THE ADVOCATE Newsletter of The Baltimore County Bar Association VOLUME XXV, NO. 12
June 2017
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Robert J. Thompson A year ago, I told you how proud I was of the rich history and tradition of this nearly 100 year old bar association, and how proud I was to be a part of an organization that feels more like a family than a bar association. I also told you how enthusiastic and excited I was by the brightness of our future. Those things were true at the end of June 2016 and my feelings are deeper and more heartfelt after almost a year as Baltimore County Bar Association President. I was warned by some who preceded me that there would be a great deal of work, with lots of early mornings and late nights. I’d like to tell you that I understood and appreciated that advice from the beginning, but the truth is, most of it was given early, and fully understood only much later on. At this juncture, I can tell you that it certainly has been my privilege and pleasure, and some early mornings and late nights have been well worth the effort.
To the extent we’ve had success this year as a bar association, the people primarily responsible for that success are the chairs, vice chairs and members of our standing committees, and of course, our professional staff. The day-to-day work of a bar association is carried out by its professional staff – the people who answer the phones, open the mail and make all the good stuff possible, from the ordinary, every day, ministerial tasks, to those that can only be described as miraculous, and are sometimes as complex as the D-Day invasion. We have three of the best in the business: Doris Barnes, Rachel Ruocco, and Maxine Morrow. The heavy lifting for the big events and the rest of the memorable things we do as a bar association is done by the committees, and we are fortunate to have great people who really care about what they are doing on
Inside This Edition Calendar of Events Pg Civil Law Update Pg Committee News Pg County Council Update Pg Court Notices Pg Criminal Law Update Pg E&T: Gibber Presents Pg Family Law Forum Pg Family Law Div. Mtg. Pg Golf Registration Flyer Pg Law Day Breakfast Pg Law Day Noon Ceremony Pg More Law Day … Pg Lawyers Assistance Pg Magna cum gratia Pg Member Ads Pg
3 26 20 6 4 18 10 22 8 5 12 14 16 25 7 32
Stated Meeting, June 22, 4:30 p.m. Ceremonial Courtroom No. 5
Continued on page 2
W e y r i c h , C r o n i n & S o r r a , Signature Sponsor THE ADVOCATE
Page 1
June 2017
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Continued from page 1 our standing committees. These people give freely of their time and talent and energy to get it right and to have fun doing it. This is what sets our bar association apart from many others.
We honored the pro bono work of Lisa Magill; We honored the memory and the lives of members who had passed away; We had the best Prom in the history of Proms; We honored the professionalism, example, and grace of Carl R Gold with the J. Earle Plumhoff award (and we celebrated his birthday); We had the best Bull Roast in the history of Bull Roasts; We celebrated Law Day and learned about the importance of the 14th Amendment and on Law Day, we recognized Kimberly S. Barranco with the Judith P. Ritchey Award and Judge Timothy J. Martin with the Law Day Award; and We had a bunch of brown bag meetings, dinner meetings and just regular old meetings, a bunch of CLEs, a few parties … and lots and lots of fun.
As an organization, we did too many great things to list here, but there are a few that I’d like to mention as highlights: We partnered with the Women’s Law Center of Maryland and raised almost $8,000 for this very deserving organization; We participated in four judicial investitures: Judges Keith D. Pion; Lisa A. Phelps; C. Carey Deeley Jr., and Dennis M. Robinson Jr.; We conducted three Civics & Law Academies, and once again, the excellence of this program and the service it provides to our community has been recognized by the MSBA;
All-in-all, it’s been a busy and productive year. I want to take this opportunity, on the occasion of my last column as President, to give you all a heartfelt thanks for your service to this organization. I said it at the beginning, and I’ll say it again at the end: You are the people who make it happen. To borrow a bit from Lawrence Welk (and, of course, the lovely Anacani), I leave you with this: Good bye, adios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen, until we meet again. -Rob Thompson, BCBA President, 2016-2017.
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
THE ADVOCATE
Page 2
June 2017
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 Annamaria M. Walsh Committee Vice -Chair
1 6 8 12 13 14 14 19 20 21 21 22 22 26 28 29
BCBA Annual Golf Tournament, Noon, Rocky Point Golf Course Beginners’ Clinic begins at 2 p.m. Both include lunch, dinner & awards Judicial Portraits Unveiled: Judges Brannan, Jenifer and Jacobson, 4 p.m., Courtroom 12, Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Towson Bench/Bar Committee Meeting, 8 a.m., Judicial Conference Room 412 Maryland Judicial Conference - NO JUDGES AVAILABLE BCBA Executive Council Meeting, 8 a.m., Judicial Conference Room 412 Lawyer in the Lobby, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Bar Office* Volunteers: Larry Polen, E. David Silverberg, Bryan Tillman & Rob Tully MSBA Annual Conference & Meeting, Ocean City, MD - thru June 17th PROFESSIONALISM PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM CLE PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM HISTORICAL PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM Running Club, 5:30 p.m., meet in Patriot Plaza at Courthouse Fountain Baltimore County Bar Foundation Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Ceremonial Ctrm. 5 BCBA Annual Stated Meeting & Reception, 4:30 p.m., Ceremonial Ctrm. 5 Reception immediately following meeting at Towson Tavern, York Road All Members invited - FREE event! NEGLIGENCE, INSURANCE & WORKERS’ COMP PLANNING MTG., 5 P.M., GJR LRIS PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM FAMILY LAW PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM
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 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: 10th of the month preceding publication.
