The Court of Special Appeals of Maryland held its annual session at the University of Baltimore's John and Frances Angelos Law Center on March 5. Judges Alexander Wright, Jr., Stuart Berger, and Andrea Leahy, all Baltimore natives, presided over oral arguments in four cases. The event was attended by law students, faculty, and staff.
Judge Berger emphasized the importance of preparation for lawyers appearing before the court. "Preparation matters," he stated. "Understanding and knowing the record is important. If you’re asked a question, answer it. If you don’t know, say so – don’t duck it."
Following the session, judges engaged with students in a Q&A about court procedures and advocacy techniques. Judge Wright discussed his criteria for selecting clerks: “I look for fit; someone who will work well with my office,” he said.
By statute, the Court typically sits in Annapolis but may convene at either the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law or the University of Baltimore School of Law once a year as designated by the Chief Judge.
Dean Ronald Weich expressed pride in hosting this event annually at UB Law School: “Law students can learn a tremendous amount observing actual appellate litigation," he noted.
Genna Hoy, president of UB Law's Student Bar Association, highlighted the value of witnessing professional legal proceedings: “To be able to witness the professionals we aim to be after graduation present their arguments is an eye-opening experience."
The University of Baltimore Law School was established in 1925 and is among the largest public law schools in the U.S., with around 1,000 Juris Doctor students.