of Resolutions with Reports also will be available on the House Webpage prior to the start of the conference. It will provide you with an opportunity to view the full report for each of the resolutions. After the conference, you will be provided with a summary of action for each resolution.

If you have a particular interest or an opinion about any of these matters, please let me know, and I will share your comments with the members of the Maryland delegation in the House.

Your membership is valued and of benefit for the Association. If you would like to become more involved in any of the Association entities, including its various Sections, please contact me.

Thank you and I hope you will join us in Vancouver in February and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2018.

Best Regards, Barbara Kerr Howe ABA Maryland State Delegate

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January 2018

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service | March Madness Themed Annual Benefit M&T Bank Stadium | Southeast Level March 22 | 6 - 9 pm Get ready for another slam dunk event! Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) will host our annual "March Madness" themed benefit on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

Guests will enjoy upscale tailgate fare, open beer and wine bar, live music, exciting silent auction, interactive basketball games and more! All funds raised from this event supports MVLS’s mission of providing quality civil legal services to low-income Marylanders.

For more information about Early Bird Tickets and sponsorship opportunities please visit www.mvlslaw.org/2018benefit.

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Richard “Ricky” Adams has joined Rosenberg Martin Greenberg as an associate attorney with the firm’s wealth preservation group. His practice is focused in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Estate, Probate & Trust Administration, Adult Guardianship, and Special Needs Planning. Ricky is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, the Bar Association of Baltimore City, the Baltimore County Bar Association, the National LGBT Bar Association, and the LGBTQ Bar Association of Maryland. Ricky has significant experience in his practice areas, having worked for over seventeen years in the legal field, ten of those years as a paralegal. Thus, Ricky is able to leverage his ample practical expertise to benefit his clients. He is licensed to practice in Maryland.

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January 2018

New Partners Elected at Whiteford Taylor & Preston January 3, 2018 – Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Erek L. Barron and Peter W. Sheehan, Jr., have been named Partners of the firm, effective January 1, 2018.

Mr. Barron is co-founder of the firm’s Administrative Law & Regulatory Litigation practice and also its White Collar Criminal Defense & Investigations practice. He is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Prince George’s County, and serves on the Health & Government Operations Committee, with responsibility for shaping healthcare policy, administrative law and labor and employment law. Mr. Barron is based in the firm’s Bethesda, Maryland, office.

Click the image above for a link to Caroline Griffin’s blog

Special thanks to Tim Bojanowski, Alexa Carney and all staff of Zest SMS for designing the program for this event.

Mr. Sheehan focuses his practice primarily on products liability defense, business litigation and administrative law. He has successfully represented large and small clients through all phases of litigation and is experienced trying cases to verdict (bench and jury trials), as well as prosecuting and defending appeals in state and federal appellate courts. He serves as Chair of the Maryland State Bar Association's Administrative Law Section. Mr. Sheehan is based in the firm’s Baltimore, Maryland office.

About Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP: The over 160 attorneys at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston are dedicated to offering a comprehensive range of business law and litigation service to regional, national and international clients.

We deliver sophisticated, cost-effective legal services to innovative start-ups, middle market companies and global enterprises from our thirteen offices in Delaware, D.C., Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia. For more information, please visit www.wtplaw.com.

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January 2018

FY 2019 MLSC FUNDING INFORMATION MEETING January 9, 2018, Baltimore, MD – Nonprofit

Please contact Deb Seltzer at MLSC (410-576-9494

organizations interested in continuing or seeking

x1009 or dseltzer@mlsc.org) in advance of the

funding

Services

meeting if you need grant application materials in

Corporation (MLSC) for civil legal services to low-

alternate format (such as Braille or large print) or

income Marylanders for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1,

have questions. For more information about the grant

2018 – June 30, 2019) must submit an application no

process, see www.mlsc.org/grants. Those unable to

later than March 15, 2018.

attend the meeting but are interested in applying for

from

the

Maryland

Legal

MLSC will hold a meeting to discuss the grant

FY19 funding should contact MLSC after January 26

application process, general funding policies and the

to request more information.

forecast for MLSC’s FY19 funding level with

MLSC was established by the Maryland General

grantees and other interested nonprofit organizations

Assembly in 1982 to receive and distribute funds to

on Friday, January 26, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the

nonprofit organizations that provide civil legal

University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Room 108, 500 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore. The meeting will also be broadcast through GoToWebinar for those unable to attend in person.