THE ADVOCATE
E VENTS
June 2017
Michael W. Siri
Executive Council
OF
July 2017 4 11 12 13 17 18 25
COURTS & BAR OFFICE CLOSED in observance of Independence Day BCBA Executive Council Meeting, 8 a.m., Judicial Conference Room 412 Lawyer in the Lobby, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Bar Office* Volunteers: Sondra Douglas, Richard Lebovitz, Gregg Mosson, James Nolan, Jr. There is no Bench/Bar meeting this month … see you on September 14 th SOLO & SMALL FIRM PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM REAL PROPERTY PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM
August 2017 1 9 10 23
PUBLIC AWARENESS (CIVICS & LAW ACADEMY), 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM Lawyer in the Lobby, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Bar Office* There is no Bench/Bar meeting this month … see you on September 14 th MEMORIAL PLANNING MEETING, 5 P.M., GRAND JURY ROOM *If you are interested in volunteering for the monthly Lawyer in the Lobby, please contact Rachel Ruocco, 410-337-9103 x102
Please stop by the BCBA Hospitality Suite during the MSBA Annual Conference Clarion Resort, Fontainebleau Hotel, 10100 Coastal Highway June 14-16, 2017 - Open nightly 7 p.m.—midnight Cabana 202, near the indoor pool/deck Generously sponsored this year by ICS-Insurance Chesapeake Valuation Advisors HealthQuest Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Zest Social Media Solutions
Page 3
June 2017
COURT NOTICES From The Honorable Kathleen Gallogly Cox Administrative Judge, Baltimore County Circuit Court Inmate Clothing Policy Circuit Court for Baltimore County The Circuit Court for Baltimore County has adopted the following policy concerning clothing for inmates appearing in court in order to address heightened concerns about contraband entering the Detention Center. Inmates will be permitted to change to civilian clothing at the Circuit Court only when they appear in a jury trial. All clothing must be delivered to the Sheriff’s Office on the first day of the jury trial, and will be screened for contraband before it is provided to the inmate. The Sheriff’s Office has established the following policy for inmate clothing: Males: Shirt, Pants, Jacket, Tie, Belt, Socks, Shoes Females: Shirt/Blouse, Pants/Dress, Socks/Tights/Hose, Shoes After three consecutive days of trial, a new set of clothes will be permitted to be exchanged for the ones previously being worn. All clothes will be returned to the Defendant’s Attorney/Family member at the conclusion of the trial.
From The Honorable Dorothy J. Wilson Administrative Judge, Baltimore County District Court Due to water damage, all operations for the Clerks Office in Towson District Court will be conducted on the second floor until further notice. Thank you for your consideration.
THE ADVOCATE
LAND RECORDS E-RECORDING PROJECT UPDATE We are happy to let everyone know that the Simplifile eRecording system is now live in Carroll and Anne Arundel Counties - they join Howard, Queen Anne's, Washington, Baltimore and Harford. The systems are well-received - hundreds of submitters have signed up - and we will eRecord about 6,000 documents this month. We are working with several other counties and hope to have them in production soon. Thanks everyone for your continued support for the e-Recording Project. Please let me know if there are questions. Thanks. Barbara Hansman, Project Manager Special Projects – Non-Case Applications Administrative Office of the Courts Judicial Information Systems 410-260-1087 desk barbara.hansman@mdcourts.gov
Page 4
June 2017
MARYLAND JUDICIARY
Judge Pamila J. Brown Named District Administrative Judge for Carroll and Howard Counties Howard County District Judge Pamila J. Brown has been named Administrative Judge for District 10 (Carroll and Howard counties) of the District Court of Maryland. After consultation with Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey designated Judge Brown District Administrative Judge, effective July 1. Judge Brown succeeds Judge JoAnn M. Ellinghaus-Jones, who was appointed to the Howard County District Court on April 5, 1991 and has served as Administrative Judge for District 10 since September 20, 2001. Judge Ellinghaus-Jones will retire on June 30. “Judge Brown’s exceptional leadership skills and management experience, including her recent service as president of the Maryland State Bar Association, make her an ideal candidate for the role of District Administrative Judge,” said District Court Chief Judge Morrissey. “I am confident she will build on the excellent example of Judge EllinghausJones to serve the people of Carroll and Howard counties. I thank Judge Ellinghaus-Jones for her exemplary service as a jurist and a leader.” “Judge Brown is eminently qualified to take on the leadership of the District Court in Carroll County and Howard County,” said Chief Judge Barbera. “I look forward to working with Judge Brown in her new capacity as administrative judge. I expect Judge Brown will make significant contributions to the operations of the District Court, building upon the excellent work of Judge Ellinghaus-Jones during her tenure as administrative judge. ” “This is an exciting time for the Judiciary, and I am honored by the confidence Chief Judge Morrissey and Chief Judge Barbera have shown in me,” Judge Brown said. “I have worked alongside Judge Ellinghaus-Jones for nearly my entire judicial career, and I hope to build upon the foundation she has created over the past 16 years to ensure excellent service and access to justice for all who visit our courts. I am thrilled that District 10 will be undertaking major initiatives in the next several years, and I am excited about the opportunity of bringing the statewide initiatives to our jurisdiction, including Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC).” Judge Brown has served on the Howard County District Court since May 7, 2002. After earning a Bachelor of Science from Macalester College, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1979 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1981. Before she was appointed to the bench, Judge Brown was Assistant City Solicitor in the Baltimore City Law Department from 1981 to 1986, then served in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General from 1986 to 2002, including as Deputy Counsel to the State Treasurer, from 1992 to 1996; Deputy Counsel, State Highway Administration, from 1996 to 1998; and Principal Counsel, Department of General Services, from 1998 to 2002. Judge Brown is a frequent lecturer locally and nationally on litigation techniques, domestic violence, trial advocacy, traffic matters, implicit bias, civics, and professionalism. She has served as faculty for the Maryland Judicial College, an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, and at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA). Judge Brown has served on the American Bar Association’s Task Force on Human Trafficking and is former Chair of the ABA’s Commission on Domestic Violence. She currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the ABA’s National Conference of Specialized Trial Court Judges. In addition, she currently serves as Chair of the Maryland Judiciary Community Relations Subcommittee of the Judicial Council. Her honors and awards are numerous and include being named as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and a recipient of the Maryland Leadership in the Law by the Daily Record.
