2025 Judicial Conference Program

JUDICIAL CONFERENCE | 2025

NAVIGATING THE INTERSECTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND Judicial Integrity

APRIL 23-25

HYATT REGENCY CHESAPEAKE BAY GOLF RESORT

HYATT REGENCY ® CHESAPEAKE BAY

WELCOME TO THE

Date Save the

April 29 - May 1, 2026

Judicial Conference HYATT REGENCY ® CHESAPEAKE BAY at the

More Information Coming Soon CONTACT: Peter.Saquella@mdcourts.gov | 410-260-3657

Hotel check-in officially begins at 4 p.m. on April 23, 2025 at the front lobby. The hotel will have a designated area for luggage, should you prefer to bring it inside rather than leave it in your car. Standard checkout is on Friday, April 25, 2025 by 11 a.m. , so please be mindful of the schedule on that day. All payment for extended stays must be provided upon check-in. Connect to the complimentary network by selecting “Hyatt_Wifi” and then clicking “Connect Now.”

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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF JUSTICE

CHIEF JUSTICE MATTHEW J. FADER Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland

Dear Colleagues, Welcome to the 2025 Maryland Judicial Conference. This year’s conference theme is “Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Judicial Integrity.” This year, we will have four plenary presentations. The first plenary features the Honorable Paul W. Grimm (Ret.), United States District Court for the District of Maryland; Professor Kofi Nyarko, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Morgan State University; and Gabriella Waters, director of the Cognitive and Neurodiversity AI Lab (“CoNA Lab”) at Morgan State University. They will present on the intersection of AI-generated evidence, deepfakes, and the courts. Our second plenary will focus on practical, accessible AI tools and how these technologies can enhance legal research, case management, decision-making, and courtroom efficiency with a panel including the Honorable Jonathan Biran, Supreme Court of Maryland; Simon Greenman from Best Practices AI; and Jason V. Thomas, chief technology officer with Judicial Information Systems. Our third panel will present on de-escalation tactics and strategies for judges in stressful courtroom situations with the Honorable Stephanie Domitrovich (Ret.), Sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania; Ella Greene, deputy from the sheriff’s office of Howard County; and Melissa Owens, Patient Not Prisoner. Our final plenary will feature the Honorable Myron H. Thompson (Sr.) of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama reflecting on his judicial service career and the legacy of Judge Frank Johnson. As usual, we will also welcome Timothy F. Maloney, Esq. of Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, PA, to present a legislative update and offer many different workshops and court-specific sessions addressing a variety of other timely and important topics, including sentencing and diminution credits, judicial disabilities, and judicial wellness. This conference would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the Judicial College; the Judicial Council’s Education Committee; the 2025 Judicial Conference Work Group, co-chaired by the Honorable Stephanie P. Porter and the Honorable Michael W. Siri; and the many justices, judges, and staff who have been involved in its organization and deserve full credit for its success. The work you do each day is vitally important within your community and throughout Maryland. Thank you for your dedication to the rule of law and your commitment to accessible, fair, efficient, and effective justice for all whom we serve — the people of the great state of Maryland. I look forward to a successful, informative, and enjoyable conference!

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CONTENTS

6 Agenda 14 Presenter Bios 44 Judges Currently Serving in Maryland 53 Court-Specific Sessions 54 Judicial Conference Work Group and Staff Members 56 Affinity Groups and Resource Stations 57 2024 Judicial Council Committees 58 Dining Guide 62 Judicial Conference Highlights and Hotel Map

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Strategic Initiatives

• Promote Accountability and Public Trust • Improve Access to Justice • Foster a Healthy, Diverse, and Productive Workforce

• Encourage a Service-Oriented Approach to Court Operations • Use Technology Effectively and Responsibly

Core Values

• Rule of Law • Impartial and Independent • Equal Justice • Diversity and Respect

• Excellence • Service • Collaborative

Agenda

Wednesday APRIL 23

Registration and Lunch Chesapeake Foyer

11 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Conference Opening and Housekeeping Chesapeake Ballroom

12:30 – 12:45 P.M.

Opening Remarks Chesapeake Ballroom Business Meeting Chesapeake Ballroom

12:45 – 1 P.M.

1 – 1:55 P.M.

Plenary - AI and the Law: Authenticity, Integrity, and the Future of Evidence Hon. Paul W. Grimm (Ret.), U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland Dr. Kofi Nyarko, Morgan State University, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Gabriella Waters, Morgan State University, Chair, Cognitive and Neurodiversity AI Lab (CoNA Lab) at the Center for Equitable AI & Machine Learning Systems Chesapeake Ballroom Adjourn Business Meeting, Housekeeping, Hotel Check-In Chesapeake Ballroom Senior Judges’ Business Meeting and Reception Choptank Ballroom Dinner on your own Business Meeting, cont’d. Chesapeake Ballroom

1:55 – 3:25 P.M.

3:25 – 3:55 P.M.

3:55 – 4 P.M.

4:15 – 6 P.M.

Mindful Movement - Yoga Flow and Stretch Fused with Tai Chi and Qigong – Skipjack

8:30 – 9:30 P.M.

