ON FEBRUARY 19, 2026, THE MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION (MSBA) and the Maryland Access to Justice Commission (A2JC) convened in Annapolis for the 7th annual MSBA Day, giving MSBA members an audience with Maryland’s elected officials. As Maryland addresses a budget deficit, MSBA continues to advocate against any unreasonable taxes and fees, while also providing input and testimony on important legislation that protects the profession and the public.
MSBA President Marisa Trasatti thanked members for showing up to engage directly with the General Assembly on issues that impact the profession. She highlighted association priorities, including:
Promoting Maryland’s Business Economy: MSBA and A2JC support smart business policies that promote growth and innovation for law firms and legal services organizations, attracting new businesses and increasing state revenue. MSBA continues to oppose unreasonable taxes or fees on the legal profession.
Strengthening Court Security and Access: MSBA and A2JC prioritize legislation that strengthens protections for judges and attorneys who face a steady rise in attacks and threats, as well as strengthening the ability of Marylanders to access courts to protect themselves and their communities from harm and to exercise fundamental rights.
Safeguarding Civil Legal Aid
Organizations: MSBA and A2JC guard against threats to civil legal aid organizations to ensure that they can continue to serve communities, rather than meet unnecessary administrative burdens.
Upholding the Rule of Law and Administration of Justice : MSBA and A2JC are committed to supporting the U.S. Constitution and the fair administration of justice. Respect for due process protections, judicial oversight, and the separation of powers is the cornerstone of a predictable and fair society.
A2JC Chair Ward Coe discussed the need for ongoing support and funding for civil legal aid organizations to ensure that low-income Marylanders are able to access
legal assistance and protect their rights. District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John Morrissey discussed the ongoing need for legislation that enhances court security as threats continue across the state. He highlighted several 2026 legislative proposals that strengthen security for judges and attorneys:
• requiring local governments to make best efforts to meet minimum courtroom security guidelines,
• elevating penalties for making threats against certain state and local officials, deputy and assistant state’s attorneys, and assistant public defenders, and
• authorizing the Office of the State Prosecutor to investigate a threat made against a judge or judge-elect.
The highlight of the morning program was the presentation of the 2026 Advocacy Awards, recognizing legislators who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the integrity of the legal system.
MSBA LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION AWARD:
Delegate Sandy Bartlett, for demonstrating exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the legal profession and the integrity of the justice system, for sponsorship of landmark legislation that offers systemic protections and improves justice outcomes, and for collaboration with MSBA in a variety of practice areas.
MSBA ADVOCACY VISIONARY AWARD:
Senator William Smith, Jr., for identifying emerging legal challenges and shaping the future of the law and meaningful systemic reforms, leading on legislation to protect the legal profession, and promoting legislation to modernize the Maryland court system.
MSBA LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Senator Christopher West, for honoring his career-long dedication to MSBA, serving as an integral part of Maryland’s legal community, consistently sponsoring legislation of significance to Maryland attorneys and judges, and serving as a collaborative mentor to newer legislators.
MSBA RISING ADVOCATE AWARD:
Senator Dawn Gile, recognizing her growth into a leading voice for the legal community through initiative and knowledge of complex legal issues.
The highlight
of
the morning program was the presentation of the 2026 Advocacy Awards, recognizing legislators who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the integrity of the legal system.
MSBA VOICE OF JUSTICE AWARD:
Delegate Nicole Williams, for her advocacy in civil legal aid and access to justice through sponsorship of legislation that ensures the legal system is accessible and equitable for all, and for vocalizing the attorney perspective and consequences of proposed laws.
Legislators shared their 2026 priorities, including access to justice, juvenile justice reform, immigration-protection bills, legal remedies for violations by federal agents, protecting personal information for elected officials, business regulation, and litigation financing. MSBA thanks the following member leaders and advocacy partners who shared advocacy guidance and issue briefings with attendees: David Cahn, Robyn Elliott, Charles (Trey) Hilberg, William O’Connell, and Meredith Girard.
The day concluded with impactful group meetings with legislators, during which members shared MSBA’s legislative priorities and discussed how MSBA can support the legislature in its work. Legislators mentioned the importance of hearing the real-world impact of proposed bills from attorneys. This opportunity to share stories and the attorney perspective helps shape reforms and outcomes as the General Assembly considers thousands of bills during the 90-day session. MSBA thanks members for their participation and strong voice in Annapolis, as we shape legislation that supports our profession, improves the practice of law, and safeguards access to justice.