THE ADVOCATE
Page 5
June 2017
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 yearround, 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: www.baltimorecountycouncil.org provides helpful information as well. On Thursday May 25, 2017, Council Chairman Tom Quirk delivered the County Council’s Budget Message before a large audience in attendance in the Council Chamber, and announced the adoption of the $3.2 billion total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2018. Mr. Quirk’s address highlighted some of the County Council’s policy initiatives from this past year, including passing legislation to give Recreation and Parks personnel more authority to enforce laws and regulations within County parks and issue citations, re-working the County’s open space law, allocating a percentage of the hotel and motel tax to the Office of Tourism and Promotion to better promote Baltimore County as a destination for out-of -town visitors, approving the Zoning Maps for the 2016 Comprehensive Zoning Map cycle, and approving contracts to further combat the County’s ongoing rat eradication efforts in the east and southeast areas of the County.
Chairman Quirk was also proud to state that the County has been able to achieve its Chartermandated requirement of a balanced budget without tax increases, without any reduction in County services, and all while maintaining the County’s Triple A bond rating – truly a reflection of the County’s sound fiscal practices and financial management, and the County Council’s effective oversight. **Schedule Alert – please note that during the summer months of June, July, and August, the Council meets for its Legislative Session only once per month on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The Council will resume its twice monthly legislative schedule in September. In addition, the Charter Review Commission will hold a public hearing inviting public comment on issues related to the Charter on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber.
Mr. Quirk also expressed the Council’s continued support for the Schools for Our Future initiative and the financial commitment to eliminate present and future school overcrowding with renovations, additions, and new schools, and to provide air conditioning to all county public schools. This aggressive initiative, which has significant dollars being forward-funded by the County, will result in central air conditioning in all county public schools by 2018. THE ADVOCATE
Page 6
Congratulations to our Law Student Members who passed the February 2017 Bar Exam and will be sworn in, in June: Brian A. Broznowicz Melissa J. DeLeon Jennifer N. Nwachukwu Kush S. Patel Kelsie A. Potts
June 2017
n ate ca d p U .. final e 18 . g a Bob’s p n und o be fo
BOB LISTON Magna cum gratia by Rob Thompson
Those of you who attended our Black Tie Banquet in 2014 may remember Bob Lidston as the keynote speaker. Those of who with keen memories may even remember that he delivered his entire speech dressed as, and in the voice of, Mark Twain. If you’re a regular reader of The Advocate, you probably know Bob Lidston as the author of the Criminal Law Update. But, if you’re like me, there are a great many things about this truly impressive man that you do not know.
you – as a player/manager ever since. Bob volunteers at the Maryland Zoo where he leads tours and tends to animals of all sorts. His zoo duties often include transporting two real ravens, “Rise” and “Conquer,”
Bob has been writing the Criminal Law Update for The Advocate since 1999, and after 18 years of service, he’s decided it’s time for a break. On this occasion, I think it only fitting to properly recognize Bob’s service to the Bar, and to convey sincere thanks to Bob for his service, not only from me personally, but also on behalf of the 2,400 women and men who make up the Baltimore County Bar Association. Bob is a 1965 graduate of Mount St. Joseph High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at Loyola College. In 1978, Bob earned a Ph.D. before going on to law school at the University of Maryland, where he graduated in 1984. (I heard the term “cum laude” so many times while interviewing his law partner that I actually lost track. I suspect that Bob has as many “cum laudes” as he has degrees). In his career, Bob has been an English professor at Loyola College, and adjunct faculty member at Towson University. He served as law clerk to the Honorable John Carroll Byrnes and has been a partner in the Anello and Lidston law firm since 1986. As a lawyer, Bob has served his community as a general practitioner, representing clients in almost every type of case. Bob has been a member of the Committee to Reelect the Sitting Judges in Baltimore County since 1986. As interesting as his work and career have been, I’d say Bob’s spare time activities are even more interesting. Bob attended an Orioles Fantasy Camp in 1987 and has been playing baseball – hardball, mind THE ADVOCATE
from their home at the Maryland Zoo to Baltimore Ravens home games. Bob has written extensively about one of the heroes of American literature, Mark Twain, and in addition to sharing his acting talent with us, Bob has appeared as Mark Twain on a roundtrip Mississippi River steamship cruise between New Orleans and Natchez. Bob Lidston is a perfect example of the kind of terrific people on which this organization is built. On behalf of this profoundly grateful organization, I say, magna cum gratia, Bob. -Rob Thompson, BCBA President, 2016-2017.
Page 7
June 2017
FAMILY LAW DIVISION MEETING by William R. Levasseur, Jr.
Dear Bar Colleagues: Judge Jakubowski asked us to disseminate to you the following points/issues that came up during the Baltimore County Circuit Court's Family Division Meeting for May 2017: 1. School enrollment cases – Please note that this summer the Court will NOT utilize an expedited process to deal with school enrollment cases. If you need to address the issue in an expedited manner, please follow the normal procedure for filing a “Request for Emergency Hearing.” It may be helpful to highlight in your request that there is a school issue. 2. Practice tips on pleadings – Do not file “omnibus” pleadings. Examples: “Motion for Postponement and to Compel Discovery,” “Answer and Counterclaim.” Also, be sure to title your pleadings in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. If you title your motion as a “Notice of Motion…” it may very well sit unattended because it has been docketed as a notice and not as a motion. The Clerks do not have the authority to read your pleading and decide what it’s supposed to be; they will docket it according to the title you give it.
