The 23rd Annual Partners for Justice Conference, held on May 26, 2022, at the Baltimore Convention Center, was organized by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland (PBRC). This event brought together legal services program staff, members of the public and private bar, judiciary, human services agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting underrepresented communities in the mid-Atlantic region and to explore ways to improve access to justice.
The conference featured a variety of panel discussions and sessions addressing topics such as racial equity, immigration, and leadership development in a changing legal landscape. Notable sessions included "Breaking Barriers: Disability Perspectives in Legal Practice," "Community Collaborations Foster Sustainable Reentry," and "Grassroots Justice: Community Justice Workers Building Access from the Ground Up." These sessions aimed to provide attendees with insights and strategies to better serve marginalized populations.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference offered networking opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives to enhance legal services. The event also featured distinguished speakers, including Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader of the Maryland Supreme Court, who delivered the lunch program address, and Justice Angela M. Eaves, who participated in the morning plenary and a panel discussion.
The conference was designed for legal professionals, advocates, and policymakers committed to advancing justice and equity. Attendees gained valuable knowledge, resources, and connections to support their efforts in providing effective legal assistance to underserved communities.
Speakers(72)
Adam Curtis
Amy P. Hennen
Amy Shaw Palumbo
Anthony G. Brown
Attorney General at State of Maryland
Anthony G. Brown is the Attorney General of Maryland, overseeing the state's legal affairs and providing counsel to state agencies.
Anthony Rodriguez
Attorney at Shore Legal Access
Anthony Rodriguez is a seasoned public interest attorney with experience at the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Since 2022, he has been providing legal assistance at Shore Legal Access.
Autumn Roundtree
Bria Yazic
Catherine H. Scenna
Cathryn A. Paul Jackson
Policy Director at CASA
Cathryn A. Paul Jackson serves as the Policy Director at CASA, focusing on advocacy and policy initiatives to support immigrant and working-class communities.
Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader
Chief Justice at Supreme Court of Maryland
Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader leads the Supreme Court of Maryland, having joined in April 2022. His prior roles include Chief Judge of Maryland's intermediate appellate court and Chief of Civil Litigation with the Maryland Attorney General's Office.
Christia Ravenell
Cicely A. Jervis
Corliss M. Wilson
Dave Pantzer
Doris G. Walker
Dr. Josef Passley
Dr. Marie D. Fouché
Elizabeth Ashford
Francisco Flores
Garret Mooney
Gary Norman
Hon. Ana de la Hoz Hernandez
Judge at District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City
Appointed in March 2022, Judge Ana de la Hoz Hernandez serves on the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, with prior experience as an Assistant Public Defender in the felony trial unit in Baltimore City.
Hon. Angela M. Eaves
Justice at Supreme Court of Maryland
Justice Angela M. Eaves serves on the Supreme Court of Maryland, appointed in February 2022. She has extensive experience in the Maryland judiciary, including serving as Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court of Harford County.
Hon. Cathy H. Serrette
Hon. Lynne A. Battaglia
Hon. Syeetah Hampton-El
Ife Minor
Imani Jackson
Ivy Finkenstadt
James Bell
Jeffrey Scholnick
Jennifer Mercer
Joan Bellistri
John Rudikoff
Jonathan Riedel
Joshua Cohen
Joy T. Mvundura
Julia Viets
Katelyn C. Keegan
Attorney at Law Office of Katelyn Keegan
Katelyn Keegan focuses on wills, trusts, and estates, particularly assisting families with disabled members. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in May 2022.
Katherine A. Bradley
Kazeem Anifowoshe
Kimberly A. June
Laure Ruth
Leland Sampson
Lindsay Parvis
Margaret Henn
Mariel W. Shutinya
Meredith Girard
Nancy B. Grimm
Nicholas Cohen
Nneka N'namdi
Perneita Farrar
Rafael Espina
Rasheed Bennett
Returning Citizen
Richard (Rasheed) Bennett re-entered society in October 2022 after over 30 years of incarceration. He advocates for mental health awareness among formerly incarcerated individuals and is actively involved in community service.
Reena K. Shah
Richard Shermanski
Rose Richardson
Russ Bloomquist
Samella A. Carryl
Shannice Anderson
Shareese Kess
Sharon E. Goldsmith
Executive Director at Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
Sharon E. Goldsmith is the Executive Director of the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, leading efforts to connect volunteer lawyers with individuals in need of legal assistance.
Stephanie Joseph
Steven Kappen
Thomas Manion
Tina Heidrick
Tuesday Barnes
Vicki Schultz
Executive Director at Maryland Legal Aid
Vicki Schultz has been the Executive Director of Maryland Legal Aid since June 2022, bringing over two decades of experience in legal and social justice sectors, including roles at the University of Baltimore Law School and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Viola Woolums
Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne
Warren Buff
William Steinwedel
Event Details
- Date
- May 26, 2022
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Baltimore, United States
- Baltimore Convention Center
- Audience
- Legal professionals, advocates, policymakers