THE ADVOCATE Newsletter of The Baltimore County Bar Association VOLUME XXV, NO. 1
July 2016
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Robert J. Thompson Let me first say what a privilege it is to serve this year as President of the BCBA. It is an honor to have a chance to lead this great organization – it is made up of some extraordinary people who do great things! Second, let me take this opportunity to wish you a happy Summer. For those of you who will have a vacation or a get away in the next few weeks, I wish you rest, relaxation, and fun; for those of you who are sticking it out for the Summer months, I wish you mild temperatures and low humidity.... Wouldn’t that be nice! “Who am I, and why am I here?” In the 1992 presidential election cycle, as those of us who are sufficiently “seasoned” (but not yet old) will remember, little known third-party candidate for Vice President of the United States, Retired Admiral James Stockdale, chose that as his opening line at the VP debate.... It’s a great question,
but sadly for the Admiral, things didn’t work out the way he had hoped and that opening question was probably the high point of the evening for him. But like Admiral Stockdale, I think that it’s appropriate every once in a while to stop and ask ourselves who we are and why we are doing what we do.... Why do we do this Bar Association thing in the first place? I can think of no better time to ask that question, nor any better time to answer it, than at the beginning of a new Bar year. An old Irish proverb (ever notice how all “proverbs” are old?) goes like this: “If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together.” And I think that’s pretty much it – by traveling together, each of us gets further along the path than we ever would have alone.....
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Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra THE ADVOCATE
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Inside This Edition ABA State Delegate Rept Bench/Bar Report BCPD Body Cameras Calendar of Events Committee News Court Notices Criminal Law Update Historical Perspectives Judicial Portraits Lawyers Assistance Member Ads Members on the Move MSBA Annual Conf. MSBA-Groner Award MSBA Conf Photos Signature Sponsors SLLZ Dinner Softball Tournament Stated Meeting Stated Meeting Reception
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Signature Sponsor July 2016
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Continued from page 1 We’ve come a long way in the last 96 years. Think about this: In 1920, when the BCBA was founded, lawyers and judges who weren’t middle-aged white men only existed in theory. Now, we here at the BCBA don’t take credit for the great march forward, nor the egalitarianism and diversity that has sprung up in the last century, but it is important to acknowledge that the BCBA has been there through nearly a century of it, helping to make it happen, helping to make it work, and helping to make it better. We’ve made our members stronger by offering programs like CLE and best practices workshops, and just as important, by being an organization that encourages young lawyers to get involved, and older lawyers to serve as mentors and role models while continuing to expand their own base of knowledge. We’ve served our community, I am proud to say, by taking on charity partners each year and working hard to do good things with and through them and through our own Bar Foundation. We strengthen our community through our Civics and Law Academies, by arranging for members to address civic organizations on trending legal topics, as well as perennial legal concerns; we strengthen and serve our community by providing a Lawyer Referral Service, Pro Bono Clinics, and a couple dozen other similar activities. But for me, the best thing about the BCBA has always been its collegiality. It is an organization made up of friends who, every day, model professionalism and civility and collegiality and who always welcome new friends... If it were left up to me to sum up the ethic of this organization, I’d say it is: That we work hard to do what is right for our clients and what is right in general, and no matter what side of a case or an issue we are on, we do things in such a way we lift each other up and make each other stronger. Traveling together.
opportunity to interact and network with them and with other members of our association, it only makes good sense to get involved and stay involved. And remember, we travel further together than we would, or could, alone. And now I will step down from my soapbox.... I’m proud to announce that our charity partner this year is the Women’s Law Center of Maryland., founded in 1971 to combat discrimination against women by promoting and protecting the rights of women. Today, the Women's Law Center, headquartered right here in Towson, educates women about their rights and advocates for them, fighting to end inequities, mistreatment, and discrimination based on gender. In nearly 50 years, the Women's Law Center has made a lot of progress, and done a lot of good – not just for women, but for everyone. To find out more about the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, visit http://www.wlcmd.org. Before I close, I just want to give one more shout out to our Immediate Past President, the Honorable Vicki Ballou-Watts, for the tremendous job she did this last year as President and for all the many great things she’s been doing all along. And, most importantly, for the graciousness with which she has done those many things. You’re going to be a tough act to follow, Judge!! Robert J. Thompson, President Baltimore County Bar Association July 2016
There are real-world, practical reasons for members to become involved and to stay involved in the BCBA. From having CLEs given by members and others who are also tops in their field, to having the THE ADVOCATE
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July 2016
C ALENDAR
2016-17 Officers President Pres-Elect Secretary Treasurer
Robert J. Thompson Adam T. Sampson Rebecca A. Fleming
Hon. Keith R. Truffer Jay D. Miller Stanford G. Gann Jr. John G. Turnbull III Lisa Y. Settles Sondra M. Douglas Hon. Vicki Ballou-Watts, Immediate Past President Alaina L. Storie, YL Chair
The Advocate Thomas S. Basham, Committee Chair
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COURTS & BAR OFFICE CLOSED in observance of Independence Day CLE Committee Planning Meeting, 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room Estates & Trusts Committee Planning Mtg., 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room Executive Council Meeting, 8 a.m., Judicial Conference Room 363 Family Law Committee Planning Meeting, 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room Lawyer in the Lobby, Free Walk-in Clinic, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Volunteers: Craig Little, Brady Locher, Jim Nolan, David Silverberg Law Day Committee Planning Meeting, 5 p.m., Judicial Conf Room 363 Past Presidents’ Dinner, 6 pm, Baltimore Country Club Public Awareness & Speakers Committee Planning Meeting, Noon, Grand Jury Room Entertainment Committee Planning Meeting, 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room Young Lawyers Committee Planning Meeting, Noon, Grand Jury Room
August 2016
Annamaria M. Walsh Committee Vice -Chair
Contributing Writers C. Theresa Beck Thomas H. Bostwick Catherine A. Dickinson Sondra M. Douglas Bruce E. Friedman Robert C. Lidston Gary Miles Margaret M. McKee Cecilia B. Paizs Jeffrey R. Scholnick Lisa Y. Settles Alexander C. Steeves Laurie Wasserman Catherine F. Woods Matthew I. Wyman
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MSBA Inter-County/City Bar Association Softball Tournament, 9 a.m., Watkins Regional Park, Largo. More information on page 15. Professionalism Committee Meeting, 5 p.m., via Conference Call Lawyer in the Lobby, Free Walk-in Clinic, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Volunteers: David Silverberg, Michelle Valenti Memorial Committee Planning Meeting, 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room Estates & Trusts Committee Happy Hour Kick-Off, 5-7 p.m., Towson Tavern, 516 York Road. Sponsored by Smith, Gildea & Schmidt
September 2016 5 COURTS & BAR OFFICE CLOSED, in observance of Labor Day 6 Executive Council Meeting, 8 a.m., Judicial Conference Room 412 8 Bench/Bar Committee Meeting, 8 a.m., Judicial Conference Room 412 14 E&T: Succession Planning for Attorneys, 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room 15 NIWC: Streamlining a Motor Tort Case, 5 p.m., Grand Jury Room 29-1 MSBA Bar Presidents’ Conference, Lancaster Marriott
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.