Lawn Games and Streaming Music - Manor Lawn Karaoke and Cash Bar - Michener’s Library Bar

9 P.M.

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Thursday APRIL 24

Mindful Movement - Yoga Flow and Stretch Fused with Tai Chi and Qigong – Skipjack Walking group with colleagues – Main Lobby Jogging group with colleagues – Main Lobby Judicial Portraits (Robes will be provided) Windjammer Daily Opening and Housekeeping Chesapeake Ballroom Breakfast Chesapeake Foyer

6:15 – 7:15 A.M.

7:15 – 8:15 A.M.

7:15 – 8 A.M.

8:15 – 8:25 A.M.

Plenary - Empowering the Bench: A Judicial Conference on Essential AI Tools and Their Application in the Courtroom Hon. Jonathan Biran, Supreme Court of Maryland Simon Greenman, Partner, Best Practices AI Jason V. Thomas, Chief Technology Officer, Judicial Information Systems Chesapeake Ballroom Plenary - De-escalation Strategies for Judges in High-Stress Courtroom Situations Hon. Stephanie Domitrovich, PhD, Senior State Trial Judge, Sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania (Erie County) Deputy Ella Greene, Howard County Sheriff’s Department Melissa Owens , Patient Not Prisoner Chesapeake Ballroom Break Chesapeake Foyer

8:25 – 10 A.M.

10 – 10:30 A.M.

10:30 A.M. – NOON

Lunch Chesapeake Foyer

NOON – 12:45 P.M.

Break & Transition to Workshops Harriet Tubman Museum tour meets at bus by 1 P.M. Chesapeake Foyer

12:45 – 1 P.M.

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Thursday APRIL 24 cont’d.

Workshops Please attend the sessions for which you registered. These are 90-minute workshops that run from 1 – 2:30 P.M. and repeat from 3 – 4:30 P.M. unless otherwise noted.

1 – 2:30 P.M.

Burned Out: How Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma Are Impacting You, Your Courtroom, and Your Colleagues The direction is to have an expert in the areas of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue speak about what it is, what it looks like, and how it impacts you. The bulk of the presentation would hopefully be discussing tangible and practical ways to mitigate compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, and also, how to have the difficult conversation with your colleagues when you notice or identify signs of compassion fatigue in them. FACULTY: Hon. Pamila J. Brown (Sr.), District 10, Howard County Hon. Cara Y. Lewis, District 10, Carroll County Duane T. Bowers, LPC, Duane T. Bowers LPC, LLC Dr. Camille Adams Jones, LMSW, CEAP, Chartum Jones Therapeutic Consulting Choptank A Diminution Credits and Sentence Calculation In this workshop, you’ll hear from Michelle Fowler, Director of Commitment Services, DOC, Gina Hanson, Executive Deputy Director of Commitment Services, DOC, Jennifer Schmitt, Director of Case Management, DOC, and Michael Doyle, Deputy Principal Counsel, DOC, as they discuss how diminution credits are applied to sentenced defendants. Learn more about who earns diminution credits and how diminution credits are determined and calculated. Discuss the health general release process (HG § 8-507) and the guidelines for imposing a sentence after issuing a VOP warrant. FACULTY: Hon. Maria L. Oesterreicher, Circuit Court for Carroll County Michael O. Doyle, Deputy Counsel, DPSCS Michelle Fowler, Director of Commitment Services, DPSCS Gina Hanson, Executive Deputy Director of Commitment Services, DPSC Jennifer Schmitt, Director of Case Management, DPSCS Galleon

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Thursday APRIL 24 cont’d.

Empathetic Advocacy: Effective Communication Strategies with Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Legal Settings Approximately 90,000 people in Maryland are diagnosed with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), with 75% having mild or hidden disabilities. Given these numbers, legal professionals are likely to interact with this population. This session aims to provide information regarding characteristics and traits of individuals with I/DD, including communication differences for verbal and nonverbal, sensory challenges, auditory processing, and social interaction and behavioral differences that may be exhibited. The session will also provide legal professionals tools and strategies for empathic communication with individuals with I/DD. Legal professionals will also hear from self-advocate educators with lived experience from LeadAbility, who will present from their experience on the importance of feeling safe, understood, and included. FACULTY: Hon. Mark F. Scurti, District 1, Baltimore City Dr. Leah Katherine Saal, Ph.D., Co-Founder & COO, LeadAbility Dr. Lisa A. Schoenbrodt Ed.D., CCC-SLP Co-Founder & CEO, LeadAbility With LeadAbility Self-Advocate Educators Skipjack Empowering Justice: The Role of Judges and Civil Legal Services in Streamlining Court Efficiency In an era of increasing caseloads and demands for faster, more accessible justice, both judges and civil legal service providers need to understand their collective role in streamlining court processes. This workshop will explore the critical intersections between judicial responsibilities and civil legal services in enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system, particularly in civil cases. Participants will gain insights into how judges, as impartial decision-makers, can work alongside civil legal services to reduce delays, improve case management, and ensure that legal proceedings are accessible, fair, and transparent for all parties involved. FACULTY: Hon. Wayne A. Brooks, District 10, Howard County Hon. Dennis M. Robinson Jr., Circuit Court for Baltimore County Pamela Ortiz, Director, AOC, Access to Justice Amy Petkovsek, Executive Director of the Community Law Center and member of the Maryland Supreme Court’s Standing Committee on Pro Bono Michelle D. Siri, Executive Director of Maryland Legal Services Corporation Schooner

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Thursday APRIL 24 cont’d.

