Advocate October 2018

THE ADVOCATE Newsletter of The Baltimore County Bar Association VOLUME XXVIII, NO. 4

October 2018

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Rebecca A. Fleming I would be remiss if I didn’t begin this month’s message with heartfelt congratulations to Past President Robert J. Thompson on his appointment by Governor Hogan to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. Those of us who have the pleasure of knowing Rob well, know that he will be excellent in his new role. I can’t think of many other attorneys who are better suited to sit as a Circuit Court Judge. Selfishly, I am somewhat saddened that Rob will no longer be a fixture in Baltimore County, however, it is my hope that we continue to see him in attendance at some of our events. Judge Designee Thompson will be sworn in at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County on October 15, 2018 and his investiture and reception is planned for the first week in December. I hope many of you will join me there in celebrating this great accomplishment.

Many of you noticed that you received a printed copy of The

Advocate last month. For those of you who have missed receiving a hard copy of The Advocate in the mail, I have good news for you.

Beginning in January of 2019, a hard copy of The Advocate will be mailed to anyone who wants to receive it.

At the time the Executive Council decided to send an electronic copy of The Advocate we were looking to move toward electronic publication because it seemed the world was moving toward receiving news digitally. Let’s face it, newspapers have been going out of business at a rapid pace for the same reason.

However, there has been a considerable drop in attendance at many BCBA functions since we went completely digital and I have been stopped countless times and asked why members did not receive notice about specific events, despite those events being advertised digitally.

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Inside This Edition Blast from the Past Calendar of Events Committee News Civil Law Update Court Notices Criminal Law Update District Ct Assignments Family Law Dinner Health & Wellness In Chambers With…

Kickoff Party Member Ads Members News Portrait Committee Professionalism Save the Date flyer

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Chesapeake Valuation Advisors THE ADVOCATE

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October 2018

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

by Rebecca A. Fleming Two years ago, while President-elect Siri and I attended a bar president’s conference, we sat in a session where the attendees were asked to raise their hands if their bar association had a newsletter that was sent via email only, and then if it was sent by mail only. Mike and I, of course, raised our hands to indicate that the BCBA sent its newsletter digitally only. We then listened as the presenter explained that if ONLY a digital copy was available or if ONLY a printed version was available, then half of our members were not receiving our information. That is because about half of the members will only read a printed newsletter and about half will only read a digital newsletter. The solution, we were told, was to offer both in an effort to reach as many members as possible.

once it is available. The intent is not to force either option on to any member, rather it is to provide options to our members, to increase readership, and therefore increase awareness among our members about what we have done, and what we have planned that is upcoming on the calendar.

Ever since we stopped sending a hard copy of The Advocate, members have consistently approached me, and other members of the Executive Council, about bringing back a printed version. It is my hope that in giving our members the choice as to how they receive The Advocate, we will ensure the information that is provided is received by a higher percentage of our members. If you have any questions about this, or anything else related to the BCBA, please feel free to reach out to me.

After careful consideration, and a review of our Constitution and By-laws, the Executive Council decided that the most fiscally responsible way of ensuring that we reach ALL of our members is to add another “opt out” expense, in addition to the optional BCBA Bar Foundation Donation, to our dues notices. Historically, our dues notices have gone out in November, but in an effort to start the New Year off with printed copies of The Advocate, the dues notices will go out in October this year.

Each member who has been in practice for more than five years, will have the option of paying an additional Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) to receive eleven printed issues of The Advocate mailed to him or her. As a reminder, we always sent a combined July and August issue because of the summer lull in programming and events. The members who pay reduced membership dues, or who are honorary members will see a lower optional amount to receive The Advocate in printed form.

BCBA President, 2018-2019

If you like looking at the digital version of The Advocate, you can keep on doing that because we will not be taking that away. We will continue to provide a digital copy of The Advocate, and we will continue to email the link to the entire membership THE ADVOCATE

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October 2018

C ALENDAR

2018-19 Officers President Pres-Elect Secretary Treasurer

Rebecca A. Fleming Michael W. Siri Jay D. Miller Stanford G. Gann, Jr.

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

Adam T. Sampson, Immediate Past President

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The Advocate

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Adam E. Konstas Committee Vice -Chair

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Contributing Writers

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Michael Barranco Thomas H. Bostwick Debra Cruz Mariela C. D’Alessio Bruce E. Friedman Kristine Howanski Laura C. Jenifer William R. Levasseur, Jr. Margaret M. McKee Cecilia B. Paizs Kate Rosenblatt Kimberly K. P. Rothwell Scott D. Shellenberger Alaina L. Storie Craig Ward Laurie M. Wasserman Matt Wyman

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

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

Publication deadline: 15th of the month preceding publication.

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Pro Bon o Committee M eeting, 5p m, Women’s Law Cen ter, 305 W. Ch esap eake Ave, Suite 201, Towson Cou rts and Bar Office Closed, Colu mbu s Day Family Law Evening Series, 5p m, Grand Ju ry Room Lawyer in the Lobby Clinic, 4:30 —6:30p m Bench Bar Committee M eeting, 8am, 4th Floor Judicial Conferen ce Room Civics & Law Acad emy, 8:30am, CCBC Owings M ills Pro Bon o Clinic, 9am —12:30p m, Essex Library , 1110 Eastern Blvd, Essex Prof essionalism Committee M eeting, 5p m, Gran d Jury Room Estates & Trusts, Guardianship Changes, 5p m, Grand Ju ry Room Family Law Dinner, New Tax Laws, 6p m, Coun try Club of M aryland, 1101 Stevenson Lan e, Baltimore Bar Found ation M eetin g, 3:30p m, Ceremonial Cou rtroom 5 Stated M eeting, 4:30p m, Ceremonial Courtroom 5 Judge J. Norris Byrnes Portrait Unveiling, 4p m, Circuit Cou rt Pro Bon o Awards, 5p m, Pessin Katz Law, 901 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson Criminal Law Committee, Deten tion Center Programs, 5p m, Grand Jury Room Judge Patrick Cavanau gh Portrait Unveiling, 4p m, Circuit Cou rt