Committee Planning Meetings are open to all attorneys, regardless of whether or not you are a member of that specific committee. All suggestions will be discussed and considered for programming during the July 2016-June 2017 Bar Year. If you have something to contribute but cannot attend the meeting, please email doris@bcba.org. We hope to see you soon!
The contents of advertisements are the responsibility of the advertisers and are not recommendations or endorsements by The Advocate. Publication deadline: 10th of the month preceding publication.
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E VENTS
July 2016
Michael W. Siri
Executive Council
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COURT NOTICES Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Chambers of Kathleen Gallogly Cox Circuit Administrative Judge & County Administrative Judge
County Courts Building Towson, Maryland 21204 410-887-6510
Counsel are reminded that Maryland Rule 1-311 requires that you include your e-mail address, along with a facsimile number, if you have one, on any pleading or other paper filed with the Court. Email addresses are particularly helpful when there is a need to contact counsel on short notice. Please remember to include this information in your signature block.
NEW SECURITY PROCEDURES AT COUNTY COURTS BUILDING On Friday, July 29, 2016, the Circuit Court for Baltimore County will begin requiring all employees and attorneys to pass through the magnetometer at the court’s entrance. There will be a screening lane dedicated to employees and attorneys to reduce delays. This change was approved by the Bench, based upon recommendations of the Court’s Security Committee. The new screening procedure is considered to be a “best practice” in courthouse security nationwide, and will upgrade the security for employees and courthouse users. We appreciate your cooperation and patience and ask for your support as we implement this change. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Tim Sheridan, the Court Administrator, at tsheridan@baltimorecountymd.gov.
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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS Please note the following regarding upcoming judicial vacancies: Circuit Court for Baltimore County Two (2) new judgeships Vacancies Open: Wednesday, July 13, 2016 Vacancies Close: Monday, August 8, 2016 Commission Meeting Date: Thursday, September 22, 2016
On June 20th the County began a project to replace/refit the patio pavers on the right hand side (as you walk out/South side) of the front main entrance of the County Courts Building. The project will close off the patio on the portico on that side, which will block traffic coming up from the Bosley side. Those people will need to travel up the Chesapeake Avenue side walk. The project will end by September 20th and should not cause any disruption of Court.
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BCBA MEMBERS & JUDGES GATHER IN OCEAN CITY FOR THE MSBA JOINT BENCH/BAR CONFERENCE by Alexander C. Steeves Hundreds of members of the Baltimore County Bar Association joined with lawyers and judges from across the State of Maryland for the 2016 Maryland Joint Bench/Bar Conference in Ocean City from Wednesday, June 15, 2016 through Saturday, June 18, 2016. Members participated in everything from educational seminars to networking events to fun-filled activities such as Yoga on the Beach, Zumba, and the Young Lawyers Section 10k and 5k runs. Many Baltimore County judges and attorneys attended and moderated numerous Continuing Legal Education programs throughout the four days of the event. On Solo Day (Friday), the Negligence, Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Section presented 60 Tips in 60 Minutes, which included The Honorable Vicki Ballou-Watts, The Honorable Mark Scurti, Matt Paavola, Patrick Roberson and Danny Seidman on the panel, moderated by Rhonda Framm and Wally Kleid. The Honorable Alexander Wright, Jr., served as a speaker for a program that taught attorneys how to respond to Judicial Disability Complaints. The Honorable Dorothy Wilson spoke on a panel that discussed the ways in which Alternative Dispute Resolution can be effective.
Perhaps the highlight of the conference came on Thursday evening when all participants gathered at the Clarion Hotel Crystal Ballroom for the President’s Reception to honor outgoing MSBA President Judge Pamila J. Brown, and the new, incoming MSBA President, Judge Harry C. Storm. Judge Brown and Judge Storm joined former MSBA President Debra G. Schubert in a receiving line to welcome guests, and then everyone headed inside the ballroom to enjoy all types of food from oysters to salmon to bacon-wrapped scallops to sliced tenderloin. When the party was over, hundreds of attendees headed to the area around the indoor pool at The Clarion where the Baltimore County Bar Association, and many bar associations throughout Maryland, had hospitality suites that featured even more food and a wide array of beverages. The conference was a tremendous success in 2016, and it actually sold out for the first time in recent memory. Everyone who is interested in attending next June should register early and avoid being shut out at the last minute.
Baltimore County was very well represented at the Family and Juvenile Section program on Friday, June 17, 2016 when Christopher Nicholson received the 2016 MSBA Beverly Groner Award, and BCBA Member Craig Little passed the chairperson reins of the committee to BCBA Member Kristine Howanski. County Administrative Judge Kathleen Gallogy Cox served on a panel that provided family law practitioners with advice on how best to deal with self-represented litigants.