Please

visit

https://

attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/4668986355351698690 to register for the webinar.

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January 2018

2017 HOLIDAY PARTY

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Committee News COMMITTEE CALENDAR, HANDOUTS, CONTACT INFO All Committee Chair and Vice-Chair contact information, upcoming programs and handouts from those programs already held this year can be found on the website at www.bcba.org. Click on “Committee Reports, then select the committee of interest.

May 9, 2018, 5 p.m., Legislative Update with Orphans’ Court Judges and Register of Wills.

BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE This committee (appointed by the BCBA Presidents) meets the second Thursday of each month, 8 a.m., in Judicial Conference Room 412. If there are issues to be brought to the attention of this committee please contact Chairperson Michael Paul Smith, 410-821-0070 or mpsmith@sgs-law.com.

June 26, 2018, Noon, Elective Share Update.

Grand Jury Room.

FAMILY LAW COMMITTEE

CLE COMMITTEE

February 21, 2018, 6 p.m., Custody Evaluations.

Speaker: Gina Santoro. Woodholme Country Club.

February 20, 2018, noon, Client Communications: Avoiding Malpractice and Ethical Complaints in Your Law Practice. Grand Jury Room.

March 22, 2018, 6 p.m., Sexual Abuse Allegations.

April 19, 2018, 5 p.m., The Enneagram Personality System and Conflict Resolution. Grand Jury Room.

April 12, 2018, Joint Dinner with Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford & Howard Counties, 6 p.m., DLA Piper, Smith Avenue.

May 17, 2018, 4:30 p.m., Annual Forum: Case Law and Legislative Update. County Courts Building.

ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE June 7, 2018, Golf Tournament, & Beginners’ Clinic, Rocky Point Golf Course.

Spring Mini-Series: Parenting Plans February 1, 2018 March 1, 2018 April 5, 2018 May 3, 2018

ESTATES & TRUSTS COMMITTEE

February 28, 2018, 5 p.m., Gibber Presentation.

Grand Jury Room.

LAW DAY COMMITTEE - MAY 1, 2018 Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom.

Art and Essay Contest flyers available online.

March 28, 2018, 5 p.m., ADR. Grand Jury Room.

April 25, 2018, 5 p.m., Guardianships. Grand Jury Room

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Committee News LRIS COMMITTEE PRO BONO COMMITTEE Please renew or consider joining the LRIS at this time. Application can be found on the website: LRIS Application.

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE Please notify Rachel Ruocco at the Bar Office of the passing of any BCBA member. If this information is received in a timely manner, it will be emailed to all members. Thank you.

Those members who will be honored at next year’s service on November 15, 2018, at 3:30 p.m., include: Henry J. Myerberg Judge Dana M. Levitz

This committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month, September - June, 4:30 p.m. at the offices of Levin & Gann, 502 Washington Avenue, Suite 800, Towson.

PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE Committee Meetings, 5 p.m., Royston, Mueller, McLean & Reid, 102 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600, Towson.

TENTATIVE: April 18, 2018, District Court Judges Program.

PUBLIC AWARENESS & SPEAKERS COMMITTEE AKA CIVICS & LAW ACADEMY

If you know of any other BCBA Member who passed away (since August 15, 2017), please advise Rachel Ruocco immediately, so they can be included in the service. Thank you. The reception for family and friends to honor and remember loved ones will be held immediately following the service.

Many thanks to all volunteer attorneys and judges who taught classes this year .

REAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE

Monetary contributions are greatly appreciated to support the Memorial Reception, and can be made payable to the BCBA, 100 County Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204. Donors will be acknowledged on the printed program.

February 21, 2018, Noon, Condos, HOAs, Bowie & Jensen, Towson

NEGLIGENCE, INSURANCE & WORKERS’ COMP COMMITTEE

May 15, 2018, Noon, Land Records e-Filing Status, Grand Jury Room, County Courts Building

February 22, 2018, 5 p.m., A View from Big Insurance. Grand Jury Room

SOLO & SMALL FIRM COMMITTEE

April 10, 2018, 5 p.m., Jury Selection/Mock Trial.

County Courts Building

March 15, 2018, Noon, Tax (assessment) Appeals, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, Towson

“Cocktails, Tips & Treats” Networking, CVP February 27, 2018 May 29, 2018

Continued on page 29

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Committee News YOUNG LAWYERS COMMITTEE

Thirsty Third Thursdays, 7 West Bistro Grille, 5 p.m. Come join young lawyers, judicial law clerks, and a special monthly guest to relax and network.