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E VENTS

October 2018

Craig R. Borchers, Young Lawyers Chair

Ari J. Kodeck Committee Chair

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Out of the Darkn ess Walk, 9am, Rash Field, Baltimore Pro Bon o Committee M eeting, 5p m, Women’s Law Cen ter, 305 W. Ch esap eake Ave, Suite 201, Towson Cou rts & Bar Office Closed, Election Day Bench Bar Committee M eeting, 8am, 4th floor Judicial Conferen ce Room Wines & Whiskey Tasting Fundraiser, 6p m, M aryvale Preparatory School, 11300 Falls Rd, Brooklandville Cou rts & Bar Office Closed, Veterans’ Day Estates & Trusts, Overview of the Tax Cu ts & Jobs Act, 5p m, Grand Jury Room Criminal Law, Evidence Update with Judge M urphy, 5pm, Harford Coun ty Circuit Ct., 20 W. Court St, Bel Air Family Law Dinner, Cu stody & Psychological Evaluations, 6p m, Vito’s Ristorante, 10249 York Rd, Timoniu m Lawyer in the Lobby Clinic, 4:30 -6:30p m M emorial Service, 3:30p m, Ceremonial Cou rtroom 5 Civics & Law Acad emy, 8:30am, CCBC Dundalk National Adop tion Day, 10:00am, Ceremonial Cou rtroom 5 Family Law Evening Series, 5p m, Grand Ju ry Room NIWC, How to Get M edia Into Evidence, 5p m, Grand Ju ry Room Young Lawyers Happy Hour, 5p m, The Point, Towson

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October 2018

COURT NOTICES

JUDICIAL PORTRAIT UNVEILINGS Thank you to those members who have contributed to the Judicial Portrait Fund of the Baltimore County Bar Foundation.

Thanks to your continued generosity and support, portrait artist Katherine Meredith has been hard at work on the portraits of retired and deceased judges of the Circuit Court

unveiling for Judge Patrick Cavanaugh.

We still have many portraits to be funded and completed, so if you have not contributed to the fund, please see the flyer on page 24 and consider sending in a donation.

The next portrait unveiling ceremonies will be held this month and all are welcome to attend. On Monday, October 22 at 4:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Circuit Court, there will be a portrait unveiling ceremony for Judge J. Norris Byrnes.

On Monday, October 29 at 4:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Circuit Court, there will be a portrait THE ADVOCATE

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October 2018

COURT PSYCHIATRIST EVALUATIONS IN CUSTODY CASES

by Hon. Ruth A. Jakubowski Please be advised that the Court is implementing a new policy in processing psychiatric evaluations from the Office of the Court Psychiatrist for custody cases.

Effective Monday, October 1, 2018, the policy will be the following: 1. A psychiatric evaluation report will be emailed from the Office of the Court Psychiatrist to the family law case manager a. If the report is requested as part of a custody evaluation, the Office of Family Services will be copied on the email containing the finished report 2. The family law case manager will prepare a form Order to be signed by the Lead Family Division Judge containing provisions to include: a. The report cannot be disseminated, in any medium, to anyone other than parties, counsel,

or expert witnesses retained by the parties b. The report cannot be used for any other purpose than in present custody case 3. If the evaluator feels the content should not be disclosed to a party or counsel for a health or safety reason, the Lead Family Division Judge will review the report to make a final determination on distribution 4. The signed Order and report will be sent to the Clerk’s Office for docketing and mailing to counsel of record or any pro se party a. Evaluation reports are done pursuant to Court Order b.

Parties have signed a waiver of confidentiality that allows for distribution of the report to the parties, counsel, expert witnesses, and Office of Family Services 5. The report will be sealed within the custody file

INTERPRETER REQUESTS FOR CIRCUIT COURT

by Tim Sheridan The Circuit Court has experienced a steady increase in the number of cases that require an interpreter.

Roughly half of the requests are for Spanish. The Court has a full time Spanish Interpreter, Blanca Picazo, who handles many assignments herself.

However, on a daily basis there are too many Spanish cases for one interpreter, so many cases are assigned to a roster of contractual interpreters.

To make this system work it is important that attorneys file the Request for Spoken Language Interpreter Form

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http://www.courts.state.md.us/courtforms/joint/ ccdc041.pdf with the Clerk’s Office as early as possible in the case. This form provides the Court with the information needed to schedule any language interpreter, including Spanish. Once the request is docketed, the case is flagged and there is no need to refile for future events.

As always, the Court relies on the assistance of the Bar to help us provide the most efficient and effective processing of cases as possible. Thanks.

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October 2018

RAVENS TAILGATE—RAIN, NO PROBLEM

by Michael Barranco A steady rain could not dampen the spirits of the faithful Ravens fans of the Baltimore County Bar Association who joined in on the 5th Annual BCBA tailgate held on Sunday, September 23rd, 2018.

Members Rob Erdman, Pat Maher, T. Wray McCurdy, Matt Wyman, Ralph Sapia, Sam Moxley, Sandy Steeves, Jon Herbst, Stuart Schadt and others arrived at the tailgate lot early at 9AM to secure a favorable location under the I-395 overpass, joined by President, Becky Fleming, Executive Director, Rachel Ruocco, Membership Director, Rachel Fuller and LRIS Director Rae Wyatt. The 35 or more BCBA members who later arrived were thankful for this good planning and location under the highway. All were kept dry throughout.

The plentiful and delicious tailgate food included grilled sausages, pork barbeque, shrimp salad sandwiches, chicken and waffles, cheese wrapped in Italian meats and much more. Particularly addictive was Rachel Fuller’s “Bacon Crack” which is bacon on crackers with brown sugar. The winner of the “Best Dish to Share Competition” was Rob Erdman with Pork Barbeque. The tailgate has now become an annual tradition in Lot H, and this year was spearheaded by member Rob Erdman After the wonderful tailgate fellowship and great food, members braved the rain and were treated to an exciting game against the Denver Broncos. Despite getting behind at the very start of the game, and despite being the victim of two special teams mishaps, the Ravens eventually took control of the game, scoring twenty unanswered points, winning 27-14. Joe Flacco was impressive in the rain, passing for 277 yards and one touchdown. Ravens receivers Michael Crabtree and John Brown were particularly effective. Noteworthy, the Bronco’s pass rushing star, Von Miller, was held to two tackles and only one sack. The Ravens’ defense was also impressive against Denver’s quarterback, Case Keenum. A little rain—no problem.

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October 2018

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October 2018

CIVIL LAW UPDATE

By Cee Cee Paizs

Review of the Amicus Curiarum for August 2018 revealed the following civil cases of interest: THE COURT OF APPEALS: Amy Shealer v. George Straka, No. 38, September Term 2017, filed April 26, 2018. Opinion by Getty, Judge On March 30, 2016, two days after the death of Andrea Ayers Straka, her father, Mr. Straka, filed a petition to probate an intestate estate, affirming that he had made an effort to search for the decedent’s will.

The Register of Wills issued Letters of Administration appointing Mr. Straka as personal representative.

Later that day, the Last Will and Testament of the decedent was filed with the Register of Wills office.