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CHRISTOPHER W. NICHOLSON - 2016 RECIPIENT OF THE MSBA BEVERLY GRONER FAMILY LAW AWARD by Mary R. Sanders & Rebecca A. Fleming Beverly Ann Groner was an attorney who changed the practice of family law in Maryland. She chaired the commission which gave us the current Marital Property Act, a statute which leveled the playing field for husbands and wives when it came to property acquired during a marriage. She epitomized a family law attorney dedicated to improving the practice of family law in Maryland. The Maryland State Bar Association, Family & Juvenile Law Section named its most prestigious award the Beverly Ann Groner Award in her honor. This significant and esteemed award is conferred on a Maryland lawyer each year at the annual Bar Conference to an attorney who has demonstrated all of the wonderful characteristics that we respect and encourage in our family law attorneys: dedication to the law, professionalism and expertise. The award was first awarded in 2002. The list of recipients is not only impressive, but daunting. Past winners include The Honorable Kathleen O’Ferrall Friedman (2002), The Honorable John F. Fader II (2003), Kathleen M. Dumais, Esquire (2010), and The Honorable Diane O. Leasure (2012). At the MSBA Annual Meeting in 2016, the Family and Juvenile Law Section added the newest name to these extraordinary honorees and awarded the Groner Award to Christopher W. Nicholson. Chris is a partner in the law firm of Turnbull, Nicholson & Sanders, P.A. He has been practicing since 1982. He is everything that the Groner Award symbolizes. Chris gives countless hours of his time - whether it be pro bono Best Interest Attorney work, teaching at the judicial institute, presenting at endless MSBA CLEs, testifying before the Senate or the House on family law legislation, or publishing articles on hot topics. His resume is pages long with all of the task THE ADVOCATE
forces, committees, commissions and conferences he has lead or been a part of. Chris’ professionalism is unparalleled. He was awarded the J. Earle Plumhoff Professionalism Award by the Baltimore County Bar Association in 2009 as a result of his approach to litigants, opposing counsel and the court. He treats everyone with the same level of respect, dignity and consideration. Whenever Chris appears before the Court, you can guarantee he will be prepared, if not over-prepared. One of the many accolades that Chris has received over the years is being named as one of Super Lawyers Top Ten Lawyers in Maryland across all fields of practice in 2015. His expertise is often sought out by other attorneys for his advice and suggestions. Chris mentors many young lawyers and is always willing to help a fellow attorney. One of the little known facts about Chris is his passion for physical fitness. Chris is a workout “nut”, but in Chris’ way he turns this into serving the community. Chris is a member of a group called Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA), which is a group of volunteer athletes who empower students living with disabilities, some quite severe, to compete in athletic competitions. Chris’ contribution is pulling a cart with a disabled person on his bike for miles. The disabled athletes get the opportunity to feel the rush of competing and completing athletic competitions. Chris is a well-deserved recipient of the Groner award. He represents the legal community and the Family Law Bar with dignity, professionalism and compassion.
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MSBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & BCBA HOSPITALITY SUITE
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July 2016
MSBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE * BCBA HOSPITALITY SUITE
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BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE REPORT by Alexander C. Steeves
The Bench Bar Committee met for the final time during this bar year on Thursday, June 9, 2016, and many issues were discussed, and a great deal of information was disseminated to share with the membership. Perhaps the most exciting news that was relayed was the fact that the drawings have been unveiled for a new District Court in Catonsville. The new courthouse is going to be built at the intersection of Johnnycake and Rolling Road. It will be a four-story building that will have seven courtrooms on the third and fourth floors with an abundance of underground parking below the building. The official groundbreaking for the project will be in December 2016, and construction of the new courthouse is expected to take two years. The Honorable Kathleen Gallogly Cox gave a report from the bench and stated that a decision has been made to consolidate all of the assignment offices. Construction is underway in the Circuit Court building to move central assignment, criminal assignment, civil assignment, as well as the DCM office to the Mezzanine Level. Once construction is completed, this new portion of the courthouse will have a window and a counter so that employees can field questions from attorneys as well as the public. The only assignment office that will not be on the mezzanine level is juvenile assignment.
contact the Office of the Court Administrator. Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger stated that body cameras would be rolled out by Baltimore County Police this summer. Beginning in July 2016, the police department will start giving body cameras to some officers. There will be 150 body cameras issued to officers for the first year, and a full roll out of body cameras will take place in July 2017. Baltimore County Clerk of the Court Julie L. Ensor stated that the clerk’s office is working to separate the civil division and family division into two separate areas. They are currently interviewing for a new supervisor for the family law division in the clerk’s office. The clerk’s office is currently down four civil and family clerks and they are actively interviewing to fill those positions. The entire Bench Bar Committee joined to thank The Honorable Alexandra N. “Sandy” Williams for her tireless dedication to our bar association and to Baltimore County as a whole during her distinguished career as a District Court Judge. The June meeting was Judge Williams’ last as District Administrative Judge, and we all wish her well as she begins her retirement.
Richard Abbott reported that the circuit court is currently advertising for a number of new positions. They are seeking qualified applicants for a criminal case coordinator, guardianship liaison position and an assistant in settlement court because of a massive increase in volume that the court has experienced there. Interested applicants can
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Catonsville District Court
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The Bench/Bar Committee does not meet in July or August. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 8 a.m. in the 4th Floor Judicial Conference Room.
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A VIEW FROM THE HILL by Adam M. Rosenblatt On May 26, 2016, the State, Local Laws and Zoning Committee held an event at the Country Club of Maryland entitled “A View from the Hill” with Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger. A number of attorneys gathered to hear Congressman Ruppersberger share experiences from his decorated 30+ year career in public service.
Afghanistan, Yemen, China and Venezuela. He also detailed the origins of his career in public service, of which many in the room were previously unaware. A native of Baltimore City, Dutch spent his summers as a lifeguard and police officer in Ocean City and attended Baltimore City College and the University of Maryland College Park, where he played lacrosse. He earned his J. D. from University of Baltimore Law School and was working as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore County when a near-fatal car accident changed his life and set his political career in motion. While investigating a drug trafficking case, Dutch was involved in a devastating car accident. He credits the dedication of the doctors at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center for his survival. After the accident, Dutch began campaigning for additional assistance for the Shock Trauma Center and was convinced by his peers to run for public office. He was first elected to the Baltimore County Council in 1985 and again in 1989, and was twice appointed as Council chairman.