Please note that the e-mail address of the attorney for The Women’s Law Center, Jennifer A. Mercer, Esquire, who we identified in last month’s message (also included in the April, 2017 Advocate) was incorrect; Ms. Mercer’s correct e-mail is: jmercer@wlcmd.org. Please feel free to call or e-mail either of us with any questions or issues that you think require the attention of the Family Law Division of the Circuit Court. Best regards to all. Very truly yours, William R. Levasseur, Jr. 410-321-0400; wrlevasseurjr@levlawmd.com Annamarie M. Walsh 410-494-4921; awalsh@awalshlegal.com
2. Mediation – All of the mediators have now been trained to handle non-complex issues of marital property. The proper time to request that marital property be included in mediation is at the Scheduling Conference. Even if there are no child custody issues, you can still request mediation for marital property issues. 4. Custody evaluations – Cynthia Shinaberry will be moving out of state, and her expected last day at the Circuit Court is June 5th. If she is the custody evaluator for your case, please be aware that your client may be responsible for her travel expenses if you require her to testify at trial after that date.
THE ADVOCATE
Page 8
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 9
June 2017
E&T: GIBBER PRESENTATION by Britt L. Stouffer Allan J. Gibber of Neuberger, Quinn, Gielen, Rubin & Gibber gave a talk about Recent Developments in Estate Administration to the Estates and Trusts Section of the Baltimore County Bar Association on March 22, 2017. Although Mr. Gibber explained that Maryland did not have any substantial rule changes, he outlined significant holdings of various cases from the past year and the lessons to be learned in the administration of an Estate. Revision of Inventory In the Matter of the Estate of Arthur P. Kraeski The Orphans’ Court for Howard County addressed a request by the Register of Wills for a second appraisal of real property. The initial appraisal was the State’s assessed value of $818,700. The second requested appraisal valued the property at $1,400,000. The property was later sold for $23,937,000. The Register argued that the Personal Representative must account for the disparity between the appraisal amount and the sale amount and requested a third appraisal. The Personal Representative argued that she was under no obligation to revise the inventoried value of the real property. The Court held the ET 7-202(a)(1) provides that the appraisal of property shall be “as of the date of death” and 7-202(c) allows the property to be valued by a contract sales prices, in lieu of an appraisal, as long as “settlement of the contract occurs within 1 year after the decedent’s death.” The case was appealed and later settled.
The Personal Representatives from Kenneth’s first will began to administer his estate. Albert then filed for Judicial Probate, but failed to file a petition to caveat the original will. The court approved the Judicial Probate filing and appointed Albert’s son as the Personal Representative. After a battle of caveats, the Orphans’ Court decided that not only was the Will leaving everything to Albert executed fraudulently and with undue influence, but also that the last caveat filed by Albert was too late to be valid. The decision was affirmed by the Court of Special Appeals whose opinion cited ET 5-402(c) providing that the register shall initiate a Judicial Probate if “it appears to the court or the register that the petition for administrative probate is materially incomplete or incorrect in any respect [.]” Since the last Will was deemed to be invalid, it then negated the erroneous circumstance that would have otherwise provided standing for the Judicial Probate initiated by Albert. Mr. Gibber gave updates on the latest Court of Appeals case regarding the Estate of Thomas Clancy, which held that Mr. Clancy clearly intended to benefit Mrs. Clancy, to the detriment of the children. Additionally, he did suggest that it is important that attorneys review the latest updates to the probate forms. We thank Mr. Gibber for his time and dedication to our community and to our field.
Green v. Nelson Court of Special Appeals Kenneth Green executed a will in 2003. In 2009 he executed a new will revoking the second will. A year later, when Kenneth fell ill, his brother Albert drove him to Kentucky and prevented all contact with his brother. While in Kentucky, Kenneth executed another will (not surprisingly) leaving everything to Albert. Kenneth died shortly after the will was filed.
THE ADVOCATE
Page 10
June 2017
MEMBER NEWS
Charles W. Michaels, Esquire Trial Level and Appellate Level Research & Writing
Congratulations to The Honorable Barbara Kerr Howe, Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Retired, who will receive the Vernon Eney Award from the Maryland State Bar Foundation at its annual meeting in June.
Trial Level Assignments, $150/hour Appellate Level Assignments, $200/hour 20 years experience with research and writing at all levels Invaluable assistance with trial-level pleadings, motions, memoranda and appellate brief drafting for Maryland appellate courts and Federal appellate courts Advance required.
Hadley Hayes Bonner was born on March 13, 2017 weighing 5 lbs., 13 oz. Big brother Grayson and parents Alice and Shawn Bonner are enjoying being a family of four.
Contact 443-846-5207 or cwmichaels@earthlink.net References available upon request. Member, BCBA
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!
THE ADVOCATE
Page 11
June 2017
THE 14TH AMENDMENT: TRANSFORMING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY by Justin E. Fine
JUDGE GRIMM KICKS-OFF LAW DAY 2017 AT ANNUAL BREAKFAST
only Constitutional sections to contain the same doctrine, the Due Process Clause. However, the Courts interpret both Amendments the same. Judge Grimm, quoting Justice Felix Frankfurter, stated that to suppose otherwise would be “too frivolous to require elaborate rejection,” an expression he hopes to avoid using in his Court. Judge Grimm said that, although the United States adopted the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868, it continues to come up in today’s news, such as at the recent confirmation hearing for Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Adam Konstas, Judge Paul W. Grimm, Tyler Nowicki
On May 1, 2017, Judge Paul W. Grimm, District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, spoke to approximately 100 attendees of the Baltimore County Bar Association’s annual Law Day Breakfast in the Baltimore office of DLA Piper LLP. This year’s Law Day theme was the Fourteenth Amendment and its transformation of American democracy. Judge Grimm was welcomed and introduced by Robert J. Thompson, Baltimore County Bar Association President, and Adam E. Konstas, Chair of the Law Day Committee.