Executed on July 15, 2015 and appointing William Jay Mumma Jr. and Amy Shealer as personal representative, the will made certain provisions of real and personal property to Mumma, Shealer and the decedent’s godchildren. A cash bequeath was also made to Mr. Straka and his daughters, the decedent’s two half sisters. On April 5, 2016, Ms. Shealer filed a petition to probate a regular estate with a specific request that the decedent’s will be admitted to judicial probate. The Register of Wills appointed Ms. Shealer as personal representative and issued a notice of judicial probate and notice of hearing. The Register of Wills also issued a letter to Mr. Straka that revoked the Letters of Administration and appointed him special administrator of the estate until the judicial THE ADVOCATE

probate hearing. Mr. Straka filed a motion for postponement asserting that he intended to file a petition to caveat the will and petition to transmit issues. He filed an incomplete petition to caveat the same day. It lacked a final list of interested parties.

A complete petition to caveat was filed the day of the scheduled hearing, held before two Orphans’ Court judges. The Orphans’ Court did not rule on Mr. Straka’s petition to caveat, amended petition to caveat nor the request to transmit issues to a court of law.

Instead, the Court proceeded with the judicial probate hearing and allowed witnesses to testify. Before witnesses began their testimony, counsel for Mr. Straka objected to any testimony, which the Court overruled. After testimony, counsel for Mr. Straka orally moved to frame issues and transmit them to the circuit court for a trial by jury, which the Orphans’ Court denied. Further, the Orphans’ Court refused to consider Mr. Straka’s petition to caveat on the grounds that the originally filed petition was incomplete. The order accepted the decedent’s will into probate, removed Mr. Straka from his role as special administrator and named Ms. Shealer as personal representative of the estate. The Court of Special Appeals reversed, holding that the petition to caveat stays all proceedings until the caveat is addressed and that the Orphans’ Court erred when it did not stay the proceedings after Mr. Straka filed a petition to caveat, and that such error was not harmless.

The Court of Appeals affirmed in part and reversed in part. The Court conducted a legislative intent analysis and concluded that ET § 5-207(b) unambiguously stated that when an interested person files a petition to caveat after a petition for administrative probate, the Orphans’ Court will hold a judicial probate hearing before admitting the will to probate. The Court reversed the Court of Special

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October 2018

CIVIL LAW UPDATE

By Cee Cee Paizs Appeals to the extent that the lower appellate court held that a petition to caveat prevents the parties and the Orphans’ Court from pursuing any of the permissible actions related to the same judicial probate proceeding, such as appointing a special administrator of the estate. In addition, the Court concluded that the plain language of ET § 2-105 requires an Orphans’ Court to transfer issues to the circuit court for a trial when a party makes a request to transmit issues of fact prior to the Orphans’ Court’s final determination of the issues. Therefore, the Orphans’ Court erred in denying Mr. Straka’s request to transmit issues to a court of law. The denial constituted error as the Orphans’ Court had not made a final determination on the issues at the time of the request, and the Orphans’ Court had sufficient information to determine that the parties disagreed on key factual issues contained in the incomplete petition to caveat. Such error was not harmless as it deprived Mr. Straka, a caveator, the significant right to have the factual issues sent to a court of law for a trial by jury.

In addition to other procedural abnormalities, the Court agreed with the Court of Special Appeals that this error was not harmless.

In re: Adoption/Guardianship of H.W., No. 70, September Term 2017, filed July 16, 2018. Opinion

by Adkins, Sally, Judge H.W. was adjudged a child in need of assistance when he was removed from the custody of his mother and his Father was incarcerated in Connecticut and subsequently released on probation. He remained in Connecticut as a result. H.W. was removed from Mother’s custody for the final time when H.W. was 2 years old. Father learned about the situation and made contact with H.W.’s caseworker. Despite the contact and information related to H.W. being transmitted to Father, Father did not return to THE ADVOCATE

Maryland immediately and he did not attend any hearings. The Department of Social Services filed a petition for Guardianship with the Right to Consent to Adoption or Long Term Care Short of Adoption.

Mother consented and Father withdrew his consent.

He testified at the hearing.

The juvenile court applied the statutory factors in FL §5-323(d) and also analyzed nine additional factors set out in Ross v.

Hoffman, 280, Md. 172 (1977) to determine whether exceptional circumstances existed. The juvenile court concluded that there was not clear and convincing evidence that Father was unfit, but found that, by clear and convincing evidence, exceptional circumstances existed that made continuation of the parental relationship detrimental to H.W.’s best interest and awarded guardianship to the Department.

The Court of Special Appeals vacated the juvenile court’s decision concluding that the juvenile court erred by using factors related exclusively to custody in deciding to terminate Father’s parental rights.

The Court of Appeals reversed, finding that while considering exclusively custody factors could blur the distinction between parents and third party custodians, but that FL §5-323(d) does not contemplate that the statutory factors are exclusive.

The unfitness and exceptions circumstances analyses in TPR cases are different than the analyses in custody cases. In TPR cases, the juvenile court must focus on the continued parental relationship rather than custody. The Court determined that the juvenile court thoroughly analyzed and considered the relevant statutory factors. While the juvenile court came close to abusing its discretion, the findings under the Ross factors were essentially repetitions of its findings under the statutory factors. The inclusion of additional factors did not upset the legislative balance set out in FL § 5-323.

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October 2018

IN CHAMBERS WITH JUDGE MICHAEL J. FINIFTER

by Michael S. Barranco Judge Michael J. Finifter became an Associate Judge of the Baltimore County Circuit Court on May 28, 2002. In addition to his regular responsibilities on the Circuit Court bench, he has served in various capacities on the Maryland Conference of Circuit Judges, Legislative Committee of the Maryland Judicial Conference and the Maryland Circuit Judges Association. Notably, Judge Finifter has been a Business and Technology Program Judge since 2002, putting to use his prior experience as a Certified Public Accountant.

Before joining the judicial branch, Judge Finifter served as a legislator in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 2002, representing District 11 (Baltimore County) and was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and related sub-committees. In addition to his public service, Judge Finifter was in private practice as an attorney from 1982 until taking the bench. In the course of his distinguished career as a lawyer and jurist, he has served on numerous educational and community volunteer boards and advisory councils.

Judge Finifter was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 11, 1957. He received a B.S. in accounting and a B.A. in economics in 1979 from the University of Maryland. He received his J.D. (with honors) from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1982 and a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1992.