Like a famous musician or athlete, Congressman Ruppersberger is widely known by a single name: “Dutch.” He is serving his seventh term in the United States House of Representatives for the citizens of Maryland’s 2nd District, which includes parts of Baltimore City as well as Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford and Howard Counties. Dutch currently sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, including the Defense and State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs subcommittees. The Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating hundreds of billions of federal dollars each year. Dutch shared some incredible stories about his travels to over 50 countries including Iraq, Pakistan,
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In 1994 and again in 1998, Dutch was elected Baltimore County Executive where, under his leadership, the County was named one of the nation’s four best-managed counties by Governing Magazine. The County achieved three AAA bond ratings and significant job growth during his administration. As a former Baltimore County employee, I can tell you that there are few former employees spoken of as frequently and thought of as highly as Dutch. When you hear his down to Earth yet captivating style of speaking and watch him interact with people (some of which he has not seen for years and yet he still remembers the names of their children or family members), it is easy to see why he has had such a long and decorated career. I am sure that all in attendance would agree that it was a pleasure to hear him speak and share some of the details of his life on the hill.
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BCPD BODY WORN CAMERA PROGRAM by Scott D. Shellenberger, State’s Attorney for Baltimore County On July 6, 2016 the Baltimore County Police Department will be launching its Body Worn Camera (BWC) program. The program will begin with 10 patrol officers spread across 10 precincts in the county to be equipped with BWC and increasing to 150 officers during the phase-in process. The 150 officers will wear and use the cameras until July 2017. Beginning in July 2017, additional officers will be equipped and trained until reaching the maximum deployment of approximately 1,435 officers. Full deployment will likely be accomplished by December of 2018. The cameras being purchased are the TASER AXON FLEX. There is a great deal of information about these cameras on TASER’s web site http:// www.axon.io/products/flex. While the policies on camera usage are complex, basically officers will turn the cameras on during enforcement actions. They will turn the cameras off when enforcement has ended or when given permission by a supervisor. The police department’s BWC policies are available on their web site at http:// www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/ bodycameras/. At the end of each shift the officer will place the BWC unit in a docking station located at each precinct. The docking station will both re-charge the battery and upload all video to www.Evidence.com, the cloud storage and management system provided by TASER. Once the video is uploaded it will create a gold standard video that is uneditable. The retention of video mirrors the retention periods of physical evidence in the property room. For routine traffic cases, the video will be maintained for 18 months; misdemeanor and serious traffic - 3 years; most felonies - 10 years; the most serious felonies indefinitely. The State’s Attorney’s Office will have access to BWC footage when misdemeanors, jailable traffic THE ADVOCATE
charges or felony charges are filed or where a suspect has been identified whether or not an officer has brought charges. The State’s Attorney’s Office will have access to BWC videos through TASER’S Evidence.com portal. In District Court, discovery for BWC recordings will be handled through an authenticated email link from Evidence.com that is similar to our existing ShareFile system. Once you register for a free account at https://my.Evidence.com, you can receive BWC recordings over the internet with the options to play or download them to your own files. All future videos can then be accessed through that account. If you have received BWC footage from Baltimore City through Evidence.com, that account should also work in the County. If you have problems opening an account, please call 410-887-6600 and ask for the Body Camera Unit. In Circuit Court, discovery will still be done in hard copy form and any BWC video that exists will be placed on a DVD or flash drive depending on the size of the file. On October 13, 2016 I will be speaking and the Criminal Law Subcommittee of the Bar Association will be hosting an information session on the BWC program. There will be more details on this talk in future Advocates. We are embarking on a new, exciting and complicated endeavor that will likely change the approach to policing, prosecution and even the defense of criminal cases. I am sure there will be some bumps along the way but I am open to answering any and all of your questions or concerns as we begin this new era.
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MARYLAND BAR FOUNDATION FELLOWS INDUCTED
The following BCBA Members were inducted into the Maryland (State) Bar Foundation as Fellows at the MSBA Annual Conference held in Ocean City, Maryland: William A. Beale Mariela C. D’Alessio Anthony J. DiPaula Glen E. Frost Raymond A. Hein Hon. Nancy M. Purpura Dennis M. Robinson, Jr. Samantha P. Rodier James D. Stone Alaina L. Storie
More MSBA Annual Conference Photos ...
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24TH ANNUAL MARYLAND INTER-COUNTY/CITY BAR ASSOCIATION SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT This annual softball tournament seems to have morphed into an “AllStar” game of the Lawyers’ League played throughout the season in Baltimore County. The BCBA has been extremely fortunate to have Jon Herbst and Dave Luby recruit and coach our team to its first second-place win in 2013, and back-to-back first-place wins in 2014 and 2015. Teams from Anne Arundel, Baltimore City and Prince George’s Counties can never be underestimated, so we are again looking for a few good great men and women to play on Saturday, August 6th, starting at 9 a.m. Games are held at Watkins Park in Largo, which is not as far away as it sounds! After the championship game, there is barbeque fare for everyone, refreshments, and a beer truck! This is a family-friendly event, and we would love to have non-players out there to cheer the team on to victory! There is absolutely NO COST to anyone who plays or joins us for the day. In addition to the food, beverages, fields and umpires, entrance registration fees for this tournament this year will benefit The Children’s Inn at NIH. If you feel compelled, you can make a monetary donation on site for the charity, as well. Players who have been on this road with us, some as early as 2006, include Nate Barker, Jim Barnes, Murray Blum, Tim Bojanowski, Nick Bonadio, Christine Britton, Kelly Burke, Tim Burke, Chris Casciano, Julie Eiswert, Rob Erdman, Ted Flerlage, Sara Grabenstein, Jon Herbst, Sarah Koop, Dave Luby, Hunter Piel, Rita Polikov Piel, T. Wray McCurdy, Hilary Ruley, David Silverberg, Cal Stafilatos, Tracey & David Steedman, Avie Stone, Lauren Stone, Jamaal Thomas, Matt Woods, Emma Young and Ryan Young., and probably others I may have missed (for which I apologize). Many thanks to you ALL!