Lisa Settles, Rebecca Fleming, Rob Thompson
Justice Gorsuch, along with Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and the late Justice Antonin Judge Grimm opened his remarks with a top-ten list Scalia, have criticized the legal treatment of the of facts about the Fourteenth Amendment, including Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court of the that the Fourteenth and Fifth Amendments are the United States has recognized fundamental rights through the Fourteenth Amendment that are not expressly provided in the Constitution, including privacy, the right to marry, the right to contraceptives, and others. But Justice Gorsuch and some modern jurists believe that it is the role of the legislative branch of government, not the judicial branch, to identify and legalize society’s fundamental rights. Judge Grimm concluded his remarks by observing that the Fourteenth Amendment is also relevant today Judges Michael Finifter, Ruth Ann Jakubowski, Paul Grimm, Dennis Robinson, because of the several authoritarian Carey Deeley THE ADVOCATE
Page 12
June 2017
THE 14TH AMENDMENT: TRANSFORMING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY Continued from page 12
regimes that exist around the world. Although these regimes may embody the expression “might makes right,” the United States recognizes that “right makes might.” Judge Grimm explained that the Due Process Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment provide a legal structure to prevent the usurpation of our rights to express ourselves. And it is the legal community who have used the Fourteenth Amendment as a vehicle to represent courageous causes and clients in an effort to protect our constitutional rights. Judge Sherrie Bailey, Harry Chase, Ame Roberts
We greatly appreciate the generosity of all sponsors who made this day possible to be enjoyed by so many, and fund the awards presented to elementary through high school students for the art and essay contests.
William Levasseur, Judge Judy Ensor, Susan Elgin
Although the Law Day Breakfast had to end, Judge Grimm reminded the attendees that they can continue to celebrate the Fourteenth Amendment on its own dedicated day, National Due Process Day on September 25th.
GOLD SPONSORS Bekman, Marder & Adkins Bennett & Heyman Dugan, Babij, Tolley & Kohler David C. Ellin Gilman & Bedigian Hanley & Grason Heisler, Williams & Lazzaro Schlachman, Belsky & Weiner Schochor, Federico, Staton Turnbull, Nicholson & Sanders SILVER SPONSORS Andrew G. Bailey Michael S. Barranco Amy M. Feldman Levin & Gann Stephen J. Nolan Price & Keir Smith, Gildea & Schmidt Treanor, Pope & Hughes
Joseph Tychostup, Myles Friedman, Judge Sally Chester
THE ADVOCATE
PLATINUM SPONSORS Bodie, Dolina, Hobbs, Friddell & Grenzer Gordon, Wolf & Carney Pessin Katz Law Royston, Mueller, McLean & Reid Silverman, Thompson & White
Page 13
June 2017
THE 14TH AMENDMENT: TRANSFORMING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY by Justin E. Fine
BCBA RECOGNIZES BARRANCO, JUDGE MARTIN, AND AREA STUDENTS AT LAW DAY CEREMONY During the May 1, 2017 Law Day Ceremony, the Baltimore County Bar Association (“BCBA”) recognized several members of the legal community and area students in honor of Law Day. The BCBA held the ceremony in the Ceremonial Courtroom in the Old Baltimore County Courthouse at noon.
Garrett Epps, who is a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law and author and contributor to the Atlantic, presented the keynote address. Professor Epps focused on citizenship and the Fourteenth Amendment. Professor Epps discussed the role of the Fourteenth Amendment in the historical evolution of U.S. citizenship and modern legal cases. Following the keynote address, the BCBA presented the 2017 Judith P. Ritchey Award to Kimberly S. Barranco. The criteria for the award is a BCBA member whose dedication and work towards THE ADVOCATE
advancing the reputation of the BCBA goes largely unnoticed. Judge Alexandra N. Williams, who presented the Ritchey Award, said that Ms. Barranco is an unsung legal hero and no one is more deserving of the Award. Ms. Barranco is currently the executive director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Judge Williams said of Ms. Barranco: “She makes things happen. She gets the correct people in the room, narrows the issues and resolves the problems.” Retired Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Timothy J. Martin received the 2017 Law Day Award, which recognizes leaders who work to better the legal system and increase access to justice for the underserved. Judge Martin worked for 30 years as an attorney and 10 years as a judge, contributing to the development of the legal community and young lawyers, participating in the MICPEL program and in the University of Baltimore moot court program. Judge Michael J. Finifter presented the award and praised Judge Martin for this efficiency, fairness and humility as a judge, calling the Judge Martin “the
Page 14
June 2017
THE 14TH AMENDMENT: TRANSFORMING AMERICAN DEMOCRACY Continued from page 14
very kind of judge a lawyer would desire.” Judge Martin ran the Baltimore County Circuit Court Family Division, setting the foundation for its continued success today. The Law Day Ceremony also recognized gradeschool students in the community. Students submitted essays and art commemorating the Fourteenth Amendment and the top entrants were recognized during the ceremony.
A very special thank you to Judicial Assistant Ann Marie Cordial for her musical contributions, playing the Viola as people arrived for the noon ceremony; to the Baltimore County Sheriff’s Deputies who “Presented the Colors,” and to Clare Peyton, a student at The Park School of Baltimore for her beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.
Tyler Nowicki, Law Day Vice-Chair and Adam Konstas, Law Day Chair, greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in planning and fundraising for this annual event. Additionally, the BCBA congratulated the students and the coach of the mock trial team at the Park School of Baltimore, which took first place in their regional competition. Alaina L. Storie, Young Lawyers Committee Chair, presented a charitable donation to the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, which was accepted by its executive director, Michelle Daugherty Siri.