Judge Finifter says that he is grateful each day that he has been given the opportunity to combine his love for the law with public service. “It’s a fantastic job—I love it all, the whole milieu.” He enjoys the wide variety of cases that come before the Circuit Court and the interaction with the lawyers and litigants who come before the Court, as well as colleagues, law clerks, assistants, clerks, Sheriff’s deputies and the entire Courthouse workforce. He finds it particularly satisfying when he can help people resolve their disputes.

Judge Finifter describes his judicial style as one that “allows lawyers to try their cases” without undue interference from the Judge. He does not object if lawyers want to move around the courtroom during their examinations or approach the witnesses, so long as it is done in a respectful manner. He says that he strives always to be patient and allows self-represented litigants an opportunity to be heard, regardless of the ultimate outcome in the case. “It is important that people not only receive fair and impartial justice, but that they perceive that to be the case.”

Judge Finifter’s advice to young lawyers is to know the rules, both procedural and evidentiary. “Keep the rulebook on your hip.” His other advice is to “be on time for court, or if you can’t be on time because you are stuck in traffic, then call chambers ahead of time and let us know.” Finally, he advises “just be courteous and professional to everyone.”

In his free time, Judge Finifter enjoys distance running. He has completed five full marathons (Marine Corp Marathon twice, New York City Marathon twice and Chicago Marathon once) and he has also run in half marathons, including in the Baltimore Marathon. He ran his first marathon when he was fifty years old. In addition to running, one of his current passions is fantasy football with his family. “No money is involved, just bragging rights.” He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Judy, going to shows and concerts and dining out together with friends.

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October 2018

IN CHAMBERS WITH JUDGE MICHAEL J. FINIFTER

by Michael S. Barranco Editor's Note: Each judge profiled is asked a set of questions. Judge Finifter’s answers are as follows: Favorite Restaurants:

Freddie’s Ale House in Parkville and the Catonsville Gourmet

Pet Peeve:

Incivility in Court

Favorite Sports Team:

Baltimore Ravens

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:

Rocky Road

Favorite type of music or Artist:

Soft Rock

Station on your car radio right now:

1090 WBAL (news junkie)

Guilty pleasure:

Royal Farms fried chicken

Favorite Charity:

American Cancer Society

Favorite Book:

To Kill a Mockingbird (interesting trend—the same as Judge Deeley and Judge Robinson)

Travel destination still on bucket list:

London

If could meet one person, living or dead, who would you want to meet:

Leonardo da Vinci

f you had not gone into the law, what profession would you choose:

Teacher

Member of the Baltimore County Bar who has passed he misses the most:

Anne Talbot Brennan, Esquire

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October 2018

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR J. EARLE PLUMHOFF PROFESSIONALISM AWARD The Professionalism Committee is requesting nominations from Bar Association Members for the annual recipient of the J. Earle Plumhoff Professionalism Award, which will be presented at the Annual Black Tie Banquet on January 31, 2019.

Recipient of this award must be: A Baltimore County Bar Association member at least 5 years; Have made professional contributions to Baltimore County Bar Association activities; Have made contributions of time and re sources that have gone largely unnoticed; and High marks for dignity, integrity and civility.

Nominations forms can be found here and should be sent to the Bar Office. Deadline for submission is November 16, 2018. Contact Rachel Ruocco at rruocco@bcba.org or Professionalism Committee Chair, Debra Cruz at dcruz@levingann.com for more information.

Past Recipients 1984

Myles F. Friedman – FIRST RECIPIENT

2003

Richard A. Reid

2005

Leon Berg (presented at Family Law dinner)

2006

Keith R. Truffer

2007

Carolyn H. Thaler

2008

Jennifer B. Aist

2009

Christopher W. Nicholson

2010

Kristine K. Howanski

2011

Harris J. “Bud” George

2012

Mary Roby Sanders

2013

Robert L. Hanley Jr.

2014

Judge Robert J. Steinberg

2015

Herbert R. O’Conor III

2016

Drake C. Zaharris

2017

Carl R. Gold

2018

Dominick A. Garcia

Mark Your Calendars!

The Baltimore County Bar Association’s 97th Annual Black Tie Banquet (‘The Prom’) will be held on Thursday, January 31st at 6:00 pm at Martin’s Valley Mansion on Cranbrook Road in Cockeysville. Please note that this is A NEW LOCATION! Ticket and table information will be mailed out with your 2019 Annual Bar Association Dues invoice in November.

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October 2018

WHO DECIDES TO EXTEND PROFESSIONAL COURTESIES?

by William F. Alcarese, Jr. Attorneys act as advocates for clients and allow clients to make decisions throughout a case based upon the attorney’s advice and guidance.

But, is there a situation where an attorney may make a decision without the prior approval of the client?

What about extending a professional courtesy to opposing counsel?

Here’s a hypothetical from a divorce case: The case is in the early stages of litigation – the scheduling conference has not been conducted yet.

Discovery requests have been propounded by Wife upon Husband. Husband’s discovery responses are due October 1st.

At the end of September, Husband’s Counsel seeks an extension because he is in trial the week leading up the due date. Wife’s Counsel kindly obliges and offers a two week extension until October 15th. On the eve of October 15th, Husband’s Counsel again seeks another extension. Wife’s Counsel inquires as to the status of the discovery responses and Husband’s Counsel is noncommittal and states that more time is needed to prepare the responses. Wife’s Counsel offers another two week extension.

basis, especially depending upon the request. Some believe that the attorney has such authority to extend courtesies without the client’s consent; whereas others believe that the authority is always with the client.

Managing a client’s expectations and maintaining a positive relationship with your client is important in the practice of law and the business of the practice of law.

Making and maintaining professional relationships is just as important too.

Perhaps the best course of action is to inform the client of the request and then inform the client that you are extending the professional courtesy. If there is a misunderstanding, the attorney can explain the rationale to the client and obtain the client’s acquiescence to grant such a courtesy.

The Professionalism Committee is currently seeking nominations for the J. Earle Plumhoff Professionalism Award. Please submit nominations to the Bar Office soon!

Neither of these extensions were communicated to Wife by her Counsel prior to the extension being granted. Meanwhile, Wife is anxious to receive Husband’s discovery responses. Wife’s Counsel informs her of the extensions and she is dismayed.

Wife’s Counsel explains to her the justifiable reasons for the extensions such as making good faith efforts to resolve a discovery dispute, a lack of prejudice since the case is at the early phase of litigation, the client will get a similar extension, etc.

Did Wife’s Counsel make a mistake? Who holds authority to grant such professional courtesies?

This is one of those quandaries we navigate day in and day out and needs to be taken on a case by case THE ADVOCATE

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October 2018

CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE

By Matt Wyman requirements of 5-803(b)(6) in that it was made by the bank, the bank was aware of the activity, it was kept in the regular course of business, and it is their regular practice to keep such statements.