A P L A C E L I KE H O M E The Children’s Inn at NIH is a private, nonprofit, family-centered hospital hospitality house located on the campus of the NIH. Since opening in 1990, nearly 12,000 children have come from all 50 states and 86 countries to stay together with their families –for free– in The Inn’s supportive environment. At The Inn, we understand the important role the entire family plays during a child’s illness, and that’s why our mission is to meet the needs of our families, reduce the burden of medical treatment and facilitate healing through therapeutic, educational and recreational programming.
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ANNUAL STATED MEETING - INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
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ANNUAL STATED MEETING - INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS by Thomas S. Basham
Judges and attorneys filled the jury boxes and well of Ceremonial Courtroom 5 and spilled into the gallery for the June 23, 2016 Stated Meeting of the Baltimore County Bar Association. The meeting featured the installation of Robert J. Thompson as BCBA President for 2016-2017 and marked the transition to new chairs of the Associations 26 standing committees. Outgoing President Judge Vicki Ballou-Watts called the meeting to order at 4:28 p.m. Minutes of the February 18, 2016 meeting were approved on a voice vote. Treasurer Rebecca Fleming handed out the Association’s budget and reported $171,525.01 cash on hand. Judge Ballou-Watts and BCBA Executive Director Doris D. Barnes then moved briskly through reports from current committee chairs describing a year crammed with meetings, memorial and awards programs, volunteer and pro bono work and programs and workshops aimed at citizens, students and all segments of the local bar. Executive Director Barnes told the meeting that Judges Ballou-Watts and Alexandra Williams will be joining the Maryland Bar Association’s Board of Governors. On a voice vote, Sondra M. Douglas, Lisa Y. Settles, John G. Turnbull III and Stanford G. Gann Jr., Jay D. Miller and Judge Keith R. Truffer were approved as at-large members of the BCBA Executive Council. In her final remarks as BCBA President, Judge Ballou-Watts predicted she would not suffer withdrawal symptoms knowing the Association was in capable hands. She was generous with her appreciation for the work of the committee chairs, members and volunteers who donate time and talent to make BCBA live and work. She thanked the members of the Executive Council and
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acknowledged the support and guidance of Ms. Barnes, Maxine M. Morrow and Rachael M. Ruocco, the staff members who daily do the tasks that keep the BCBA moving. Judge Ballou-Watts then introduced incoming President Robert J. Thompson. He expressed joy at being surrounded by so many friends while joining the ranks of the 96 BCBA presidents who came before. He presented a box of roses to Judge Watts, then introduced “VIP” guest Cynthia Thompson, his wife of nearly 29 years. He lauded the Association’s “great past” and predicted a great future, although, he said with a smile, “This year could be a little shaky.” Highlighting the diversity among the Association’s members, he quoted the saying: “Travel fast, go alone. Travel far, go together.” One of the functions of the President is selecting the BCBA’s charity for the year. Judge Ballou-Watts picked Itineris, an organization whose website defines its mission as serving adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. President Thompson announced that this year’s charity is the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, which he said was founded in 1971 to resist gender discrimination against women. He then outlined some “small but significant “ changes, including online printing of tickets to BCBA sponsored events and a means of making a contribution to the Bar Foundation during the on-line registration process. Then, there being no New Business, the president adjourned the meeting and invited the attendees to repair to the Towson Tavern for a reception sponsored by the Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos.
The next Stated Meeting of the BCBA will be in Ceremonial Courtroom 5 at 4:30 p.m.
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ANNUAL STATED MEETING - RECEPTION
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ANNUAL STATED MEETING - RECEPTION
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES: JUDGE W. ALBERT MENCHINE by Jeffrey R. Scholnick BCBA member William Beale, in his younger days, served as a law clerk to the Baltimore County Circuit Court Judges. A few years back, Bill told me a gem of a story that I feel compelled to share with you. It seems that Bill was clerking during the time that Judge W. Albert Menchine sat on the Circuit Court (the Judge served from 1958 through 1972, before being elevated to the Court of Special Appeals where he completed his judicial career in 1977). One day, Judge Menchine seemed a bit irritated when he started his morning docket. He was fidgety and squirmed in his leather chair. He rushed through his cases that morning, halting attorneys and those appearing in front of him, as they tried to explain their circumstances. No one could understand why the judge’s normal judicial temperament was missing. There seemed to be no manner of making the judge comfortable and, after only two hours on the bench, he called a recess, and ran from the courtroom, never to be seen the rest of the day. The balance of his cases for the day were cancelled. This was uncharacteristic of Judge Menchine and it did not take long before word passed among the judge’s law clerks of Menchine’s unusual behavior. The next day, Judge Menchine returned, along disposition.
with
his
threw the Judge’s undergarments into the wash, she also included her drapes in the same load. Unfortunately, the drapes were made from a fiberglass material that was popular at the time. Apparently, it was little pieces of fiberglass in the judge’s underwear, that proved to torture the Judge as he sat and attempted to concentrate on his caseload. We can only imagine the confusion of defendants and lawyers in Judge Menchine’s courtroom on the day that his privacy was compromised by glass fibers. Below is a photo of Judge Albert Menchine from the Spring 1984 Quarterly (the predecessor to the Advocate). He is receiving the second annual BCBA Man of the Year Award from the BCBA President, Earle Plumhoff, who is remembered every year at the Banquet for the award named in his honor
normal
So, what caused Judge Menchine’s behavior the day before? It seems that the Judge’s wife had laundered his clothing the previous night. When Mrs. Menchine
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CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE by Robert C. Lidston The June Amicus contains two Court of Appeals decisions of interest. The April Amicus provides us with a Court of Special Appeals case which may be of interest. There are fewer decisions from which to select in the summer because apparently even appellate judges take vacations. Grimm v. State, No. 49, September Term 2015, filed May 4, 2016 (opinion by Greene, J.). Angela Grimm confessed to police that she had sexually abused her stepson. She admitted to having sexual intercourse with him five to ten times, beginning when he was sixteen years old. She acknowledged that her two year old child may have been fathered by him. At her trial for sexual abuse of a minor, the prosecution played a part of her recorded confession for the jury. It also called the stepson as a corroborating witness. He testified that he moved in with his father and Ms. Grimm when he was sixteen years old. When he was questioned about his sexual relationship with Grimm, the stepson testified that he did not recall. No other corroborating evidence was introduced. The trial judge denied Grimm’s motion for judgment of acquittal. A judge found sufficient corroboration of Grimm’s extrajudicial confession. A jury found her guilty of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor under Criminal Law subsection 3-602(b)(2). The Court of Special Appeals affirmed the conviction, holding that the stepson’s "preposterous testimony" was sufficient to corroborate Grimm’s confession. The Court of Appeals reversed. It noted that an extrajudicial confession must be corroborated by independent evidence relating to or establishing the corpus delicti. The corpus delicti for sexual abuse of a minor is evidence of sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor. The stepson’s testimony regarding the corpus delicti was that he did not remember. This did not relate to or establish the corpus delicti. The Court found that there was insufficient evidence to warrant the conviction because the State failed to corroborate Grimm’s extrajudicial confession.