February 15, 2018* March 15, 2018 April 19, 2018 May 17, 2018 June 21, 2018* *Attend the BCBA Stated Meeting at 4:30 p.m. in Ceremonial Courtroom No. 5, Old Courthouse, Towson, and receive a free drink ticket for the happy hour!

Running Club. Monthly runs will be held on the last Thursday of each month. August – May, 5:30 p.m., meet in Patriot Plaza.

December-February, meet at 401 Washington Avenue, Lobby.

We recommend that runners bring reflective gear, headlamps, etc.

March 29, 2018, Noon. Judge Colleen A. Cavanaugh and Judge Keith R. Truffer, County Courts Building.

Please RSVP to Craig Borchers, craigborchers@hme-law.com, thanks.

Annual Bull & Oyster Roast April 8, 2018, 2-6 p.m., Towson American Legion

YOUNG LAWYERS HOLIDAY LUNCH AND TOY DRIVE

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Calling all collectors … if you have Law Day buttons older than 1996, we would be happy to add them to our display. Please drop them off at the Bar Office, thanks!

Paul E. Alpert, Retired Judge Available for Mediation and Arbitration Former Judge of District Court, Circuit Court and Court of Special Appeals

410-484-2088

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BALTIMORE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT LAW LIBRARY NEWS Easy Interrogatories Finding great sample interrogatories has never been easier now that Bender’s on Discovery has moved solely to our Lexis service.

Moving them to e-form has greatly increased search-ability and ease of tailoring them to suit your practice’s needs. Stop by the Law Library to find your questions to your answers.

New Hein Online Titles Hein Online added the following journal to its database: Ius Canonicum Vols. 1-57#1 (1961 -2017) A general review of ecclesiastical and canon law, this journal publishes legislative texts proclaimed by the Holy See and scientific articles written by experts in all sectors of the canonical system.

New Titles The law library staff added the following titles to the collection: CHARTER SCHOOL LAW IN MARYLAND / - NBI, 2016. KFM 1590 .B68.

COPYRIGHT LAW IN A NUTSHELL, 3rd / LaFrance, Mary – West Academic Publishing, 2017. KF 2994 .C67.

ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE for family law attorneys / Conlon, Timothy; Hughes, Aaron – ABA, 2017. KF 8947 .C66.

ENHANCING JUSTICE REDUCING BIAS / Redfield, Sarah – ABA Book Publishing, 2017. KF 384 .R446.

New Micpels We received the following new Micpel which is located behind the reference desk: WORKER’S COMPENSATION MANUAL, 18TH EDITION 2017

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Don’t let this happen to your career. Reach out for help before it becomes a train wreck. Don’t wait for Bar Counsel to pay you a visit. Confidential help is available for any attorney, paralegal or support staff for drug, alcohol and/or mental health issues, among others.

ARE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS CAUSING PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE? There is a way up and a way out — for ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENTIAL help, call us today ...

BALTIMORE COUNTY LAWYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM A CONFIDENTIAL resource for Baltimore County attorneys, assistants and judges.

Our services include help for a broad range of problems and personal concerns, such as: Depression Marital and Family Relationships Alcohol and Drug Abuse Stress and Burnout Prescription Drug Concerns Career Concerns

Gambling Internet Addiction Sexual Addiction Compulsive Spending Eating Disorders Balancing Work and Family

WE DO NOT KEEP RECORDS. Our sole purpose is to provide help. We can assist with providing access to treatment facilities and provide emergency practice management, as well as referrals to professional counselors.

GARY MILES, Chair RICHARD LYNAS, Vice-Chair STUART AXILBUND JIM BEACH MARY CHALAWSKY MARISSA JOELSON JAY MILLER JOSE MOLINA SAM MOXLEY JOE MURTHA JIM QUINN BILL SALTYSIAK MARK VAN BAVEL

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443-632-1760 410-288-1099 410-832-7579 410-241-8538 410-649-2000 917-226-6472 410-951-7165 443-851-7353 410-733-3306 410-583-6969 443-703-3041 410-583-8883 410-337-5291

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Signature Sponsors

LAWYER IN THE LOBBY CLINIC The LAWYER IN THE LOBBY CLINIC is held the second Wednesday of each month, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for citizens of Baltimore County to meet, free of charge, with an attorney for advice and/or referral or both (including self-referral) in the areas of collections, bankruptcy, landlord/tenant matters, contract, warranties and other consumer matters, wills, probate, advance directives, or small claims actions.

