More than 700 MSBA members from across the state enjoyed three days of high-quality continuing education, thought-provoking keynote speakers, top-notch social events at a variety of locales, and the most priceless experience–networking with their colleagues in a casual setting.

For the second year in a row, the MSBA Legal Summit was held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. The Legal Summit kicked off Wednesday, June 7 and concluded Friday, June 9.

Attendees had an abundance of continuing legal education sessions from which to choose along eight tracks: Technology, Litigation & Trial Skills, Ethics, Justice, Corporate Law, Practice Update, Leadership & Practice Management, Mediation and ADR, as well as sessions of interest to all attorneys.

Michael Steele

Michael Steele, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor, former RNC Chairman, and current political analyst for MSNBC, gave the week’s first keynote address on Wednesday. In a presentation that touched on the problems of the current political climate, Steele urged audience members, “Don’t get lost between your ambitions and your ideals.”

After-hours events included the Young Lawyers Section happy hour at 45th Street Taphouse, the Welcome Reception at the Convention Center, the Leadership Academy Fellows Graduation, and the A2JC Welcome Dinner & Fundraiser at Dry Dock 28. Those who wanted more networking moved on to the Barristers’ Bar Nights at the Doubletree Hotel penthouse.

The smoke from Canadian wildfires didn’t stop some of the hardiest MSBA members from joining Singleton Mathews for Boot Camp on the Beach just after sunrise Thursday.

Later Thursday morning, Maryland legislators–Delegates J. Sandy Bartlett and Luke H. Clippinger, along with Senators Will Smith and Chris West–took part in a panel discussion analyzing the key legislation of interest to Maryland lawyers that was passed by the General Assembly in 2023. 

Thursday also included a full slate of continuing legal education sessions, many of which were standing room only, and a redux of the Are You Smarter Than a Law Clerk? game. 

YLS Happy Hour

Attendees had a variety of social, celebratory, and networking events beginning Thursday afternoon, including An Afternoon at Seacrets, the Maryland Bar Foundation Annual Meeting & Induction of the 2023 Fellows, the Maryland Law School Alumni Happy Hours, and the ultimate social event: the Presidents’ Reception, held in the convention center ballroom overlooking Assawoman Bay. Another night of Barristers’ Bar Nights concluded the evening.

Friday morning began with Yoga on the Beach with MSBA’s Shaoli Katana, followed by two sessions of continuing legal education. New judges from across the state were welcomed and celebrated at the New Judges’ Reception.

Aarash Darroodi

The Legal Summit welcomed two more keynote speakers on Friday. Aarash Darroodi, General Counsel and Executive Vice President for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation sat down with MSBA President David Shapiro to discuss his unconventional career path and his thoughts on attracting and retaining the next generation of lawyers.

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin

U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin was the final keynote speaker, joining David Shapiro for a fireside chat discussing a variety of topics ranging from his role leading the January 6 Committee to his future plans, which may include running for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated upon the conclusion of Senator Ben Cardin’s final term.

MSBA President Jason DeLoach

The summit concluded with the 2023 Annual Business Meeting. Following a vote approving the adoption of new association bylaws, Jason DeLoach was sworn in as the 2023-2024 MSBA President, joined by new President-Elect Raphael J. Santini, Treasurer Marisa Trassati, and Secretary Wm. Carl Isler.