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(7)
Anthony Rodriguez
Attorney at Shore Legal Access
Anthony Rodriguez is a seasoned public interest attorney with a career spanning several decades. He has served as a staff attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, senior counsel at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and as an Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts. Since 2022, he has been providing legal assistance at Shore Legal Access.
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 the court in April 2022. His prior roles include Chief Judge of Maryland's intermediate appellate court and Chief of Civil Litigation with the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland.
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. She previously worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the felony trial unit in Baltimore City and is an active member of the Maryland Judiciary’s Court Access and Community Relations Committee.
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.
Katelyn C. Keegan
Attorney at Law Office of Katelyn Keegan
Katelyn Keegan focuses on wills, trusts, and estates, assisting families, especially those with disabled members, in securing their futures. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in May 2022 and was admitted to practice law in Maryland in November 2022.
Rasheed Bennett
Returning Citizen
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 shares his journey to inspire others navigating reentry.
Vicki Schultz
Executive Director at Maryland Legal Aid
Vicki Schultz is the Executive Director of Maryland Legal Aid, leading the organization since June 2022. She has over two decades of experience in legal and social justice sectors, including roles as Associate Dean at the University of Baltimore Law School and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Event Details
- Date
- May 26, 2022
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Baltimore, United States
- Baltimore Convention Center
- Audience
- Legal professionals, advocates, policymakers