Join MSBA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee virtually on Wednesday, March 16th, at 6:00 p.m. as part of Legal Excellence Week. Experienced practitioners, members of the bench, and Marylanders will discuss the impact of virtual hearings on different communities across the State of Maryland. Former Chief Judge Barbera will moderate the discussion and panelists will address the following topics:

• The challenges and advantages virtual hearings present to communities with different socioeconomic and language backgrounds.
• The necessity to raise awareness and cognizance of the issues different demographics face with access to technology.
• Improvements the legal community can implement to address the challenges of virtual hearings moving forward. 

This event is free and open to all.

Moderator:

• Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, (Ret.) Maryland Court of Appeals

Panelists:

• Hon. E. Gregory Wells, Chief Judge Designate, Maryland Court of Special Appeals
• Natasha M. Dartigue, Esq., Deputy District Public Defender, Baltimore City
• Pilar C, Nichols, Esq., Principal, Offit Kurman
• Amy L. Petkovsek, Esq., Deputy Chief Counsel, Maryland Legal Aid
• Maryland Legal Aid clients