Carl Franklin Burnside v. State of Maryland, No. 71, September Term 2017, filed Lots of appellate activity the past couple of months.

Many of the important, and some of the unimportant criminal decisions are summarized below from the Amicus Curiarum.

Allan Jackson v. State of Maryland, No. 78, September Term 2017, filed July 12, 2018. Opinion by Greene, J. Jackson was convicted at trial of several counts related to a home invasion where he stole the victim’s credit cards, and made several ATM transactions. He appealed his conviction alleging that the videos of the alleged ATM transactions did not display the accurate time according to the evidence. He also objected to the admission of the victim’s bank statements as they were not properly authenticated as a business record by the victim.

The Court of Appeals held that the video and the bank records were both properly authenticated. The video was admitted through an employee of the bank. He testified as to how it was obtained, and that he sent it to the police. He was unable to edit the footage in any way. The Defense noted that the video showed activity from 11:15-11:35 and the withdrawal happened at 11:45.

The Court determined that any discrepancy there was for the jury to consider in their deliberations, but did not make it inadmissible.

The bank statement was properly authenticated and admitted under the theory of a business record exception. Jackson argued that the account owner could not identify it, but the court ruled it met the THE ADVOCATE

July 11, 2018. Opinion by Greene, J. Burnside was convicted at trial of multiple felony drug offenses arising from a traffic stop. Burnside had prior convictions for felony drug offenses that the state sought to use to impeach his credibility.

His attorney requested that the trial judge conduct a hearing pursuant to Rule 5-609 to determine whether or not the convictions could be used to impeach his credibility at trial if he chose to testify. The Judge denied the request to make a ruling in advance of trial, and would only do so during the trial. Based on that ruling, Burnside decided not to testify, he was convicted, and appealed based on that ruling.

The Court of Appeals reversed the decision and remanded the case for trial. The Court had enough information to make a reasonably informed decision prior to trial. The Judge knew what charges the Defendant was on trial for, and the relation to the current case. The Court could have inferred what the Defendant’s likely testimony was going to be. By refusing to make a ruling prior to the time of testimony, the court effectively denied Burnside the right to testify. The Court of Appeals also held that the trial Judge should make all reasonable efforts to accommodate the Defendant’s request for a ruling as soon as practical, even if that is during the trial. The Court failed to do that here.

State of Maryland v. Casey O. Johnson, No. 22, September Term 2017, filed April 20, 2018. Opinion by Barbera, C.J.

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October 2018

CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE

By Matt Wyman Johnson was driving a vehicle that was stopped for an inoperable tail light. The police noticed furtive movement on the part of the front passenger, and Johnson. Based on this, an odor of controlled dangerous substance, and evasive answers, police requested a K9 Scan of the vehicle which alerted to controlled dangerous substance. The front passenger was found to have marijuana and was arrested. Police then searched the trunk and found about a quarter pound of marijuana and a scale, and charged the Defendant with Possession with Intent to Distribute.

She appealed, citing lack of probable cause to search the trunk.

The Court of Appeals confirmed the conviction.

Under the totality of the circumstances, the court had established probable cause to search the car under the Carroll doctrine. There was reason to believe there were more drugs in the vehicle. That authorized them to search every part of the vehicle in which those drugs could be concealed, and that included the Defendant’s trunk.

Clement Reynolds v. State of Maryland, No. 84, September Term 2017, filed August 27, 2018. Opinion by Hotten, J Reynolds was charged with the murder of Wesley King in Montgomery County. He was arrested and questioned by detectives. At some point during the interview, Reynolds indicated there was “nothing I have to say”. The Court determined this was an invocation of his rights under Miranda, but the Detectives continued to question him, making those statements inadmissible. During that questioning however; Reynolds said he was living out of the country at the time, and gave two potential alibis. At trial he testified that he was not present at the time of the murder, but was at a friend’s house, and gave two other alibis. The State sought to cross examine Reynolds about his earlier alibi, while his attorney THE ADVOCATE

attempted to exclude the statement as it was taken in violation of his rights.

Reynolds argued that the State using the impermissible statements against him was tantamount to using his silence against him, which was clearly prohibited. The State argued that the information was being introduced for impeachment purposes only, and was admissible. The statements were deemed to be a “valuable aid to the jury in assessing the defendant’s credibility….” Oregon v. Hass, 420 U.S. 714, 722, 95 S.Ct. 1215, 1221 (1975). In this case, it was, and the Court ruled that it was proper to be used for impeachment purposes.

Julius Devincentz, Jr. v. State of Maryland, No. 74, September Term 2017, filed August 13, 2018. Opinion by Adkins, J. The Defendant was charged with several offenses relating to sexual abuse of a minor for allegedly abusing his ex-girlfriend’s daughter during the course of their relationship. The Defendant had lived with the victim, and her mother, and his own son for a period of years prior to the relationship ending. At trial, the victim testified that the Defendant had abused her during the course of that relationship.

The Defense had Defendant’s son testify at trial.

Counsel attempted to elicit testimony of an argument that occurred at the family home in which the victim indicated that she would do things to get the Defendant in trouble if she did not get her way.

The court sustained the state’s objection to this testimony from the son, along with testimony that he knew the victim to be untruthful. Defendant was convicted, and appealed to determine whether or not the son should have been permitted to provide the testimony in question.

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CRIMINAL LAW UPDATE

By Matt Wyman The Court of Appeals held that Defendant’s son was a proper character witness against the victim, and his testimony should have been permitted.

Specifically, the court determined that he had determined her current ability to tell the truth based on his past interactions with her. He lived with her for several years, and was in a position to accurately make that determination. Moreover, the victims credibly was essential to the case. The statements were not hearsay as they were not offered to the truth of the matter asserted, but only to go towards the victim’s credibility and her motive to lie. The error was not harmless in nature, and the decision was reversed and remanded for trial.

State of Maryland v. Phillip James Clements, No. 57, September Term, 2017, filed

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August 29, 2018. Opinion by Barbera, C.J. When he was 17, Clements was tried as an adult and convicted of three counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 5 consecutive life terms without parole. Clements filed a motion to correct an illegal sentence in 2016 based in part on the Court of Appeals ruling that life sentences for juveniles were largely unconstitutional.

The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County granted him a hearing on the motion, and the State appealed.

The Court ruled that the State cannot appeal the mere granting of a motion to correct an illegal sentence.

That ruling is not a final ruling of the court. Rather the state must wait until a final judgment is made. In this case it would be if the sentence were deemed illegal and modified, only then would the matter be ripe for an appeal from a final judgment.

