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Advocacy

Leading and protecting the legal profession in Annapolis and beyond

For more than a century, the MSBA has been the voice of lawyers across the state, from nearly every practice area, career stage, and demographic.

The MSBA actively shapes practice-based legislation and policy to realize the best possible outcomes for Maryland’s lawyers and legal professionals. We do so by leveraging the networks, skills, and knowledge of our members. MSBA public advocacy takes many forms, including testifying before state legislative committees, drafting bills and amendments, following the proceedings of the Maryland Supreme Court’s Rules Committee and representing the interests of the profession, filing amicus curiae briefs, meeting with Executive Branch and Judiciary officials, and more.

Your voice and expertise matter, allowing us to conduct the most effective advocacy as we work together to educate and inform our representatives.

MSBA will continue to lead attorneys and judges as we defend the rule of law, support and protect the profession, and preserve access to justice. Key priorities include:

Opposing Taxes and Fees on the Profession: MSBA successfully opposed all recent proposals that would financially damage the profession, including a tax on professional services and an unreasonable fee on land records. Join us as we continue to monitor and oppose taxes and fees that would negatively impact our businesses, firm competitiveness, and Marylanders’ access to justice.

Ensuring Judicial Independence and Security for the Profession: MSBA remains committed to security for our profession by supporting legislation to modernize court structures and security, protect personal data, establish minimum courtroom security measures, and secure funding for improvements.

Promoting Access to Justice and Increased Funding for Civil Legal Aid: MSBA joins the Maryland Access to Justice Commission by supporting funding for civil legal aid programs, including Maryland’s Access to Counsel in Evictions Law. 

For more information, view MSBA’s Advocacy Program.

Contact Us: [email protected]


MSBA has created a Legislative Advocacy Portal to track legislation that impacts the legal profession and your specific practice area(s). Access real-time updates, bill summaries, and MSBA's positions and comments on pending legislation.

View All Practice Specific Bills

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MSBA News & Insights

Sine Die 2026: MSBA Successfully Supports Multiple Bills Impacting Several Key Practice Areas

April 14, 2026Maryland’s 2026 Legislative Session concluded with a race to the midnight deadline on April 13th, as legislators debated and finalized a broad range of bills.

MSBA Opposes Proposed Rule Restricting State Disciplinary Investigations of DOJ Attorneys

April 7, 2026The Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) has filed comments with the Department of Justice (DOJ), opposing its recently Proposed Rule for Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against DOJ Attorneys.

MSBA Advocacy Action Alert: Opportunity to Sign-On to MSBA Comments Opposing Proposed DOJ Rule

March 31, 2026The MSBA will be filing comments with the Department of Justice in opposition to its recently Proposed Rule for Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against DOJ Attorneys.

One Gift, A Lasting Impact: Become a 2026 Maryland Access to Justice Champion

March 26, 2026The Maryland Access to Justice Commission is offering a simpler way for our partners to make a difference. We are introducing our $5,000 Annual Sponsorship Opportunity: a single gift that drives statewide impact year-round.

Inside Annapolis: 2026 Crossover Update

March 24, 2026MSBA has advocated on several key bills to support and protect the profession this session, through direct outreach and with the steady support of our members through MSBA Sections and Committees.