From Courtroom to Chambers: AI and Its Practical Applications This workshop is designed for judges seeking a deeper understanding of the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. Participants will explore how AI tools are used in legal research, case management, and evidence analysis. In addition to providing a deeper understanding of AI’s potential, this workshop offers a unique opportunity for judges to engage in a more intimate, open-forum discussion with AI experts. This collaborative setting encourages participants to ask questions, voice concerns, and share experiences related to AI’s evolving role in the judicial process. FACULTY: Simon Greenman, Partner, Best Practices AI Jason V. Thomas, CTO, Judicial Information Systems Chesapeake Ballroom Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center Tour 2–HOUR TOUR Join the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park Tour and discover the life, struggles, and accomplishments of an American hero, abolitionist, and suffragist. FACULTY: The Judicial College Judicial Disabilities and Judicial Ethics This course will explore the intersection between the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities process and Judicial Ethics, including the recent changes made by the Supreme Court of Maryland. We will provide a comprehensive understanding of the function and work of the Commission, Judicial Inquiry Board, Executive Counsel, and Investigative Counsel. Judges will leave with an in-depth understanding of Maryland jurisprudence in judicial conduct cases. Judges will have an opportunity to interact with the professionals who work in this arena every day. FACULTY:

Hon. Anne K. Albright, Appellate Court of Maryland, At Large Hon. Sidney A. Butcher, District 7, Anne Arundel County Hon. Judith C. Ensor, Circuit Court for Baltimore County Hon. Lisa A. Hall Johnson, District 5, Prince George’s County Tanya C. Bernstein, Esq., Commission on Judicial Disabilities Al I. Frederick, Esq., Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A. Clipper

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Thursday APRIL 24 cont’d.

Privately Made Firearms (“Ghost Guns”), Machine-gun Conversion Devices, and 3D Printing Privately Made Firearms (PMF) are an ever-evolving classification of firearms not manufactured by Federal Firearms Licensees (licensed manufacturers). PMFs come in many varieties and styles from pistols and rifles to machine guns and simple devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns. We will explore some of the legislation that defines PMFs and where that is derived from federal laws like the Gun Control Act. The presentation dives deep into the different ways of building PMFs including kits, CNC, router, drilling (subtractive manufacturing) and 3D printing or additive manufacturing. We will discuss some of the culture around PMF and the impact they are having on the firearms industry, public safety, and law enforcement. The presentation has a variety of embedded videos demonstrating how PMFs are made, how machine-gun conversion devices alter the function of firearms and some of the challenges these firearms present when it comes to preventing and solving crimes of violence. FACULTY: Special Agent Matthew Leonard, Head Firearms Instructor for the Baltimore Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Choptank B/C

Break Chesapeake Foyer

2:30 – 3 P.M.

Workshop Breakouts – Round 2 See workshop rooms

3 – 4:30 P.M.

Dinner at Hotel Chesapeake Ballroom

7 P.M.

Trivia - Water’s Edge Lawn Games and Streaming Music - Manor Lawn Karaoke and Cash Bar - Michener’s Library Bar

8:30 P.M.

Mindful Movement - Yoga Flow and Stretch Fused with Tai Chi and Qigong – Skipjack

8:30 – 9:30 P.M.

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Friday APRIL 25

Mindful Movement - Yoga Flow and Stretch Fused with Tai Chi and Qigong – Skipjack Walking group with colleagues – Main Lobby Jogging group with colleagues – Main Lobby Judicial Portraits (Robes will be provided) Windjammer Daily Opening and Housekeeping Chesapeake Ballroom Breakfast Chesapeake Foyer

6:15 – 7:15 A.M.

7:15 – 8:15 A.M.

7:15 – 8 A.M.

8:15 – 8:25 A.M.

Plenary - A View from the Balcony and the Bench: Vignettes of Judicial Courage Hon. Matthew J. Fader, Supreme Court of Maryland, Chief Justice Hon. Myron H. Thompson (Sr.), U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama Chesapeake Ballroom Break & Transition to Court-Specific Sessions Chesapeake Foyer Supreme Court and Appellate Court Discussion Among the Members of the Supreme Court and Appellate Court of Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice Hon. David S. Tatel (Ret.), United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Clipper Circuit Court Hon. Bryon S. Bereano, District Court in Prince George’s County Hon. Maria L. Oesterreicher, Circuit Court for Carroll County Hon. Stephanie P. Porter, Circuit Court for Howard County Hon. Stenise L. Rolle, Circuit Court for Prince George’s County Jason V. Thomas, Chief Information Officer, Judicial Information Services Chesapeake Ballroom

8:25 – 10 A.M.

10 – 10:15 A.M.

10:15 A.M. – 12:45 P.M.