THE ADVOCATE
Page 15
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 16
June 2017
Baltimore County’s “Legal” Couples Celebrate Law Day Together (Left) John P. Cox, Esquire, Baltimore County Deputy State’s Attorney and Judge Kathleen Gallogly Cox, Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Administrative Judge
(Right) Judge Sherrie Robinson Bailey, Circuit Court for Baltimore County and Andrew G. Bailey, Esquire, Law Offices of Andrew G. Bailey
(Below) Dana O. Williams, Esquire, Heisler, Williams & Lazzaro and Judge Alexandra “Sandy” N. Williams, District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County Administrative Judge (retired)
(Left) Michael W. Siri, Esquire, Bowie & Jensen and Michelle Daugherty Siri, Esquire and Executive Director of The Women’s Law Center
(Right) Kimberly Smalkin Barranco, Esquire, Baltimore City Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Michael S. Barranco, Esquire, Treanor, Pope & Hughes
THE ADVOCATE
Page 17
June 2017
CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE by Robert C. Lidston
Here are two Court of Special Appeals decisions from the May Amicus Curiarum which may be of interest and one farewell which may or may not be of interest. Brookman v. State and Carnes v. State, Nos. 182 and 183, September Term 2016, filed April 27, 2017. Opinion by Nazarian, J. In separate matters, Brookman and Carnes were sentenced to probation with a special condition of completing Drug Court. While participating in that program, both experienced circumstances where, under the Drug Court’s Participant Handbook or the Adult Drug Court Policies and Procedures Manual, each was regarded as having failed a drug test. In separate appearances, the Drug Court imposed sanctions that included overnight incarceration for each of them. Both appealed and the State contended that the sanctions were not appealable. The Court of Special Appeals granted leave to appeal, consolidated the appeals and ordered Brookman and Carnes to address whether the sanctions imposed were reviewable as well as the merits of each of their appeals. On appeal, COSA vacated and remanded both cases for further proceedings consistent with its opinion. COSA held that although violations of the terms of Drug Court program are not final judgments under Courts and Judicial Proceedings subsection 12-301, the imposition of sanctions by a Drug Court program is appealable. Courts and Judicial Proceedings subsection 12-302(g), which acknowledges a defendant’s right to appeal a revocation of probation, extends to drug court sanctions because, as a condition of probation, participation in the court may lead to an independent possibility of sanctions that deprive a defendant of liberty or extend participation in the program. Thus, the defendant in the program is in a position similar to someone who may have violated probation.
hearing, and counsel where, because of drug court program violations, they may face incarceration. Additionally, COSA held that where a drug court program specifies that the participants “have the right to request and have a formal adversarial hearing before the disposition of a sanction of incarceration or before being terminated from Drug Court,” the drug court cannot automatically follow a menu and impose sanctions without exercising some discretion. Smith v. State, No. 987, September Term 2016, filed April 28, 2017. Opinion by Wright, J. Smith was arrested on a warrant and appeared before a district court commissioner. That commissioner imposed a money bail as a condition of Smith’s release. He became angry and shouted at the commissioner and was subsequently charged with threatening a state or local official. The matter was tried before a jury. Smith was convicted and sentenced to three years in jail, all suspended with nine months of home detention and a period of probation. Smith appealed to the Court of Special Appeals, arguing that Criminal Law Article subsection 3-708 (b), the threat statute, and the related jury instruction, were substantially similar to the federal threats statute, 18 U.S.C subsection 875(c). The Supreme Court had held that the federal pattern jury instruction for that statute had improperly employed merely a negligence standard of intent where the jury was required only to find that a reasonable person would regard the defendant’s communications as threats. Smith sought plain error review. COSA affirmed the conviction. Criminal Law Article subsection 3-708(b) includes an intent requirement, and the jury was properly instructed that the State must prove that the defendant communicated a threat to another, that the threat was to physically injure a state official, and that the defendant made the threat knowingly and willfully.
On the merits of the Brookman and Carnes matter, COSA held that participants in a drug court program are entitled, as a matter of due process, to notice, THE ADVOCATE
Page 18
Continued on page 19
June 2017
CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE Continued from page 18
Note from the author ... This is my last Criminal Law Update column. I don’t know when I first began writing for The Advocate. I know that I wrote about some new law clerks as early as 1995 and wrote the Civil Law Update column in 2000. About 2001, I took over the Criminal Law Update column. That means that by now I have written on more than 550 criminal cases. Along my Advocate way, I wrote articles on the late Judge John C. Coolahan’s drive around the country, reported on Judge Murphy addressing the bar banquet, interviewed Baltimore County State’s Attorney Sandra A. O’Connor and scribbled a bunch of other stuff. I also served two terms as editor. Still, the largest portion of my writing has been the Criminal Law Update column which led me to speak at a couple of MICPEL programs. Occasionally, when I encountered a colleague in court who associated my name with that
THE ADVOCATE
column, he or she said they always read it, and sometimes would pull a copy of my column out of a briefcase to prove their loyalty. Judge Bruce S. Lamdin once told me that an attorney argued a search and seizure issue in front of him and, when asked for authority, cited a new case which I had covered. The attorney handed a copy of The Advocate to the judge who read my article and found in his favor. I enjoyed writing for all of you and hope I have been helpful. For my farewell words, I offer you a Clarence Day poem:
Page 19
Farewell my friends, farewell and hail; I’m off to seek the Holy Grail; I cannot tell you why. Remember, please, when I am gone; ‘twas aspiration led me on; Tiddly-widdly-toodle-oo, all I want is to stay with you, but here I go. Goodbye.