If you are interested in staffing the Clinic, please call Rachel M. Ruocco at 410-337-9100 or email rruocco@bcba.org.

Volunteers for Jan.: Dempsey Nach Keith Franz Rochard Scott Volunteers for Feb.: Brady Locher James Nolar, Jr. E. David Silverberg

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The Baltimore County Bar Association continues its Signature Sponsor program, which enhances the opportunities for our sponsors, as well as our members. This single-tier program provides more engagement between our sponsors and our members.

Each Signature Sponsor can host an event during the year, thereby reducing the cost of the event for members while providing added benefits. Sponsorships help the Bar Association maintain its current dues level despite the increasing costs of providing topshelf legal education programs, social events, networking opportunities and Bar Office services available in the County Courts Building. If you know of a business that would be interested in one of these limited sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rachel Ruocco (410-337-9200 x102 or rruocco@bcba,org).

Please join us in welcoming these sponsors and consider their services when you need them.

Their ads are throughout each issue of The Advocate, distinguished by the gold ribbon that accompanies the ad. Please let them know you appreciate their support. Thank you.

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BCBA Members are encouraged to support our Annual Signature Sponsors.

When you need a service they offer, please contact the following, thank you.

Who do you know that would be a “good fit� for the Bar Association?

Contact Rachel Ruocco (410-337-9100 x102) o refer a business!

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The Baltimore County Bar Association

Presort Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1262 Baltimore, MD

100 County Courts Building 401 Bosley Avenue Towson, MD 21204-4491 410-337-9103-Telephone 410-823-3418-Facsimile www.bcba.org

MEMBER ADVERTISEMENTS TOWSON. For sale: 2 adjacent office condominium units (839 sf. And 882 sf.) at 606 Baltimore Avenue.

Professionally managed building, close to the courthouses and all that downtown Towson has to offer. Units could be sold together, or separately. Call Alex at 443-604-5062 for more information.

DUNDALK. Awesome space available. 5 office suites available in the Holabird Building on Holabird Avenue.

Conference room, lots of free street parking and receptionist. Contact Randolph Rice at 410-288-2900 or rr@ricelawmd.com for more information.

PIKESVILLE or OWINGS MILLS. Office space share available. Minimum usage. Contact Gerald Zimlin, 410-2920509.

CATONSVILLE. Office space available in the Catonsville/Arbutus area. Three potential offices for rent. Rent all three offices, or just take one. Share use of conference area and kitchen. Building newly renovated. Close proximity to Catonsville District Court and 695. Contact Sean for more information. 410-245-0732.

TOWSON. Office sublease available at 401 Washington Ave. Professional setting with private and secure access. Total of 5 offices (3 fully-furnished) approx. 1,089 SF. Wired for phone/Internet; Access to conference rooms during business hours Mon-Fri. Term thru Dec 2018. Parking available at Balt. County lot across the street. Contact Jess Gordon at (410) 292-7862 or jgordon@jlmpartners.net.

Towson. Office Sublet/Shared Conference Room. Furnished, interior office available for sublet. Includes use of

conference room, reception area, kitchenette, and internet OR, limited shared office arrangement available for use of conference room for meeting clients/mailing address, includes internet. Walk to both Towson courthouses. Contact Meredith Martin: 410-970-6495 or mm@meredithmartinlaw.com.

Towson Office Space. Offices for rent in the heart of downtown Towson, overlooking the Old Courthouse. Receptionist, copy machine, conference facilities, nice people and other amenities. If interested, please contact Matthew Ortega at 443-921-8161 x407, for details.

Towson. Office space available in First-Class Suite directly across from the Towson District Court. Parking, use of conference rooms, library, receptionist, etc. included. Contact Keith at 410-821-6800.

Towson. Full or part - time office available in a luxury well maintained building directly across the street from the Towson Courthouse and the Towson library on Chesapeake Avenue. This office is fully furnished with large picture windows. It is located within a suite with a private kitchen and bathroom for the staff as well as a large waiting room.

Ample parking is available. The rent is $900/ month for full - time occupancy. Landlord will pro-rate for part- time occupancy. Please contact Dr. Evelyn Marx at 410-296-6334.

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