Insightful Voices Maryland State Bar Association

The Brennan Center for Justice's State Supreme Court Diversity Update issued in May 2023 presented new data showing that Maryland continues to have one of the nation's most diverse state supreme courts. According to the most recent Report, the Maryland judiciary is unique in its racial, gender, and experiential diversity, with 43% of Maryland's high court justices identifying as people of color and 57% as women. Notably, in 20 states, no single member of the state supreme court identified as a person of color. This begs the question, how did Maryland's judiciary become a national model for diversity? In these limited edition podcasts based on the Spark Series, we are joined by one of the prime architects of our diverse judiciary, the Hon. Andrea Leahy. Judge Leahy shares with us her on-the-ground perspective of navigating this sea-change in the Maryland judiciary. 

The MSBA speaks with Scott Mirsky, a labor and employment lawyer, and Principal with Paley Rothman, about navigating mask and vaccine issues in the workplace as the pandemic continues.

Erek Baron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland sits down with M. Natalie McSherry, President of the MSBA and Principal at Kramon & Graham, to discuss his journey from private to public service, as well as his current role as United States Attorney. Baron also shares thoughts on the rule of law, the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, and the importance of connectivity, mentorship and involvement with professional organizations as a key component of personal development and career growth.

UB Law professor, author and legal analyst Kim Whele discusses her approach to helping us understand the role that lawyerly analysis can play in everyday decision making, not just in politics or legal actions. Professor Wehle discusses her three books on the Constitution, Voting, and Thinking Like a Lawyer, and the role of legal education in helping to sustain a democracy.