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Friday APRIL 25 cont’d. RESORT RESORT

STRAIGHT PIER/ BREAKWATER PAVILLION

District Court Hon. Bryon S. Bereano, District Court in Prince George’s County Hon. Brian L. DeLeonardo, Circuit Court for Carroll County Hon. Christopher Panos (Sr.), Circuit Court for Baltimore City Alexander S. Berman, Esq., Griffin & Griffin, LLP Shirley Grant, Assistant Director, Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration Christine E. Nizer, Administrator, Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration Katie C. O’Malley, Executive Director, Women’s Law Center of Maryland Jessica A. Quincosa, Esq., Executive Director Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, Inc. Choptank Ballroom BEACH AREA INFINITY POOL HOT TUB ADULT HOT TUB

Chopta Rive

GRAND FIREPLACE

WATER ACTIVITI

10:15 A.M. – 12:45 P.M.

DOCK’S POOLSIDE

POOL ACTIVITIES

Lunch and Plenary Timothy F. Maloney, Esq., Joseph, Greenwald & Laake Chesapeake Ballroom StayFit GYM TOWEL HUT WINTER GARDEN INDOOR POOL Close Remarks and Adjourn Chesapeake Ballroom

CONCIERGE

12:45 – 2 P.M.

EDGE WATER’S

BEACH VOLLEY BALL COURT

BAY COUNTRY MARKET

2 – 2:30 P.M.

WATER SLIDE

LOCKER ROOMS ON LOWER LEVEL

Plenary, Workshop, and Session Map

CAPTAIN’S PARLOR GAME ROOM

WINDJAMMER

SKIPJACK A&B

MINI GOLF

ENCORE AV & BUSINESS CENTER BLUE HERON ENCORE AV & BUSINESS CENTER

CHOPTANK BALLROOM

CHESAPEAKE FOYER

CONVENTION ENTRANCE

STAIRS DOWN

RE PAV

SAGO SPA & SALON

B

E

A

CUTTER A

A

C

F

B

BRIGANTINE BOARDROOM

CUTTER B

CLIPPER A GALLEON C GALLEON B GALLEON A

D

G

C

CHESAPEAKE BALLROOM

SCHOONER A

SCHOONER B

CLIPPER B CLIPPER C

TERRACE GARDEN

CONVENTIO

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Plenary Bios

Empowering the Bench: A Judicial Conference on Essential AI Tools and Their Application in the Courtroom HONORABLE JONATHAN BIRAN SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND 361 ROWE BOULEVARD | ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401

JONATHAN BIRAN, Justice , Supreme Court of Maryland, 5th Appellate Judicial Circuit (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s Counties), since December 16, 2019 (prior to Dec. 14, 2022, the Supreme Court of Maryland was named Court of Appeals). Judge, Court of Appeals, December 16, 2019 to December 13, 2022. Chair, Artificial Intelligence Work Group, Special Projects Committee, Judicial Council, 2023-. Chair, Library Committee, Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, 2022-. Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut, 2000-2006; Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Maryland, 2006-2013 (appellate chief, 2010-2013). Founding coordinator, Maryland Mortgage Fraud Task Force, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, 2009-2010. Staff Counsel, Office of Independent Counsel, 1995-1996. Trial Attorney, Public Integrity Section, U.S. Department of Justice, 1996-2000. Private practice, 2013-2019.

De-escalation Strategies for Judges in High-Stress Courtroom Situation HONORABLE STEPHANIE DOMITROVICH (RET.), PHD 4036 WEST LAKE ROAD | ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 16505

DR. STEPHANIE DOMITROVICH is a senior general jurisdiction state trial judge in PA having served as an elected judge for over 32 years and being elected four times in Erie, PA. In May of 2006, she also became the first graduate to earn a PhD, degree of Doctor in Philosophy in Judicial Studies, from University of Nevada, Reno. Senior Judge Domitrovich is an Executive Committee Board member on the National Conference of State Trial Judges (NCSTJ) as well as Program Chair. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Technology in the Courts Committee of Judicial Division/ American Bar Assoc. She is past Co-Chair of The Judges’ Journal Editorial Board and currently serves as Special Issues Editor. She is Past Chair of the Forensic Science Committee of ABA’s Judicial Division. She is a life member of the National Association of Women Judges, having served in the past as an officer. She served as Treasurer as well as a Board member for Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) for Pennsylvania. She is currently the Vice Chair for the PA Bar Assoc. Civil