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THE PLACE FOR BALANCE

By Kristine Howanski Suppose you discovered you had two weeks to live.

Would you change how you have been living in those last two weeks? Some of us have had the privilege of getting that perspective and this is my roundabout way of introducing the concept of balance. I think, when we take stock of the course of our lives periodically, we make adjustments, like we might in those last two weeks, to fill the gaps of things we have wanted but failed to do and try to right the course.

When I was asked to write an article on wellness and the law, those who know me fairly well might jump to the conclusion that I might launch into fitness.

Others might expect me to launch into diet, still others point to my faith, or mentoring, or Athletes Serving Athletes. And these are all aspects of wellness for me as a lawyer and important to me to varying degrees. But I think the overarching touchstone is balance.

The reality is that I could write an article every month for a long time on health and wellness issues as an attorney in order to try to cover all the spokes in the wellness wheel, as I see them: sleep, nutrition, hydration, fitness, meditation, worship, arts, etc. And none of these would have in isolation bring about any meaningful sense of wellness without balance.

To my way of thinking, there is a certain equilibrium to all things. Let’s face it. We are all handed 24 hours in a day. No more and no less. At times, achieving balance seems like a never-ending battle and, at other times, a great ride on a wave when you are hitting on all cylinders. Some of us who engaged in Division I athletics or any other pursuit of excellence to a more sacrificial degree are familiar with the issue at a young age. You learn about making sacrifices. That’s right. You give up something to gain something else. You do not and cannot have it all, at least not simultaneously, THE ADVOCATE

because of that pesky 24 hour in a day time constraint.

As an attorney, I first grappled with the issue of balance as a summer associate. I was married, and if I wished to end this stint married, I had to address how I was going to successfully juggle this. As soon as I got those proverbial plates spinning, I was faced with the more complex issue of balancing children into that mix. I was young by attorney standards, since I had both of my children before I turned 30, but that was the decision my husband and I made in terms of our situation and values. Each person’s decision is unique and reflective not just of their values, but their family dynamic. They may be the primary breadwinner or the primary caretaker. They may be in a pretty equal partnership in terms of the two. They may have no or a lot of outside family support. They may have more student loans or have selected a house with a large mortgage. In any event, the importance of balance in all this is knowing what your situation is, assessing your priorities and then figuring out what that looks like in the 24 hours that are allotted to you. In my instance, I was trying to work part time and raise our sons. I made that decision because I was married to a person who had a very demanding job, I felt more comfortable sacrificing pay and the partnership track than having my bosses potentially resent me for being paid to work full time but having to cut the inevitable corners. And I wanted my kids to be able to pick me out of a lineup when asked to pick out their mom. I would perhaps have made a different assessment had I been blessed with family support, but I had a dad who was battling cancer when I was pregnant with our first child and died when I discovered I was pregnant with our second.

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THE PLACE FOR BALANCE

A NIGHT AT THE YARD

By Kristine Howanski

by Michelle Siri

Continued from page 17 I chose to sacrifice my career trajectory to work part time and to sacrifice sleep and my own fitness to some extent, but I knew it was for a season, albeit a long one. Looking back, I do not have much in the way of regrets about this, other than I might have taken better care of myself with what I know now.

Which brings me back to balance in fitness. Just as there is a place for fitness on your wellness continuum, there is an internal structure for balance within the fitness spoke itself. With grown children, and grandchildren, and working full time, I try to have a good mix of cardio work and strength. I have been at this with a certain level of intensity for a decade at this point and am still a work in progress.

Now, before you throw your hands up in despair or disgust or desperation or disdain, I invite you to take the tiniest of inventories of where you are in this journey of work/life balance, fitness journey.

Do you see a window of time you could use differently? Are you self-disciplined? Do you need others to hold you accountable, or do you need to be with others or have the structure of a group to help you achieve fitness goals? What do you like to do in terms of exercise? Do you need to see a doctor before you even start? Wherever you are, you are still alive today with a chance to get things right. Take that small step. And if you need help of any sort at all, contact me (kristine@towsonfamilylaw.com) or someone you know who can be a help. You can do this.

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August 28th was one of the hottest nights of the summer in Baltimore, but that didn’t discourage members of the Baltimore County Bar Association and their families from donning their orange and heading out to Camden Yards to watch the Orioles take on the Toronto Blue Jays.

Despite the sweltering heat, the annual BCBA Night at the Yard was sold out. All 25 tickets were snatched up by fans looking forward to the opportunity to hang out on the Flight Deck, eat some ballpark food, and cheer on the home team.

And aside from the company and camaraderie, the best part of the night was when the Orioles beat the Blue Jays 12-5! Let’s Go O’s!

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KICKING OFF THE BAR YEAR

By Martha White On September 5, 2018, the Membership Committee of the Baltimore County Bar Association held its annual Bar Year Kick-Off Party at CVP in Towson. The party was a great success with approximately 100 attendees, including many of our Judges and Magistrates, as well as a number of law school students from both the University of Maryland and University of Baltimore.

As we all know, attending Bar Association events can be intimidating for law school students and young lawyers; however, it was wonderful to see some of our newest members receive such a warm welcome from our more seasoned guests.

Thank you to all that attended; our bar year has gotten off to a great start and we are very much looking forward to all that is to come!

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FAMILY LAW COMMITTEE MEET AND GREET

by Nicole Rush On September 20, 2018, the Family Law Section kicked off their bar year with their Annual Meet and Greet event at the Eagles Nest Country Club. BCBA members, family magistrates and members of the bench were all in attendance in one of the favorite family law events of the year. Family Law Chair, Laurie Wasserman, reminisced about the Meet and Greet being the first event she attended when she started practicing law. She can now look around the room and smile at all of the faces that have become colleagues and friends.

The event was sponsored by Lauren M. Rebbel, CFP, CDFA with The Prosperity Consulting Group, LLC. Members began the night mingling with each other and learning fun facts about each other by playing bingo. Upon successfully meeting enough people to get bingo, cards were put in a raffle to win Amazon gift cards generously provided by the sponsor. The lucky winners included Jennifer Jackson, Anna Linder and Sophia Barilone.

Along with Laurie Wasserman’s remarks, Judge Jakubowski gave a quick update with important changes for the family law bar. With the changes to the Mutual Consent law and MDEC going live on February 19, 2019, this year is sure to be full of new experiences for the family law bench. Judge Jakubowski asked that we be patient with the Court during their transition to MDEC, as the Court staff will be in various trainings over the next couple months to be ready when MDEC goes live.

