Sandy Rosenberg
A Lifetime of Advocacy for Justice and Equity
FOR OVER FOUR DECADES, Delegate Sandy Rosenberg has served as a leading voice in the Maryland General Assembly. As its longest-serving member, he has consistently championed legislation that increases access to justice for all Marylanders. For attorneys throughout the state, his career provides a path in leveraging the law to advance fairness, equity, and community well-being. Delegate Rosenberg has been a member of the Access to Justice Commission since 2015.
A Lifelong Commitment to Justice
Delegate Rosenberg’s dedication to access to justice began in his youth, inspired by Anthony Lewis’s groundbreaking book, Gideon’s Trumpet, which chronicles the landmark case establishing the right to counsel in criminal matters. This formative experience shaped his view of the law as a tool for public service and equity, leading him to pursue a career where he could influence systemic change.
His legislative career has been marked by his unwavering focus on ensuring legal representation for vulnerable populations. He is a champion of the "Access to Counsel in Evictions" law, a response to the urgent housing crises exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation ensures that tenants facing eviction have access to legal representation, addressing a systemic imbalance where landlords often have counsel while tenants are left unrepresented.
“ Safe and decent housing is a basic human right,” he asserts. “If we, as legislators, establish laws to protect this right, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that those laws are accessible and enforceable for everyone.”
Balancing the Scales in Housing Court
Delegate Rosenberg’s leadership on access to counsel reflects his broader philosophy: justice should be accessible to everyone. He has highlighted the inequities in Maryland’s housing court system, where landlords may be represented by non-attorney professionals without attorney involvement or supervision, but tenants must secure licensed attorneys or have allied legal professionals who are supervised by an attorney. His advocacy has sought to address this disparity, promoting legislation to provide tenants with fair representation and a fighting chance in rent court.
“Safe and decent housing is a basic human right,” he asserts. “If we, as legislators, establish laws to protect this right, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that those laws are accessible and enforceable for everyone.”
The "Access to Counsel in Evictions" law, now under consideration for permanent funding, represents a culmination of years of advocacy. It not only levels the playing field but also demonstrates the economic and social benefits of reducing evictions, such as maintaining family stability and minimizing disruptions in children’s education. Delegate Rosenberg is the sponsor of a bill in the House of Delegates, HB103, that seeks to make the existing source of funding for the ACE law, which is set to expire in 2027, permanent.
Mentoring the Next Generation of Legal Advocates
Recognizing the critical role attorneys play in advancing justice, Delegate Rosenberg has invested heavily in mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. As a co-instructor of legislation classes at both Maryland’s law schools, he has inspired countless students to engage in public service. His legacy includes alumni who now serve as legislative leaders and staffers, including Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson.
Moreover, Delegate Rosenberg has been a key advocate for loan repayment assistance programs, such as the Janet Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program. This initiative helps law graduates pursue careers in public service by alleviating the financial burdens of student debt. He sees such programs as essential for fostering a pipeline of attorneys dedicated to representing underserved communities.
Expanding the Vision of Access to Justice
Delegate Rosenberg’s legislative achievements extend beyond housing. He has authored and supported numerous measures that direct funds from legal settlements toward systemic improvements. A notable example includes legislation ensuring that proceeds from consumer protection lawsuits, such as those against negligent landlords, are allocated to housing-related justice initiatives. This creative use of legal settlements exemplifies his ability to connect policy innovation with community impact.
In addition to these legislative victories, Rosenberg supports exploring new avenues for addressing legal deserts. He has expressed openness to reforms that empower allied legal professionals, acknowledging the critical shortage of lawyers available to serve low- and middle-income individuals. “What’s fair for one party should be fair for the other,” he argues, emphasizing his belief in equitable access to legal resources.
A Legacy Rooted in Service
Delegate Rosenberg’s work on the Pimlico Community Development Authority illustrates his holistic approach to community justice. By advocating for investments in neighborhoods surrounding the Pimlico Racetrack, he has demonstrated how urban redevelopment and legal empowerment can intersect to revitalize communities.
His tenure in the legislature is a testament to the power of persistence and principle. As he continues to mentor and inspire Maryland’s legal community, Delegate Rosenberg remains a stalwart advocate for a more just society. His career serves as a reminder that the law is not only a tool for resolving disputes but also a means to uplift individuals and transform communities.
Maryland’s legal community owes much to Delegate Sandy Rosenberg’s vision and dedication. His efforts to expand access to justice have reshaped Maryland’s legal landscape, ensuring that vulnerable populations have the support they need to navigate complex legal systems. As the legal profession faces new challenges, Delegate Rosenberg’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and service in building a more equitable society.