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Litigation Section. She also currently serves as Treasurer and Board member of the Forensics Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB). She is Past Chair of National Conference of State Trial Judges (NCSTJ) of Judicial Division of ABA (2010-11), and Past President of PA Conference of State Trial Judges. Dr. Domitrovich is a Fellow with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and past Chair of Jurisprudence Section of AAFS (2016-2018). In 1996, she participated for U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to educate judges in former Soviet Republic nations of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in developing their judicial systems. She currently teaches and lectures at several universities such as The University of Nevada at Reno, the National Judicial College, Michigan University and Gannon University. She has written and orally presented forensic science papers to American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, SWGSTAIN as Member of Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Evidence, the Law and Society, the American Psychology-Law Society, the University of Michigan Department of Pathology Forensic and Autopsy Services, the American Bar’s Judicial Division as well as the Appellate Court Section, the PA Bar Assoc.’s Civil Litigation Section and the Family Court Section, the Jurisprudence Section of American Academy of Forensic Sciences as well she has presented her Ph.D. dissertation for Law & Society at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany in 2007. Her Topic was on Court-Appointed Experts in the state courts. MATTHEW J. FADER, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland, since December 14, 2022. Chief Judge, Court of Appeals, April 15, 2022 to December 13, 2022. Chair, Maryland Judicial Conference, 2022- (Chair, Judicial Council, 2022-). Member, Judges, Masters and Juvenile Justice Committee, 2022-. Chair, Hall of Records Commission, 2022-present. Chief Judge, Court of Special Appeals, November 28, 2018 to April 15, 2022 (Judge, At Large, November 1, 2017 to November 28, 2018). Member, Judicial Council, 2019-2022 (executive committee, 2019-2022); Court Operations Committee, 2019-2021; Access and Fairness Subcommittee of Equal Justice Committee, 2020-2022, and Domestic Law Committee, 2021-2022; Judicial Council. Chair, Joint Subcommittee on Post-COVID Judicial Operations, 2021-2022, and member, Remote Hearings Work Group of Court Technology Committee, 2022, and Judicial Education Subcommittee of Education Committee, 2022, Judicial Council. Member, Library Committee, Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, 2019-2022. Trial Attorney, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 1999-2002. Chief of Litigation, Civil Litigation Division, Office of Attorney General, 2017 (assistant attorney general, 2010-2012; deputy chief, civil litigation division, 2012-2017). Born in Towson, Maryland, 1973. University of Virginia, B.A. (history & government), 1995; Yale Law School, J.D., 1998. Admitted to Virginia Bar, 1998; Maryland Bar, 1999; Pennsylvania Bar, 2003 (inactive); Ohio Bar, 2007 (inactive). Law clerk to Judge Leonie M. Brinkema, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, 1998-1999. Associate, K&L Gates LLP, 2002 06 (nonequity partner, 2006-2008; equity partner, 2008-2010). Member, Maryland State Bar Association, 1999-; Howard County Bar Association, 2013-. Member, Honorable James Macgill American Inn of Court, 2012-2013, 2018-. Board of Directors, Glen Mar Early Learning Center, 2010-2013. Coach, youth baseball (with various organizations), 2007-2017 (also youth basketball & soccer). STAR Award, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2003. Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Magazine, 2006, 2007, 2008. Alexander Cummings Award for Outstanding Appellate Advocacy, Office of Attorney General, 2016. Influential Marylander, Daily Record, 2020. A View from the Balcony and the Bench: Vignettes of Judicial Courage HONORABLE MATTHEW J. FADER SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND 361 ROWE BOULEVARD | ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401

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De-escalation Strategies for Judges in High-Stress Courtroom Situation DEPUTY FIRST CLASS (DFC.) ELLA GREENE HOWARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 9250 JUDICIAL WAY | ELLICOTT CITY, MARYLAND 21043 ELLA GREENE has been a member of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office since 1990. Over her dedicated career, she has made significant contributions across various units within the office. Dfc. Greene’s experience includes serving warrants, assisting the Landlord Tenant Unit and working within the Transportation Unit. Notably, she dedicated five years to the Domestic Violence Unit, demonstrating her commitment to supporting victims and ensuring their safety. Currently, Dfc. Greene is assigned to Court Operations. In this role, she is responsible for providing security within courtrooms and throughout the courthouse, including the perimeter. Her duties also involve manning the main entrance of the Circuit Courthouse, where she screens employees, the public and packages to maintain a secure environment. Dfc. Greene’s service has been recognized with several prestigious awards. She was honored as the Howard County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year in both 2000 and 2016, and in 2017, she was named Howard County Government’s Employee of the Year. With over three decades of service, Dfc. Greene continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and commitment to the Howard County community.

Empowering the Bench: A Judicial Conference on Essential AI Tools and Their Application in the Courtroom SIMON GREENMAN BEST PRACTICE AI 1A HIGH ST | EPSOM KT19 8DA, UNITED KINGDOM

SIMON GREENMAN is an accomplished executive, investor, and non-executive director with over 25 years of global experience in artificial intelligence and technology innovation. He co-founded MapQuest, one of the first internet and AI driven brands, and is currently a Partner at Best Practice AI, an AI management consultancy that helps executives develop AI strategies, implementation, and governance. He recently served on the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council. Simon has spent over a decade as Chief Digital Officer, leading digital transformations of private equity-owned directory companies. He has also worked with prominent companies such as HomeAdvisor, Bowers & Wilkins, AOL, and Accenture. He remains highly active in the UK and US startup ecosystem, serving as President Emeritus of the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels of the UK and advising various venture capital firms. Simon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Computing and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society.