that testimony and assign it no weight in its consideration of the ultimate issue. The general rule is that disbelief of a witness does not ordinarily permit the fact finder to conclude that the opposite of what the witness testified to is true. The scienter (guilty knowledge) exception was applicable in Grimm’s case, because it only applies to a party witness. Under the exception, if the fact finder disbelieves a party witness’s denial of guilty knowledge, a permissible inference of scienter may be drawn based on other additional evidence. The applicability of the exception turns on whether the witness is a party or non-party. Stoddard v. DHMH, No. 81, September Term 2015, Merchant v. State, Misc. No. 16, September Term 2015, filed May 23, 2016 (opinion by Greene, J.). Merchant was found guilty of carjacking but not criminally responsible and committed to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). After his commitment, the circuit court granted Merchant conditional releases on a number of occasions, but each conditional release was subsequently revoked and he was recommitted to DHMH. Certified questions to the Court of Appeals arose out of the State’s filing of a petition for revocation of his conditional release. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) held a hearing on the State’s petition for revocation. He concluded that Merchant established that he was eligible for conditional release by a preponderance of the evidence. He forwarded his report to a circuit court judge. The judge stated that the ALJ procedure under Criminal Procedure Title 3 was unconstitutional and refused to apply the substantial evidence standard in his review of the matter. He held his own evidentiary hearing and concluded that while there was sufficient evidence to support the ALJ’s recommendation that Merchant be released conditionally, he would not defer to the ALJ’s decision. The judge revoked Merchant’s conditional release.
If the jury disbelieved the stepson, it had to discredit THE ADVOCATE
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CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE Continued from page 21 Stoddard was found guilty of attempted second degree sexual offense but not criminally responsible. He was committed to DHMH and later filed an application for conditional release. An ALJ held a hearing on his application and found that Stoddard established that he was eligible for conditional release by a preponderance of the evidence. That report was forwarded to the same circuit court judge as in Merchant’s case who held his own evidentiary hearing and concluded that he was not personally persuaded that Stoddard had met his burden of proof of eligibility for release. He denied the petition for conditional release. The Court of Appeals reversed the circuit court in Stoddard and answered the certified questions in Merchant. Criminal Procedure (CP) Title 3 provides for mandatory judicial review of an ALJ’s report on revocation of conditional release. While CP subsection 3-118 is ambiguous as to whether subsection (a) requires the court to be persuaded of eligibility for release "by a preponderance of the evidence," or requires the court to determine whether there was substantial evidence for the ALJ to have been persuaded " by a preponderance of the evidence," legislative history and other provisions of Title 3 make it clear that the substantial evidence standard applies to a circuit court’s review of an ALJ’s findings of fact and recommendations. Even where the committed person selects the Court procedure, "CP subsection 3-119 (c)(5) provides that "if the trier of fact renders a verdict for conditional release... the court shall release the committed person under conditions it imposes in accordance with specific recommendations for conditions under CP subsection 3-116(b)." Such conditions are those recommended by an ALJ. The same Criminal Procedure section provides "in recommending the conditions of a conditional release, the office shall give consideration to any specific conditions recommended by the facility of DHMH that has charge of the committed person, the committed person, or counsel for the committed person." It is clear that the statutory provisions require a court to defer to the Office of Administrative Hearings
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recommendations as to the conditions of release even where a committed person initiates the "court procedure" in circuit court. The General Assembly intended to create an overall statutory scheme that calls for an administrative procedure. To adopt the action taken by the circuit court would result in inconsistencies with Title 3. Bowers v. State, No. 2719, September Term 2014, filed March 30, 2016 (opinion by Wright, J.). Bowers pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to ten years incarceration, the maximum under the manslaughter statute. Bowers challenged his sentence, contending that the manslaughter statute is ambiguous because it includes two possible maximum penalties. Because of its ambiguity, according to Bowers, the rule of lenity should apply and the statute should be construed as applying the lesser of the two penalties to involuntary manslaughter and the greater to voluntary manslaughter. This interpretation would change his sentence to two years for involuntary manslaughter. The Court of Special Appeals (COSA) affirmed the trial court. The Maryland manslaughter statute is not ambiguous because it has been consistently and uniformly been applied and interpreted by courts and scholars. Even were it to be considered ambiguous and the court be compelled to look beyond the plain meaning of the statute to understand the legislative intent, a review of the legislative history back to 1809 shows that there was no intent to impose different maximum penalties for voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.
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Professional Office Space In heart of Towson (Washington & Chesapeake Avenues) available for sublet. Use of conference room, waiting area, internet, copier.
Contact ken@kenpragercpa.com 410-828-4749 July 2016
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July 2016
BAR FOUNDATION REPORT JUDICIAL PORTRAITS by John B. Gontrum
Your help is still needed in assisting the Foundation in funding the portraits of several deceased Circuit Court Judges. The Baltimore County Bar Foundation exists as an independent charitable organization with missions to foster and maintain the honor and integrity of the profession of the law; to improve and to facilitate the administration of justice; to enhance and improve the image of lawyers; and to promote the study of the law and research therein, and the diffusion of knowledge thereof.