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COOPERATING ATTORNEY PANEL Established, respected Legal Services Fund providing legal benefits to thousands of members seeks Washington D.C. and surrounding vicinity counsel (Virginia and Maryland) practicing in the areas of immigration, civil, criminal, family, divorce, bankruptcy and real estate law (combination or individual areas).

Bilingual attorneys a plus. Potential for practice growth.

Please contact Joy Khan at: lfadmin@32bjfunds.com and request an information packet.

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MEMBER NEWS BALTIMORE, June 25, 2018 – Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), the largest provider of pro bono civil legal services to low-income Marylanders, today announced the addition of Hanna Sheehan as staff attorney to its Adult Public Guardianship Program. In her role, Ms. Sheehan will represent low-income alleged disabled adults in guardianship proceedings in Baltimore City and Baltimore County Circuit Courts as well as Adult Public Guardianship Review Board (APGRB) hearings in these jurisdictions. MVLS’s APGRB Program is supported through funding from the Maryland Department of Human Services, Legal Services Program.

“We are delighted to have an experienced litigator like Hanna join MVLS as we work to give adults with disabilities advocates who will represent their interests in public guardianship proceedings,” said Bonnie Sullivan, executive director, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS). “Hanna has significant litigation experience and a deep commitment to serving vulnerable adults. We are looking forward to leveraging her experience in guardianship law to represent more Marylanders.”

Prior to joining MVLS, Ms. Sheehan was a special assistant solicitor for the Baltimore City Law Department, Litigation Practice Group, where she represented the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore as well as its employees in lawsuits in both State and Federal Court. In this role, Ms. Sheehan represented the Baltimore City Health Department, Division of Aging and CARE Services in guardianship proceedings. Previously, Ms. Sheehan provided critical civil legal representation to low-income LGBTQ clients in various matters, including name changes, decrees of legal gender identity, health insurance claims and appeals, public accommodations discrimination and employment discrimination. She earned her J.D. at the University of Maryland, Francis King Carey School of Law.

Mock Trial Volunteers Needed: UMBC is hosting a Mock Trial tournament the weekend of October 13 and 14 and needs judges for all four rounds. The tournament will be at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. There is a morning and afternoon round each day.

Parking will be free and food and beverages will be provided before each round. No prior trial experience or judging experience is needed. All you need to donate is your time! This year's fact pattern is an interesting civil case where an animal segment for a late-night talk show went very wrong and left a screen writer dead. It will be an interesting and entertaining experience to judge the trial.

If you are interested in judging or have questions, please contact UMBC’s head coach, Ben Garmoe, at ben.garmoe@gmail.com.

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Lawyer in the Lobby Clinic October 10th 4:30—6:30 County Courts Building, 1st Floor, 401 Bosley Ave, Towson Lawyer in the Lobby is held the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

Walk-ins are assisted in General Civil and Family Law matters.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rae Wyatt at rwyatt@bcba.org or 410-337-9100.

Thank you to our volunteers for October: Julius Blattner Richard Lebovitz E. David Silverberg Bryan Tillman

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

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

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

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Committee News ADR COMMITTEE Stay tuned for programming news.

Jury Room May 21, 5pm, Annual Dinner

ADVOCATE COMMITTEE Please submit any ideas for articles to Rachel Ruocco at rruocco@bcba.org or Ari Kodeck at akodeck@oag.state.md.us

FAMILY LAW COMMITTEE September 20, 6pm, Meet & Greet, Eagle’s Nest Country Club October 9, 5 pm, Evening Series, Suicide Prevention Awareness, Grand Jury Room October 17, 6 pm, New Tax Laws, Country Club of Maryland November 14, 6 pm, Custody & Psychological Reports, Vito’s Restaurant November 27, 5 pm, Evening Series, Domestic Violence Awareness, Grand Jury Room December 4, 12 pm, Brown Bag Lunch, Tracing of Non-Marital Assets, Grand Jury Room

BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE This committee (appointed by the BCBA Presidents) meets the second Thursday of each month, 8 a.m., in Judicial Conference Room 412. If there are issues to be brought to the attention of this committee please contact Chairperson Fred Allentoff, 443-588-0066 or fallentoff@aol.com.

CRIMINAL LAW COMMITTEE October 25, 5pm, Baltimore County Detention Center Programs, Grand Jury Room.

November 14, 5:30pm, Evidence Update with Judge Murphy, Harford County Circuit Court February 7, 5pm, 4th Amendment, Grand Jury Room March 21, 5pm, Effective Cross Examination, Grand Jury Room CLE COMMITTEE February 5, 5pm, How to Build a Million Dollar Practice, Grand Jury Room March 3, 5 pm, Joint Program with ADR Committee April 23, 5pm, Accounting & Bookkeeping for Lawyers

LAW DAY COMMITTEE May 1, 7:30 am, Breakfast May 1, Noon Ceremony, Ceremonial Courtroom #5 This year’s theme is Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society LRIS COMMITTEE Please renew or consider joining the LRIS at this time. Application can be found on the website: LRIS Application. Contact Rae Wyatt at rwyatt@bcba.org or 410-337-9100 for more information.

The 2018-2019 LRIS Panel Registration and Renewal Packet is now available. Join now! Current panel members, remember to renew!.

ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE November 8, 6 pm, Wines & Whiskey Fundraiser, Maryvale December 6, 6 pm, Holiday Party, Towson Tavern ESTATES & TRUSTS COMMITTEE October 16, 5pm, Guardianship Appointments, Grand Jury Room November 13, 5-6pm, Tax Updates, Grand Jury Room December 18, Holiday Lunch January 22, 5pm, Ethical Conduct, Grand Jury Room February 12, 5pm, Fiduciary Responsibilities, Grand THE ADVOCATE

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Committee News PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE October 15, 5pm, Committee Meeting, Grand Jury Room

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

Those members who will be honored at next year’s service on November 15, 2018, at 3:30 p.m., include:

REAL PROPERTY COMMITTEE Stay tuned for programming news.

W. Lee Thomas Henry J. Myerberg Philip I. Klein Ellen P. Rosenberg Judge Dana M. Levitz Lawrence Melfa JR Francomano, III Donna C. Baust Kevin Kamenetz Edward Pinder

SOLO & SMALL FIRM COMMITTEE Stay tuned for programming news.

STATE & LOCAL LAWS (SLLZ) COMMITTEE February, Meet the County Council April, SLLZ Annual Dinner TECHONOLGY COMMITTEE Stay tuned for programming news.