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AI and the Law: Authenticity, Integrity, and the Future of Evidence HONORABLE PAUL W. GRIMM (RET.) BOLCH JUDICIAL INSTITUTE | DUKE LAW SCHOOL 210 SCIENCE DRIVE | DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA 27708

PAUL W. GRIMM is the David F. Levi Professor of the Practice of Law and Director of the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School. From December 2012 until his retirement in December 2022, he served as a district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, with chambers in Greenbelt, Maryland. From 1997 to 2012, he was a magistrate judge in the same court, serving as chief magistrate judge from 2006 through 2012. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute and has served as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Baltimore School of Law and the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, where he taught courses on evidence and discovery. He has also written extensively and taught courses for lawyers and judges in the United States and around the world on topics relating to e-discovery, technology and law, and evidence. Judge Grimm served on the Advisory Committee for the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure from 2009 to 2015 and chaired its discovery subcommittee, which crafted, in part, the 2015 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. He graduated with an A.B. (with highest honors) from the University of California– Davis in 1973. He received his J.D., magna cum laude, and Order of the Coif from the University of New Mexico in 1976 and an LL.M. (Master of Judicial Studies) from Duke University in 2016. Judge Grimm served both on active duty and in the Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer and retired in the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Legislative Update TIMOTHY F. MALONEY, ESQ. JOSEPH, GREENWALD & LAAKE 6404 IVY LANE | STE. 400 | GREENBELT, MARYLAND 20770

TIM F. MALONEY is a partner in the Greenbelt firm of Joseph, Greenwald, and Laake. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. In 2012, he was named Trial Lawyer of the Year for the Maryland Association of Justice, and he also received the John Hardwicke Award for Outstanding Contributions to Administrative Law. He is a member of the Appellate Nominating Commission and served for 17 years on the Rules Committee. Tim serves on the Executive Board of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, the board of the Maryland Catholic Conference, and the board of trustees of Archbishop Carroll High School.

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AI and the Law: Authenticity, Integrity, and the Future of Evidence DR. KOFI NYARKO DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING | MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1700 E COLD SPRING LANE | BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21251

KOFI NYARKO is a tenured Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Morgan State University, where he also serves as the Director of the Center of Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). Additionally, Dr. Nyarko leads the Data Engineering and Predictive Analytics (DEPA) Research Lab. His research expertise spans computer vision, machine learning, and generative AI, focusing on automating and deriving insights from complex data-driven systems. His innovative work includes applications in unmanned aerial and ground vehicles for tasks such as remote sensing, automated navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management. Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Nyarko’s work addresses the defensive and offensive aspects of cybersecurity for Internet of Things platforms, employing responsible, equitable, and trustworthy AI methods. His efforts have earned him the US Black Engineer HBCU STEM Innovation Award in 2020, recognizing his significant contributions to innovation and economic development at Morgan State University. Dr. Nyarko is an inventor holding three United States patents in visible light communication and particle swarm optimization. He is a respected speaker and consultant, frequently participating in technical forums on machine learning and software engineering. De-escalation Strategies for Judges in High-Stress Courtroom Situation MELISSA OWENS PATIENT NOT PRISONER P.O. BOX 3437 | BROOKLYN PARK, MARYLAND 21225 MELISSA OWENS has been successfully living with bipolar disorder since 2000 despite experiencing six major psychotic episodes and involuntary hospitalizations. Through her Patient Not Prisoner program, she collaborates with CIT systems nationwide in an effort to reduce the number of people living with mental illness from entering the criminal justice system. In 2023, Melissa was granted the Fred Frese CIT International Award for a Person with Lived Experience in recognition for her efforts and contributions to the goals and mission of CIT. Melissa has conducted presentations and training to numerous governmental and nonprofit agencies on the local, state, and international levels. During her presentation, Melissa shares a video she took of herself in the midst of severe psychosis during a manic episode in 2017. Attendees are able to analyze an entire array of behaviors and symptoms she was experiencing, including but not limited to: • Hallucinations (Auditory, Visual, Tactile, Olfactory) • Confusion • Delusions • Bizarre & Erratic Behaviors • Paranoia • Isolation • Disorganized thinking • Irritability/Anger

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​Melissa is in complete remission, and no longer demonstrates any symptoms of the mania she experienced during her episodes. Born and raised in the suburbs of Maryland, she attended undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Maryland and surrounding colleges and universities. Melissa currently lives in Baltimore and has taught history and psychology for over 30 years in the local public school system. Her presentations provide audience members a unique opportunity to compare the stark contrast between her psychotic episode and her current normal mental state, and take part in an open-ended discussion about her life story and the role CIT has played in her recovery. She is extremely grateful for the dedication and ongoing support of the Anne Arundel County, Maryland CIT Response System. Their tireless efforts secured Melissa’s safety and ensured that she was directed toward mental health facilities, and not into the criminal justice system. She credits their efforts as being responsible for her ability to live a happy, healthy life, and providing her the opportunity to further the mission of CIT by sharing her story with others.

Empowering the Bench: A Judicial Conference on Essential AI Tools and Their Application in the Courtroom JASON V. THOMAS JUDICIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS 189 HARRY S. TRUMAN PARKWAY | ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401

JASON V. THOMAS is the Chief Technology Officer at Judicial Information Systems, where he oversees the strategic planning, development, and implementation of technology solutions for the Maryland Judiciary. With 24 years of experience, Jason’s career journey—from Desktop Technician to CTO—reflects a deep dedication to innovation and continuous improvement in judicial processes. As the Maryland Judiciary begins its journey into Artificial Intelligence, Jason has been at the forefront of exploring and implementing AI-driven initiatives to enhance efficiencies, streamline court operations, and lay the groundwork for future advancements. His leadership ensures that the adoption of emerging technologies aligns with the Judiciary’s mission to improve access to justice. Jason’s contributions extend beyond his role as CTO. He is an active member of numerous committees and workgroups, including the Court Technology Committee, Major Projects Committee, Data Governance Subcommittee, and specialized groups focused on AI, docket management, electronic payments, digital evidence, and remote hearings. These collaborations help shape the Judiciary’s long-term technology vision. As a frequent speaker at the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) webinars and conferences, Jason shares his expertise on the evolving role of technology in the justice system. His commitment to innovation and leadership continues to drive meaningful advancements in Maryland’s courts.