Protect your personal and organization’s photographs forever. Guarantee they will be in a retrievable format 10, 20, 50+ years from today. The “free” services are a gamble not worth taking, since they own your photographs, and can remove them at any time. What would you do if you logged on, only to find them all gone?! Email forever100plus@gmail.com for more information on how to protect your legacy. THE ADVOCATE
A few years ago a request was made to the Foundation to act to provide for those wishing to donate funds in order to honor deceased members of the circuit court judiciary by having their portraits made and placed in the court house. The Foundation board believed that this was an appropriate task under its charter. To date, funds have been donated in varying amounts for portraits of Judges Jenifer, Brannan, Hinkle, and Jacobson. Judge Buchanan’s portrait was fully funded by his family. Other portraits have been funded privately. Unfortunately, although each portrait costs a very reasonable $4,100, the funding has not gone as hoped, possibly because the pool of attorneys familiar with the deceased jurists has grown smaller with the passing of time. Judges Jenifer and Brannan, for example, both passed away decades ago. Consequently, the Foundation is in need of funds in order to cover the cost of completion of the portraits. A gift of any size would be appreciated, and would be tax deductible. At this point the Foundation owes $16,400 for the portraits commissioned, and less than a third of that has been received. We believe that the traditions initiated in Courtroom Five are important in establishing the continuity of the bar and the role of these individuals in the history of the county. We appreciate any consideration you might give to this appeal.
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Committee News May 7, 2017, 5 p.m., Administrative Hearings, presented by Neil Jacobs.
CLE COMMITTEE The following programs will be scheduled for the 2016-17 Bar Year: Hacking and Wire Fraud, presented by Kay Kenny and Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Practice Marketing Strategies, presented by David Kelly and The Growth Coach of Greater Baltimore Magical Mystery Tour of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Offices,. A walking tour and overview presented by Circuit Court Clerk Julie Ensor. Where Have All the Assignment Offices Gone? A walking tour of the new location in Mezzanine 08, and brief overview of each office: DCM, Civil, Central and Criminal Assignment.
August 6, 2016, 9 a.m., 24th Annual Maryland Inter-County/City Bar Association Softball Tournament. The BCBA will be defending it’s second consecutive First-Place standing! For more information, please see page X in this issue. ESTATES & TRUSTS COMMITTEE August 23, 2016, 5-7 p.m., Happy Hour Kick-Off, Free Appetizers, Cash Bar, Towson Tavern September 14, 2016, 5 p.m., Succession Planning for Attorneys October 18, 2016, 5:30 p.m., Perspectives from a Corporate Trustee
CRIMINAL LAW COMMITTEE October 13, 2016, 5 p.m., Body Cameras, presented by Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger
November 9, 2016, 5 pm, Income Tax Considerations in Estate Administration
November 15, 2016, 5 p.m., Evidence, presented by (Ret) Judge Joseph F. Murphy, Jr.
December 6, 2016, 5 p.m., Estate Planning with Retirement Benefits LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE
February 9, 2017, Cars, Cops & Stops, presented by Prof. Byron L. Warnken March 7, 2017, 5 p.m., Post-Conviction Services: Home Detention, SCRAM Monitoring, Inter-Lock, Re-Entry Programs, Residential Rehabilitation Programs, Bail Bonds, etc. Sponsored Happy Hour at CVP THE ADVOCATE
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
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Please note that the 2016-2017 Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) renewal information is now available. Click here to open and print out the application. If you are a current member, you must renew each year. If you are not a member of LRIS and wish to join, now is a great time!
July 2016
Committee News Contact Rachel Ruocco at 410-337-9100 or rachel@bcba.org if you have any questions about LRIS.
PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE This committee will meet at 5 p.m. on the following dates: August 8, 2016, via conference call September 12, 2016 @ Proctor & McKee October 3 or 17, 2016, via conference call November14, 2016 @ Proctor & McKee December 12, 2016, via conference call
MEMORIAL & RECOGNITION COMMITTEE Please notify Doris Barnes 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 the members. Thank you. Those members who will be honored at next year’s service on November 17, 2016, at 3:30 p.m., include: Robert William Cannon Robert Edward “Boz” Joy Hon. I. Marshall Seidler Charles E. “Chuck” Brooks Charles E. Norton, Jr. Roland R. Bounds, BCBA Past President 1980 Hon. Frank E. Cicone Hon. John P. Rellas C. Stephen Basinger
August 21, 2016, 1:35 p.m., Game at the Yard, Orioles vs. Houston Astros. Tickets are $50 each, which includes $15 in vouchers for food and merchandise. Tickets are limited, and available in the Bar Office. This event will sell out! Get your tickets NOW! J. EARLE PLUMHOFF PROFESSIONALISM AWARD, to be presented at the Annual Black-Tie Banquet on Thursday, January 26, 2017. Nominations will be accepted through November 10, 2016. The award criteria and a list of prior recipients can be found on the BCBA website, Professionalism Committee Report.
If you know of any other BCBA Member who passed away (prior to August 1, 2016), please advise Doris Barnes immediately, so they can be included in the service. Thank you. This committee will meet on August 22, 2016, 5 p.m. in the Grand Jury Room. Negligence, Insurance & WC Committee September 15, 2016, 5 p.m., Streamlining A Motor Tort Case November 16, 2016, 5 p.m., Liens March 9, 2017, 5 p.m., Workers’ Comp 101 & Vocational Rehabilitation May 16, 2017, 5 p.m., Medical Malpractice Cases/ Opening Arguments
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The following items are needed by Itineris, this year’s BCBA-designated charity. Please feel free to drop your donations off at the Bar Office and they will be delivered. In advance, thank you for your generosity. White paper 20 sets of noise cancelling Head phones (for music and for noise control) Fitness items (Balls, medicine Balls, light weights, bands, et.) Calculators Cleaning supplies Art Supplies Batteries (All sizes) Cooking supplies (Measuring cups, Pans, pots, Baking sheets) Flour, sugar, salt, sprinkles (basic cooking supplies) Board games Extra Lap tops (2) Ipads (2) vacuum Video camera Karaoke machine Bikes/Adult tricycles Padding for resource room
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Fake register and scanner Fake food (fruit, cans , etc.) Stress balls Laminator (Industrial sized) Laminate Sheets Board Maker Velcro Index Cards Yellow Hi-liters Papermate Color Pens Large PECS Communication books Extra Sentence Strips Extra Insert Pages Small PECS Communication books Extra Insert Pages ASL computer program? Single hole puncher Index cards Magic markers Colored pencils A large paper shredder
July 2016
Family Law Paralegal Independent Contractor Paralegal AA & BS Degrees w/23 years experience All services provided at my office, or your office. Available 7 days/week All aspects of Discovery Process, Case Management, Drafting, etc. Overflow work, or temp relief available..
