Adapting, Advocating, Educating: MSBA’s Commitment to Maryland Attorneys
Five years ago, we entered unprecedented times as COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic, prompting then-Governor Hogan to issue a two-week stay-at-home order. The pandemic fundamentally changed how we live and work. At MSBA, we quickly adapted—embracing remote work and focusing on providing timely support to our members. We delivered frequent updates on regulatory and procedural changes, offered complimentary CLE programming, and hosted online programs prioritizing connection and wellness. Today, we continue to apply lessons learned during that period, balancing in-person and virtual engagement while
reimagining how we meet the evolving needs of Maryland’s legal community.
COVID-19 is not the only change the legal profession has had to navigate over the past five years, and MSBA remains committed to supporting our attorneys in an ever-evolving environment. Below are several recent and forthcoming initiatives designed to support our members:
Decisis – A comprehensive legal research tool powered by LexisNexis technology. Decisis offers nationwide case law, advanced search capabilities, and a user-friendly interface—a $2,000 annual value included with your MSBA membership..
Smokeball Bill – A trust and billing software designed to help attorneys streamline processes and maintain compliance. Smokeball Bill works wherever you bank and is a $650 annual value included in your membership.
Ethical Considerations for AI Use in the Legal Profession – A new micro-publication from our AI Taskforce to help members navigate the ethical implications of emerging technology.
MSBA continues to actively advocate for our profession as well. During this year’s Lobby Day in Annapolis, we advocated for courthouse security enhancements to protect attorneys, court personnel, judges, jurors, litigants, and everyone who needs to access our courthouses. We also successfully lobbied against the taxation of legal services, which was notably left out of a Business to Business tax bill (HB 1554/SB 1045)(“B2B Tax Bill”) proposed in early March. MSBA remains vigilant and will continue to oppose the B2B Tax Bill, and any legislation that will raise costs for Maryland based law firms. Additionally, without partners at the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, MSBA advocated for the permanent funding of the Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) law, which has proven critical to keeping Marylanders housed and safeguarding families from the harmful ripple effects of eviction. Without this funding, thousands of vulnerable
MSBA continues to apply lessons learned during the pandemic, balancing in-person and virtual engagement while reimagining how we meet the evolving needs of Maryland’s legal community.
tenants risk losing access to vital legal representation and the stability it provides. MSBA is also preparing to bring the fight to Capitol Hill during ABA Day. Our team will meet with Maryland’s Senators and Representatives to advocate for the preservation—and, where possible, the expansion—of funding for the Legal Services Corporation. Thousands of Marylanders rely on the critical services provided by Maryland Legal Aid and other Legal Services Organizations. MSBA stands in strong partnership with the Maryland Access to Justice Commission to champion continued funding and to ensure that all Marylanders have meaningful access to our courts and the ability to seek the justice they deserve.
Finally, MSBA is preparing for our biggest event of the year, the Legal Summit & Annual Meeting. As of today, we are already seeing trends that suggest this event will be our largest in recent history. MSBA will welcome 100+ speakers across 75+ programs, connect thousands of attorneys in various networking events, celebrate the accomplishments of attorneys and judges serving our communities, and recognize the hard work of our many leaders from sections, committees, and the MSBA Board of Governors. I hope you’ll be part of this historic event. Register Here.
Anna Sholl, Executive Director