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A View from the Balcony and the Bench: Vignettes of Judicial Courage HONORABLE MYRON H. THOMPSON (SR.) UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA 1 CHURCH STREET | MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 MYRON H. THOMPSON is a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. He was nominated to that seat in September 1980 by President Jimmy Carter. He served as Chief Judge from 1991 to 1998. Judge Thompson is a graduate of Yale College (B.A. 1969) and Yale Law School (J.D. 1972). He served as an Assistant Attorney General of Alabama from 1972 to 1974. He was the first African-American Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alabama, the first African-American bar examiner for the State, and the second African-American federal judge in the State. Judge Thompson was in private practice from 1974 until 1980. He was a Founding Director and Board Chairman of the Alabama Legal Services Corporation. Judge Thompson has contributed to the development of legal scholarship by serving as Jurist in Residence at Pace Law School in 2012, delivering the Dean’s Lecture at Yale Law School in 2004, and serving as a New York University Law School Scholar in Residence in 1998 and 1999. He was the Eleventh Circuit’s District Judge Representative on the Judicial Conference of the United States from 2007 through 2011 and was chair of the District Judges Representatives to the Conference from 2010 through 2011. As Chief Judge, he was instrumental in preserving the Montgomery bus station where the Freedom Riders were attacked in 1961 and in establishing the Freedom Rides Museum. In May 2022, Yale University awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Judge Thompson and stated, “Audacious advocate and learned legal scholar, you have made justice both a career and a calling. In the courtroom, you tenaciously defend equity, liberty and dignity for all; in the classroom, you teach others to walk the same path. Your long service to your home state inspires us; your commitment to your alma mater humbles us. As a testament to your impact, and with the utmost pleasure, we award you your third Yale degree, Doctor of Laws.” In 2017, for having made a substantial contribution to public service and the legal profession, Judge Thompson received the Yale Law School Award of Merit, the highest award the law school may give to a graduate and faculty member. He was also named a 2017 Alabama Humanities Foundation fellow in honor of his noteworthy achievements and commitment to the advancement of the humanities in Alabama. In 2015, Judge Thompson received the National Public Service Award from Stanford Law School, in recognition that his “work on behalf of the public has had national impact.” In 2013, he was awarded the Thurgood Marshall Award by the National Bar Association’s Judicial Council in recognition of his “personal contributions and extraordinary commitment to the advancement of civil rights and for being a role model for members of the bench and bar.” He received the 2005 Mark De Wolfe Howe Award from the Harvard Civil Rights - Civil Liberties Law Review “for his Unyielding Commitment to Advancing the Personal Freedoms and Human Dignities of the American People.” In 2008, he received the Judge Jane M. Bolin Service Award from the Yale Law School BLSA in recognition of his “Outstanding Dedication and Support to Yale BLSA and Contributions to the Legal Community.” Thomas Goode Jones Law School awarded him an honorary J.D. degree in 2010 and the Ernestine Sapp Justice Award in 2009. In 2009 he also received an Honoree Award from the Touro Law School BLSA. In September 2022, in celebration of Judge Thompson’s four decades on the bench, former President Jimmy Carter, in a letter, “commended” Judge Thompson for his “enduring commitment to fairness, civil rights, and protecting the rule of law,” and observed that he has “emerged as a national leader in the effort to guarantee that all litigants receive equal justice before the law.” Judge Thompson and his wife have three sons.

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AI and the Law: Authenticity, Integrity, and the Future of Evidence GABRIELA WATERS CENTER FOR EQUITABLE AI & MACHINE LEARNING SYSTEMS | MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY 1700 E COLD SPRING LANE | BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21251

GABRIELA WATERS is an artificial intelligence and machine learning researcher. She’s the Director of Operations and the Director of the Cognitive and Neurodiversity AI Lab (CoNA) at the Center for Equitable AI & Machine Learning Systems at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. She recently served as a research associate at NIST in the AI Innovation Lab, where she led AI testing and evaluation across three teams. She currently serves as a founding member of the Maryland Responsible AI Council and as the co-founder of Civitaas, an organization providing AI and technology testing and evaluation, education, and collective intelligence. She is passionate about increasing the diversity of thought around technology and focuses on interdisciplinary collaborations to drive innovation, equity, explainability, transparency, and ethics in the development and application of AI tools. In her research, Gabriella is interested in studying the intersections between human neurobiology & learning, quantifying ethics & equity in AI/ML systems, neuro-symbolic architectures, and intelligent systems that make use of those foundations for improved human-computer synergy. She develops technology innovations, with an emphasis on support for neurodiverse populations.

