The Partners for Justice Conference is an annual event organized by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, bringing together approximately 300 attendees, including legal services program staff, members of the public and private bar, judiciary members, human services agencies, elected officials, and others committed to improving access to justice for underrepresented communities in the mid-Atlantic region. The 2026 conference marks its 27th year and will be held on May 20, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
The conference covers a wide range of critical issues affecting people in poverty and the underrepresented, with sessions led by speakers and panelists from over 30 different organizations, government agencies, and law firms across Maryland and the nation. Previous topics have included discussions on disability rights in the courtroom, advancements in protective order laws, community collaborations for sustainable reentry, and the use of GIS technology to address community questions.
Attendees can expect a full day of programming, including morning plenaries, multiple breakout sessions, and a keynote address during the lunch program. The event also offers ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to engage with peers, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing access to justice.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals, social workers, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It provides a platform to gain valuable knowledge, share best practices, and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable legal system.
Speakers(55)
Adam Curtis
Amy Shaw Palumbo
Ana Hernandez
Judge at Maryland Judiciary
Hon. Ana Hernandez is a judge in the Maryland Judiciary, presiding over cases and contributing to the administration of justice.
Angela M. Eaves
Judge at Maryland Judiciary
Hon. Angela M. Eaves serves as a judge in the Maryland Judiciary, presiding over cases and contributing to the administration of justice.
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 representing the state in legal matters.
Bria Yazic
Catherine H. Scenna
Cathryn A. Paul Jackson
Public Policy Director at CASA
Cathryn A. Paul Jackson serves as the Public Policy Director at CASA, where she leads initiatives to advocate for immigrant and working-class communities.
Cathy H. Serrette
Judge at Maryland Judiciary
Hon. Cathy H. Serrette is a judge in the Maryland Judiciary, presiding over cases and contributing to the administration of justice.
Dave Pantzer
Doris G. Walker
Elizabeth Ashford
Francisco Flores
Garret Mooney
Gary Norman
Ife Minor
Imani Jackson
Ivy Finkenstadt
James Bell
Joan Bellistri
Jonathan Riedel
Josef Passley
Dr.
Julia Viets
Katelyn C. Keegan
Katherine A. Bradley
Kazeem Anifowoshe
Laure Ruth
Leland Sampson
Lindsay Parvis
Lynne A. Battaglia
Judge at Maryland Judiciary
Hon. Lynne A. Battaglia serves as a judge in the Maryland Judiciary, overseeing legal proceedings and ensuring fair application of the law.
Margaret Henn
Marie D. Fouché
Dr.
Matthew J. Fader
Chief Justice at Supreme Court of Maryland
Matthew J. Fader is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, leading the state's highest court and overseeing the judiciary.
Meredith Girard
Michael W. Siri
Judge at Maryland Judiciary
Hon. Michael W. Siri is a judge in the Maryland Judiciary, overseeing legal proceedings and ensuring fair application of the law.
Michelle Siri
Executive Director at Women's Law Center of Maryland
Michelle Siri is the Executive Director of the Women's Law Center of Maryland, advocating for the rights of women through legal services and policy initiatives.
Nancy B. Grimm
Nneka N'namdi
Perneita Farrar
Rasheed Bennett
Reena K. Shah
Executive Director at Maryland Access to Justice Commission
Reena K. Shah is the Executive Director of the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, focusing on initiatives to improve access to justice for all Marylanders.
Richard Shermanski
Rose Richardson
Russ Bloomquist
Shannice Anderson
Shareese Kess
Sharon E. Goldsmith
Executive Director at Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
Sharon E. Goldsmith leads the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, coordinating pro bono legal services to support underserved communities.
Stephanie Joseph
Representative at Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Stephanie Joseph represents the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, advocating for the rights of indigent clients in the state's legal system.
Steven Kappen
Syeetah Hampton-El
Judge at Maryland Judiciary
Hon. Syeetah Hampton-El serves as a judge in the Maryland Judiciary, overseeing legal proceedings and ensuring fair application of the law.
Thomas Manion
Tuesday Barnes
Vicki Schultz
Secretary at Maryland Department of Human Services
Vicki Schultz serves as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services, overseeing programs that provide assistance to Maryland residents in need.
Viola Woolums
Wanda A. Calvin Claiborne
Event Details
- Date
- May 20, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Baltimore, United States
- Baltimore Convention Center
- Pricing
- $160
- Audience
- Legal services program staff, public and private bar members, judiciary members, human services agencies, elected officials, and others interested in access to justice issues.
- Attendees
- Approximately 300 attendees.