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

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

NEGLIGENCE, INSURANCE & WORKERS’ COMP COMMITTEE November 28, 5pm, How to Get Media Into Evidence, Grand Jury Room PRO BONO COMMITTEE October 13, 9am-1pm, Pro Bono Day, Essex Library October 23, 5-7 pm, Pro Bono Awards, Pessin Katz Law April 27, 9am-1pm, Pro Bono Day, Woodlawn Library THE ADVOCATE

PUBLIC AWARENESS & SPEAKERS COMMITTEE AKA CIVICS & LAW ACADEMY October 12, Civics & Law Academy, CCBC Dundalk November 16, Civics & Law Academy, CCBC Owings Mills

YOUNG LAWYERS COMMITTEE Holiday Lunch & Toy Drive, December 5, 12-2 pm, County Courts Building Bull & Oyster Roast, March 31, 2-6 pm, Towson American Legion

Last Thursday Happy Hour 5pm, The Point, 523 York Rd, Towson. Come join young lawyers, judicial law clerks, and a special monthly guest to relax and network.

October 25 November 29 February 28 March 28 April 25 May 30 June 27

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BALTIMORE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT LAW LIBRARY NEWS New Titles The law library staff incorporated the following titles to the collection: PRISONERS’ RIGHTS: a legal research guide / Fichtelman, Carol – William S. Hein & Co., Inc., 2017.

LLP KF 9371 .F53 REAL ESTATE FINANCE IN A NUTSHELL, 7TH / Lindsey, Vada Waters – West Academic Publishing, 2018. KF 695 .Z9 .B78 SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW FROM A TO Z / Almazan, Selene; Gruber, Brian; Joseph, Nicole – NBI, 2017. KFM 1595.9 .A46 SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW IN A NUTSHELL / Colker, Ruth – West Academic Publishing, 2018. KF 4209.3 .C65 1397 .P63 Hein Online The INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW JOURNAL has been added to our Hein Online subscription. This journal publishes articles relating to international human rights law, international criminal law, international humanitarian law, international development and post conflict justice.

The Rules Historical While many of the Law Library’s patrons know we hold the Acts of Maryland back to the 1700s(!), our historical collection also includes the Rules of the Court. As separate volumes we hold select material from 1947 to 1979. We also have volumes every year from 1981 to present.

A MESSAGE FROM THE LRIS DIRECTOR Thank you to the attorneys who have already renewed or joined for the 2018-19 Lawyer Referral Year. If you are interested in becoming a panel member or still need to renew, please click HERE for the 2018-2019 LRIS Registration Packet. You can join at anytime.

We are in need of attorneys in the following areas: Civil Rights Consumer Law

Litigation/Product Liabilities Taxation Veterans Administration New this year is a Reduced Fee Program for Veterans.

If you would like to prepare simple estate documents and/or expungements at a reduced rate for Veterans, let me know.

Foreclosure

To all Family Law attorneys: we are now offering Limited Scope Services for Family Law Matters.

Please contact me if you are interested.

Immigration

I can be reached at rwyatt@bcba.org or

Education

Insurance THE ADVOCATE

410-337-9100.

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

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

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

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

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Property for sale in the heart of Timonium/Lutherville, MD Move in ready and perfect for small practice of attorneys. 3,000 sq. feet with additional storage, 4 private offices, conference room, reception area and many more advantages. If you’re paying rent now, why not consider investing instead? Also ideal for shared offices. Listed @ $459,900.

Call realtor, Bob Mikelskas @ 410-375-2990 or email him @ bmikelskas@gmail.com for an appointment or questions.

Rosario Realty, 12202 Happy Hollow Road Cockeysville, MD 21030

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: Gambling Depression Internet Addiction Marital and Family Relationships Sexual Addiction Alcohol and Drug Abuse Compulsive Spending Stress and Burnout Eating Disorders Prescription Drug Concerns Balancing Work and Family Career Concerns 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.

RICHARD LYNAS, Chair STUART AXILBUND JIM BEACH MARY CHALAWSKY MARISSA JOELSON JAY MILLER JOSE MOLINA SAM MOXLEY JOE MURTHA

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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

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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

Michael A. Mastracci, Esquire Realtor Www.mikehasyourhome.com mike@mikehasyourhome.com

M: (443) 257-5339 O: (410) 723-3600

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DID YOU KNOW? NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY IS A GRASSROOTS U.S. EFFORT, FOUNDED BY THE DAVE THOMAS FOUNDATION FOR ADOPTION, THE ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN'S RIGHTS, CHILDREN'S ACTION NETWORK AND THE FREDDIE MAC FOUNDATION.

Baltimore County will celebrate National Adoption Day with an Adoption Ceremony in Ceremonial Courtroom #5 on Saturday, November 17th at 11:00 am.

Please consider volunteering your time.

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Baltimore County Bar Association

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

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

MEMBER ADVERTISEMENTS TOWSON. Office for Rent: $850/mo for one office with reception area in attractive, well-maintained building. $1,000/mo to add an additional office not attached to main suite. Includes electricity, but not phone or internet. One block from circuit courthouse, one block from Towson circle. More info at nicole@whitaker-legal.com or 410-2079272.

TOWSON. Furnished, office with windows available for lease. Includes use of conference room, reception area, copy, scan and fax machine and internet. Paralegal/ Administrative Assistant available. Possibility of referral work. Walk to both Towson courthouses. Contact Robert Jacobson at 410-583-8883, kjpaoffice@comcast.net.

TOWSON. Office for rent in the heart of Towson. One block from the Circuit Court. Rent includes one parking space. Available in September 2018. Rent is negotiable. Call 410-494-1494 to schedule a tour. Ask for Dilip.

TOWSON. Up to three furnished offices for rent one block from the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Share use of conference room, reception area, kitchen and copy machine. Includes parking and all utilities. Call Cynthia at 410-3825910 for more information.

LUTHERVILLE/TIMONIUM. Seeking reputable subtenant to share office suite in nice building in Lutherville/Timonium. Fully furnished partner’s office (2 available), includes internet, receptionist, use of conference room and free parking in a pleasant low key environment. If interested, please contact Randy Wase, 410-828-8500 or Randy@Waselaw.com.

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

TOWSON. Offices for rent in a charming and newly renovated 100-year-old building in the heart of Towson. Building offers a reception area, kitchenette, conference room, storage and free parking. Office sizes vary. Electric included and receptionist available upon request. Contact Anna at 410-494-4921 or awalsh@awalshlegal.com.

DUNDALK. DUNDALK. Awesome space available. 5 office suites available in the Holabird Building on Holabird Avenue. Conference room, lots of free street parking and receptionist. Contact Randolph Rice at 410-288-2900 or rr@ricelawmd.com for more information. For more information visit: https://ricelawmd.com/about/office-space/

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