Friday, June 14, 2019 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Here Comes the Sun... but It Can Get Cloudy Development of Solar Arrays on Farmland CONFERENCE ROOM 4
Sponsored by the Agriculture Law and Environmental and Energy Law Sections Program Chairs: Melanie Santiago-Mosier, Vote Solar and Paul Goeringer, University of Maryland
In recent years, development of solar arrays on agricultural land has become a hot topic in Maryland. The issues seem almost endless: local governments have encountered state preemption; community solar gardens have stalled; the appellate courts and state legislature have become involved; the PSC has ongoing cases; conservation issues come into play, etc. In this program, hear from a panel of seasoned practitioners who will provide an overview of permitting, zoning, and land use issues related to solar arrays on agricultural land. The program will include lively conversation as attorneys representing the State, counties, and solar companies discuss the challenges inherent in solar development and recent developments in the law. Speakers: Todd Chason, Gordon Feinblatt; Chris Drummond, Christopher F. Drummond, Attorney at Law; Leslie Knapp, Maryland Association of Counties; Maryland Office of the Attorney General, Maryland Energy Administration; Andrew Wilkinson, Divelbiss & Wilkinson; Tom Filbert, Maryland Office of the Attorney General - MDA
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Supreme Court 2019 Term in Review CRYSTAL BALLROOM 2A
Sponsored by the Litigation Section & its Appellate Practice Committee Program Chairs: Steven M. Klepper; J. Bradford McCullough; and the Hon. Kevin F. Arthur
Two Supreme Court practitioners and a leading Supreme Court journalist will discuss the Supreme Court’s October 2018 term. Speakers: Deepak Gupta, Gupta Wessler PLLC; Sarah Harrington, Goldstein & Russell, P.C.; Tony Mauro, The National Law Journal/ ALM Media
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Four Part Program Including: 1) How the Tax Law Changes are Affecting Alimony and Child Support - How are the Trial Courts Handling This?, 2) How to Practice Family Law and Civility - At the Same Time, 3) Harnessing the Income Potential of Assets to Establish and Modify Alimony, and 4) Legislative Update CRYSTAL BALLROOM 2B
Sponsored by the Family and Juvenile Law Section Program Chair: Christopher R. vanRoden, Esq.
20 MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION
Master of Ceremonies: Craig J. Little, Esq.
Part 1 will be a panel discussion that will look into the lack of legislation by the Maryland legislature to address the presumption in the Maryland Child Support Guidelines that alimony is taxable/deductible and what option may exist and what arguments may be made as a result. Part 2 will be a panel disucssion that will address our obligation of civility to our clients, our colleagues, the Court and ourselves. Part 3’s presenter will address these questions and more: How much income realistically can be generated from property settlements and its impact in determining the amount and duration of alimony? What does imputed income from assets look like? Payer spouse agreed to indefinite alimony many years ago. Subsequent to the decree the payer’s income plummets. Should the income potential of Payee’s assets be considered in determining alimony modification award? Part 4 will provide an update on recent legislation in Maryland affecting Family and Juvenile Law practice. Part 1 Panel: Honorable Mary M. Kramer, Circuit Court for Howard County; Barbara R. Trader, Esquire; Kris Hallengren, CPA/ABV, CFF, ASA, MSF Part 2 Panel: Kevin L. Beard, Esquire; Ralph L. Sapia, Esquire; Eleni C. vanRoden, Esquire Part 3 Presenter: Gregory E. Gann, Esquire, CDFA, MAFF Part 4 Presenter: Delegate Kathleen M. Dumais, Esquire, Maryland House of Delegates
1-hour Concurrent Programs
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
How to Conduct an Effective Workplace Investigation CONFERENCE ROOM 5
Whether it is responding to an employee complaint, a customer complaint, a government investigation, or some other issue, it seems that companies are devoting more time and resources to conducting investigations. The appropriateness of the company’s response can potentially help the company avoid liability, maintain a customer relationship, and protect its image, among other things. Thus, it is important to develop appropriate procedures for conducting investigations. Topics for this presentation include identifying reasons why investigations may be conducted, developing strategies for structuring investigations – from understanding how investigations are initiated (e.g., intake process, or responding to a lawsuit or public relations matter), to identifying potential investigators (including the role of legal counsel), and forming strategies for fact gathering and evidence preservation – and developing resolutions for the matters being investigated. Speaker: Stephen B. Stern, Kagan Stern Marinello & Beard, LLC