The Big Tent and the Bold Future
T
hey say the only constant in the legal profession is change, but as we move through 2026, the “change” part of that equation is moving at a clip that would make a seasoned litigator’s head spin.
Whether you are navigating the complexities of a solo practice, serving the public interest, or managing a high-stakes team at a large firm, one thing remains certain: The Maryland State Bar Association is your home base. We aren’t just a professional association; we are a collective, a brain trust, and occasionally, a very necessary support group.
ADVOCACY: YOUR VOICE IN THE ROOM
While you’re busy drafting motions and counseling clients, our Laws Committee and advocacy team have been living in the hallways of Annapolis. We’ve spent the latest session ensuring that the “lawyer’s perspective” isn’t just an afterthought in new legislation.
From protecting law firms from taxation and unreasonable fees to advocating for judicial resources that keep our courtrooms safe and our dockets moving, we are your front line. We do the heavy lifting in the policy trenches so you can focus on the practice of law, knowing your interests and those of your clients are being fiercely defended.
THE AI RESOURCE CENTER: EFFICIENCY WITHOUT
THE EXISTENTIAL DREAD
I know what you’re thinking: Is a robot going to write my next brief? Probably not well (yet). However, the “AI Revolution” is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s sitting on your desktop.
To help you navigate this, we’ve launched the MSBA AI Resource Center. We’ve moved past the “What is ChatGPT?” phase and into practical, ethics-focused applications. We provide: Vetted Toolkits: To help you distinguish between a productivity booster and a malpractice trap.
Ethical Guidelines: To keep you in the know on ethical issues as they evolve.
Prompt Engineering for Lawyers: Because how you ask is just as important as what you ask.
With the assistance of our AI & Legal Technology Task Force, we are also working hard to bring our members a comprehensive AI Certification Course for attorneys. Look for the release in June 2026.
STANDING FOR THE RULE OF LAW
In an era of increasingly polarized rhetoric, MSBA remains a steady hand. We believe that a fair, independent judiciary and the impartial administration of justice are the bedrock of our society. When those foundations are challenged, MSBA speaks up, not as a political entity, but as a guardian of the legal system we all swore to uphold.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE (YES, EVEN YOU)
I often hear from members who wonder if MSBA is right for them, and the answer is always a resounding “Yes!” We are a broad coalition, and every seat at the table is vital.
Solos: You are the backbone of the Maryland bar. We provide the infrastructure, practice management tools, and the camaraderie you might miss from a larger office.
Government Attorneys: Your work is a public service, and we are working to ensure you have the specialized CLEs and networking tracks that reflect your unique challenges and career paths.
Public Interest Advocates: You are the conscience of our profession. We know the weight of the “justice gap” can be heavy; MSBA offers peer support, wellness resources, and systemic advocacy to help ensure your passion for the public good doesn’t lead to burnout.
In-House Counsel: You’ve traded the billable hour for the boardroom, but that doesn’t mean you have to work in a vacuum. We offer a community of fellow in-house peers to discuss risk management, vendor oversight, and the transition from “outside counsel” to “strategic partner.”
Large Firm Attorneys: You need a space to connect outside of the pressure cooker. Our sections offer high-level policy discussions and leadership opportunities that go beyond the demands of your specific practice group.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We are stronger when our membership reflects the full spectrum of our profession. We provide the “Big Tent”—you just need to walk in.
I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events, or perhaps over a spirited (but professional) debate in one of our Section discussion lists. In the meantime, keep fighting the good fight. We’ve got your back.
Anna Sholl, Executive Director