Contact Tammy Daily, TIDparalegalsvcs@gmail.com, 410-409-7541
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July 2016
MEMBERS
ON THE
MOVE ...
Alice Arcieri Bonner FutureCare Irvington 410-947-3052 x11081 bonnera@futurecare.com
Richard D. Rosenthal 130 West Lanvale Street Baltimore, MD 21217 410-539-5454 rrosenthallaw@earthlink.net
Theodore B. Cornblatt Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby 1301 York Road, Suite 600 Lutherville, MD 21093 410-769-5408 tcornblatt@bsgfdlaw.com
ABA STATE DELEGATE REPORT by Judge Barbara Kerr Howe The ABA 2016 Annual Meeting will be held in San Francisco, California, August 3 - 9, 2016. The Marriott Marquis will serve as the headquarters hotel. The House of Delegates will meet at the Moscone Convention Center West on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until House business has been completed. A Summary of the Resolutions that will be presented, along with explanatory reports, can be found on the ABA House of Delegates Webpage. Simply click on the resolution number to view the full report. I, as well as the entire Maryland Delegation, would greatly benefit from your opinion and observations you might have regarding any of the Resolutions and Reports. Therefore, please do not hesitate to let me know your comments, and I will share them with the members of the Maryland delegation to the House. After the meeting, I will provide you with a Summary of the Actions taken by the House at the 2016 Annual Meeting. As you may know, your ABA membership provides you discounts on thousands of products and services for work, home and leisure through the ABA Member Advantage program. Please visit the Member Advantage program to put the buying power of your membership to work. Also, if you have a particular interest and would like to become more involved in any of the Association’s entities, including its various Sections, please contact me. I hope you will join us in San Francisco. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the summer. Best Regards, Barbara Kerr Howe ABA Maryland State Delegate THE ADVOCATE
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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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July 2016
Signature Sponsors
LAWYER IN THE LOBBY CLINIC The attorneys listed below have volunteered to staff the LAWYER IN THE LOBBY CLINIC, which 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 rachel@bcba.org. Jerry Blake Jessica Corace Keith Franz Bruce Friedman Valerie Ibe Michael Jeffers Fu-Mei Jiang Craig Little Brady Locher
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Lisa Magil Mala Malhotro-Ortiz Paul Mayhew James Nolan Larry Polen E. David Silverberg Michelle Valenti Jordan Watts
The Baltimore County Bar Association continues its Signature Sponsor program, which enhances the opportunities for our sponsors, as well as our members. This singletier program provides more engagement between our sponsors and our members. Each Signature Sponsor will host one of teb signature events held throughout the year, thereby reducing the cost of the event for members, and many other added benefits. Sponsorships help the Bar Association maintain its current dues level, despite the increasing costs of providing top-shelf 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 Doris Barnes (doris@bcba.org or 410 -337-9103).
Please join us in welcoming these sponsors and consider their services when you need them. Their ads are throughout each issue of The Advocate, and can be located quickly using the index at the end of the issue, and by the gold ribbon that accompanies their ad. Please let them know you appreciate their support. Thank you!
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July 2016
Paul E. Alpert, Retired Judge Available for Mediation and Arbitration Former Judge of District Court, Circuit Court and Court of Special Appeals
COMMITTEE REPORTS
410-484-2088 All Committee Reports, Chair and ViceChair contact information, upcoming programs, and handouts from those programs already held this year, can be found the website at www.bcba.org.
BANKRUPTCY—Chapters 7 and 13 1-800-BANKRUPT Law Office of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo, III, P.A. STOP
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We are a Debt Relief Agency servicing all areas of Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Harford County – Over 1,000 cases filed.
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July 2016
** YOUR LAW FIRM NAME HERE ** This is your opportunity to support the Baltimore County Bar Association and sponsor the next printing and mailing of the September 2016 issue of The Advocate. Sponsorships available at $500, $1,000, and $2,000. Please contact Doris Barnes (410-337-9103) or email doris@bcba.org, if you are interested. In advance, thank you!
MEMBER ADVERTISEMENTS Towson. Office space available in First-Class Suite directly across from the Towson District Court. Parking, use f conference rooms, library, receptionist, etc. included. Contact Keith at 410-821-6800. Middle River. Professional space, share office. Use of conference and waiting rooms, copy and fax machine, and internet. Free parking. Available immediately. Contact Jerry at zimlinlaw@comcast.net or call 410-686-1911. Towson. Window office space (and interior office space) available for subtenant with boutique litigation firm loctated in top floor of the PNC Bank building, 409 Washington Avenue, Towson MD. Panoramic views of Towson overlooking Courthouse Gardens. Use of newly furnished large glass conference room and other support available depending on individual needs. Contact Adam at 410-823-5003 or adam@spencefirm.com. Owings Mills. Office space available in a small law firm, perfect for a solo practitioner. Includes use of conference rooms, waiting area, photocopier/fax/scanner, utilities, plentiful free parking, and congenial atmosphere. Located just off Red Run Blvd., near I-795. Contact Andy Hermann at ahermann@LMCPLAW.com or 410-998-1198. Towson. Office space available in a small law firm, perfect for a solo practitioner. Approximate size is 20x15. Furnished office, and comes with desk, credenza and book cases. Use of conference room, waiting room and utilities. Free parking. Rent $650/month. Call 410-321-8368 or email Stephen Dunn at sdunn@sdunnlaw.com.
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