June 2017
ANNUAL FAMILY LAW FORUM by Whitney E. Wilder FAMILY LAW ANNUAL FORUM: CASE LAW & LEGISLATIVE UPDATE On May 18, 2017, the Family Law Committee held its Annual Forum: Case Law & General Assembly Update, presented by Richard B. Jacobs, Esquire and Magistrate Richard J. Gilbert. As always, Mr. Jacobs and Magistrate Gilbert provided an interesting and entertaining overview of recent family law opinions and legislative updates from the previous year. Mr. Jacobs explained this past year the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and Court of Appeals issued family law opinions dealing with issues related to property distribution, annulment, paternity, child custody, termination of parental rights, and the Maryland Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The following are brief summaries of a few of the cases Ms. Jacobs discussed. In Berg v. Berg, 228 Md. App. 266 (2016), the Court of Special Appeals held that litigants have a right to an in banc appeal upon the Circuit Court’s final determination of any issues or facts. A party filing an appeal need not show that the determination was made at a “merits trial,” any final determination made by less than three Circuit Court judges at a hearing qualifies for an in banc appeal.
Davis v. Wicomico County Bureau of Support Enforcement, 222 Md. App. 230 (2015) The Court of Special Appeals determined that signing an Affidavit of Parentage creates a conclusive presumption of paternity that may only be challenged within a 60day time period from the time the affidavit is executed, or thereafter, upon a showing of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.
BANKRUPTCY—Chapters 7 and 13 1-800-BANKRUPT or 410-288-5788 Law Office of Nicholas J. Del Pizzo, III, P.A. STOP
In Jackson v. Sollie, 449 Md. 165 (2016), the Court of Appeals held, when determining whether to grant a monetary award to adjust the equities and rights of the parties in marital property, a trial judge is required to consider the parties’ actual or anticipated Social Security benefits as a relevant factor under § 8 -205(b) of the Family Law Article.
Foreclosures Wage Garnishments Vehicle Repossessions Creditors Calls Judgments Lawsuits Free Consultation – Payment Plans
We are a Debt Relief Agency servicing all areas of Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Harford County – Over 1,000 cases filed.
Santo v. Santo, 448 Md. 620 (2016), held that trial courts in Maryland are legally authorized to use tiebreaking provisions in custody awards. The use of such provisions in this case was not an abuse of Continued on page 21
THE ADVOCATE
Page 20
June 2017
ANNUAL FAMILY LAW FORUM Continued from page 20 discretion in light of the parties’ inability to make decisions together. Pilkington v. Pilkington, 230 Md. App. (2016) dealt with jurisdiction under the Maryland Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (“UCCJEA”). The Court of Special Appeals found that the child did not reside in Maryland for six (6) months prior to the filing of the proceeding; and therefore, Germany was the child’s home state, not Maryland. Magistrate Gilbert explained that there were 2,879 bills introduced during the General Assembly’s 2016 90-day session—approximately 32 bills introduced per day. Roughly 100 of those bills fell into the
Family law category. While the majority of the bills failed, here is a summary of a few bills that passed and take effect on October 1, 2017. HB793. Upon a Motion of a party filed within 18 months after a final decree of absolute divorce is entered, the Court is authorized to change the name of the requesting party. The bill specifies that the provisions of law relating to a name change (Md. Rule 15-901) do not apply to a change of name in connection with a decree of absolute divorce. SB274. Creates an exception for the admissibility of orders issued from a domestic violence proceeding in a divorce proceeding. HB926. Defines the term "health insurance" to include medical insurance, dental insurance, prescription drug coverage, and vision insurance for purposes of calculating a child support obligation under the child support guidelines. HB642. Increased the statute of limitations for filing an action for damages arising from incident(s) of sexual abuse that occurred while victim was a minor to 20 years from the date the victim reaches the age of majority. Magistrate Gilbert also discussed several bills that failed. In the Family Law category, HB749. which would have authorized the Court to resolve disputes between the Parties with respect to ownership interest and access to a pet failed. Also, Hb484. which would have prohibited an individual under the age of 18 from marrying did not pass. In addition, Hb.61. which would have named the Canvasback Duck as the State Waterfowl. While Maryland may not have a designated Waterfowl, Magistrate Gilbert informed attendees about other State designations like the State bird, cat, crustacean, dog, fish, flower, gem, fossil shell, and even State dinosaur. Who knew? Thanks to Mr. Jacobs and Magistrate Gilbert for another informative case law and legislative update.
THE ADVOCATE
Page 21
June 2017
Committee News YOUNG LAWYERS COMMITTEE Running Club. We are aiming to have monthly runs the second Wednesday of each month, for anyone who is interested. For the upcoming cold months, meet in the lobby of 401 Washington Avenue (rather than at the courthouse fountain in Patriot Plaza). We recommend that runners bring reflective gear, headlamps, etc. June 21, 2017, 5:30 p.m., Running Club, Patriot Plaza. Drinks to follow at Towson Nacho Mama’s. Note change of week due to MSBA Annual Conference in Ocean City. Summer Dates for Running Club will continue on the second Wednesday of each month.
COMMITTEE REPORTS All Committee Reports, Chair and ViceChair contact information, upcoming programs and handouts from those programs already held this year can be found on the website at www.bcba.org.
Date
CLE
June 20
Entertainment
July 25
Estates & Trusts
June 21
Family Law
June 29
Historical
June 21
Law Day
August 15
LRIS
June 28
Membership
July 19
Memorial
August 23
Negligence, Ins. & Workers’ Comp.
June 26
Pro Bono
June 13
Professionalism
June 19
Public Awareness/Civics & August 1 Law Academy
Please email Maxine Morrow if you would like to be added to any Committee list, to receive emails specific to that Committee. You will remain on your selected Committee(s) until you ask to be removed, with the exception of Bench/ Bar and Lawyers Assistance, which are by appointment of the President. If you are interested in being considered for Bench/Bar and/or Lawyers Assistance Committee(s) for 2017-2018, please email Doris Barnes.
THE ADVOCATE
COMMITTEE
Real Property
July 18
Solo & Small Firm
July 17
Technology
July 20
Young Lawyers
July
Planning Meetings will begin at 5 p.m., in the Grand Jury Room, County Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204.
Please join us, these meetings are open to everyone! Page 22
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 23
June 2017
CIVIL LAW UPDATE by Ceecee Paizs
Review of the Amicus Curiarum for April 2017 revealed the following civil case of general interest:
Review of the Amicus Curiarum for May 2017 revealed the following civil case of general interest:
THE COURT OF APPEALS
COURT OF SPECIAL APPEALS:
URS Corporation, et al. v. Fort Myer Construction Corporation, No. 31, September Term 2016, filed March 24, 2017. Opinion by McDonald, J.
Grimes, et al. v. Gouldmann, et.al, No. 2454, September Term 2015, filed March 29, 2017. Opinion by Zarnoch, J.
Under Rule 2-601, the trial court must "set forth" a final judgment "on a separate document" which was created to provide litigants a clear date from which the deadline for filing an appeal would be computed. In the present case, the trial court set forth judgments against the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Fort Myer in separate documents, but failed to do so in memorializing the judgment against URS. All three parties appealed to the Court of Special Appeals. In its initial opinion, the COSA sua sponte dismissed the appeals by the Commission and URS for being too late and in a revised opinion dismissed the appeals by the Commission and URS for being too early, i.e. for being filed before a separate document was created memorializing the judgment against URS. In both versions, the Court held that the sanctions award against Fort Myer should be reversed.
In 1990, Dianne Hudson executed a deed to property she owned in which she granted herself a life estate in the property, with the remainder fee simple interest passing to Karen Gouldmann and two other relatives. The deed reserved to Ms. Hudson the right to "sell, mortgage, lease or otherwise encumber" both her life estate end the entire interest of the remaindermen at any time before her death. In 2009, Ms. Hudson executed a second deed, granting herself a life estate but gifting the remaining interest to Mr. Grimes and others. After Ms. Hudson died in 2015, Ms. Gouldmann, et al, filed a declaratory judgment seeking to determine that the 2009 deed was invalid. The trial court found that the 1990 deed did not give Ms. Hudson the ability to dispose of the property by gift and invalidated the 2009 deed. Mr. Grimes, et al, appealed.
The Court of Appeals held that because the separate document requirement of Maryland Rule 2-601 may be waived, the COSA had jurisdiction over Fort Myers' appeal and property reversed the sanctions against Fort Myer. The Court held that waiver may be appropriate where the trial court has adjudicated claims against all parties, the judgment is reflected in docket entries, and no party has objected to the failure to enter a separate document. Citing Rule 1341, the Court ruled that the trial court improperly held that Fort Myer brought its action without a reasonable basis on which to base its arguments.
The Court of Special Appeals affirmed, holding that since the reservation of powers in the 1990 deed did not include the power to dispose of the property by gift, the 2009 deed was invalid.
New Hire? Office Relocation? Place your ad in The Advocate. Reasonable rates. Design assistance available. Contact Doris Barnes 410-337-9103 x101 doris@bcba.org
THE ADVOCATE
Page 24
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 25
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 26
June 2017
M
ark your calendars.
The BCBA Stated Meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Ceremonial Courtroom No. 5 on Thursday, June 22, 2017. The Annual Reception will be held immediately following the June meeting at Towson Tavern on York Road at the Circle.
What are your photos worth? What if you woke up tomorrow and they were ALL gone? Take a few minutes to check out this service. Here is a link to an introduction video (90 sec): https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=izLiqnX5h2o.
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.
And one (3.5 min) to explain the permanent storage concept: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=K7k-pqJZ92w.
Continued on page 22
THE ADVOCATE
Page 27
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 28
June 2017
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
THE ADVOCATE
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
Page 29
June 2017
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 Julius Blattner Jessica Corace Keith Franz Bruce Friedman Bambi Glenn Valerie Ibe Michael Jeffers Fu-Mei Jiang Richard Lebovitz Craig Little Brady Locher
THE ADVOCATE
Lisa Magil Mala Malhotro-Ortiz Paul Mayhew James Nolan Lynne Peace Larry Polen E. David Silverberg Brian Tillman Rob Tully 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 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 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, distinguished by the gold ribbon that accompanies the ad. Please let them know you appreciate their support. Thank you.
Page 30
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 31
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 32
June 2017
THE ADVOCATE
Page 33
June 2017
The Baltimore County Bar Association 100 County Courts Building 401 Bosley Avenue Towson, MD 21204-4491 410-337-9103-Telephone 410-823-3418-Facsimile www.bcba.org
Don’t miss items included in this issue: Pg. 3 - Calendar of Events Pg. 4 - Court Notices Pg. 9 - Legends of the Boardroom, 4 p.m. Pg. 22 - Committee Planning Meeting Schedule
MEMBER ADVERTISEMENTS 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. Conference Table, 15’x5’, dark wood; needs to be moved by June 1st. Call Gene Miles, 410-828-1050. Seeking part-time legal work. Semi-retired criminal defense attorney seeking part-time work. Flexible hours and days. Willing to do office work, but can do much more if needed. Reasonable hourly rate. Towson to Hunt Valley area. Please call Carol at 443-694-1287. Towson. Furnished, interior office available for sublet.
Includes use of conference room, reception area, kitchenette, and internet. Possibility of referral/subcontractor work. 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. Maryland Reports, Volumes #1 to #345. Walnut looking book case included. Currently located in Pikesville area. $350 or best offer. Gerald Zimlin, zimlinlaw@comcast.net , 410-686-1911. 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.
THE ADVOCATE
Page 34
June 2017