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Workshop Bios

Judicial Disabilities & Judicial Ethics HONORABLE ANNE K. ALBRIGHT APPELLATE COURT OF MARYLAND 361 ROWE BOULEVARD | ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401

ANNE K. ALBRIGHT was appointed to the Appellate Court of Maryland on April 20, 2022. Before serving in her current role, she was an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, from January 2012 to April 2022. She is also Chair of Maryland’s Commission on Judicial Disabilities. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Albright was a founding member of Albright & Rhodes, LLC, where she handled primarily family and criminal cases and was an assistant public defender. She clerked for the Honorable Norman P. Ramsey in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. She graduated from Georgetown University Law Center in 1987 and Dartmouth College in 1983.

Judicial Disabilities & Judicial Ethics TANYA C. BERNSTEIN, ESQ. COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL DISABILITIES P. O. BOX 340 | LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090

TANYA C. BERNSTEIN, ESQ. is the Director/Investigative Counsel for the Commission on Judicial Disabilities. She previously served as Deputy Assistant Investigative Counsel before her appointment to her current position. Prior to joining the Commission in 2014, Ms. Bernstein was in private practice with the law firm of Furey, Doolan & Abell, LLP in Chevy Chase, Maryland, from 1999 to 2010. Ms. Bernstein’s practice concentrated on estate and trust litigation, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and government affairs. After leaving private practice, Ms. Bernstein was the owner and operator of a catering business from 2010 to 2014. Ms. Bernstein also served as a law clerk to Senior Judge Patrick L. Woodward from 1998 to 1999 during his tenure on the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Ms. Bernstein received her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in 1998 and a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Marquette University in 1995. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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Burned Out: How Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma Are Impacting You, Your Courtroom, and Your Colleagues DUANE T. BOWERS, LPC DUANE T. BOWERS LPC, LLC 1629 K STREET, NW, STE. 300 | WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006

DUANE T. BOWERS is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Wellness Consultant, Certified Spiritual Coach, Presenter, Author and Reiki Master. He assists those who have been exposed to trauma to live their life fully. His work focuses on the fields of missing, and sexually exploited and trafficked persons nationally, and internationally. Duane’s specialty is working with survivors of trauma, child and adult exploitation and trafficking which includes providing support to families of abducted, missing, exploited, trafficked and murdered victims as well as professional staff working directly in the field. Duane is responsible for the development of support, clinical supervision and training of staff and volunteers for a variety of organizations that deal with these issues in the US and Canada. He was recently a principle in Project SafeGuard which provides support for the staff of the Exploited Child Division of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which is responsible for analyzing child sexual abuse material on the internet to assist law enforcement. In addition, Duane provides wellness support to the Trust and Safety Division of Tumblr, Flickr, Word Press, Automattic, Cloudflare, VSCO, MediaLab and Yahoo, the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, International Justice Mission (IJM) field and headquarters staff, and the staff of local Child Advocacy Centers by creating and facilitating training, support and wellness programs for their staff members. In Saskatchewan province in Canada, Duane works through Caring Hearts providing education and assisting in creating programs focused on trauma informed care, first responder trauma, and supporting families of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. He also serves as a consultant to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. In Washington DC Duane worked with members of the military and their families through Military Onesource and assisted families who identified loved ones at the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, through the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing. He also served as the Director of Training and Education at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, and was the Senior Director of Emergency and International Services for the National Capital Chapter of the American Red Cross. Duane spent three months during the summer of 1999 in Macedonia/ Kosovo/Albania supervising a family reunification program in camps with war refugees. In September 2001 Duane responded to the Pentagon immediately following the terrorist attack on September 11th, providing support to rescue and recovery workers. In April 2010 he served as the mental health team leader at the University of Miami field hospital following the earthquake in Port au Prince, Haiti. In 2016 Duane responded to La Loche Saskatchewan Canada to provide trauma support to the first responders following a school shooting with multiple fatalities. Most recently in 2022 Duane provided training for Missing Children Europe which is focused on reuniting Ukrainian children with their families when separated by the war in Ukraine. As an educator, Duane teaches seminars nationally, internationally and regionally on trauma informed care, intergenerational trauma, support for victims and families and workers in the field of sexual exploitation and trafficking, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Wellness and Self-care and traumatic loss. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Counseling at Trinity College in Washington DC, and continues to be an invited guest lecturer for national conferences, as well as for graduate and undergraduate classes of various colleges and universities. Duane has authored many books, manuals and articles on these subjects.

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Empowering Justice: The Role of Judges and Civil Legal Services in Streamlining Court Efficiency HONORABLE WAYNE A. BROOKS DISTRICT COURT IN HOWARD COUNTY 3451 COURTHOUSE DRIVE | ELLICOTT CITY, MARYLAND 21043

WAYNE A. BROOKS, Associate Judge , District Court of Maryland, District 10, Howard County and Carroll County. Member, Judicial Council, Chief Judge’s Committee, Specialty Courts and Dockets Committee, Chair, ADR Sub-committee, 2016-, ADR Committee. Served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (Captain, 1985-87). Special Assistant U.S. Prosecutor, U.S. Magistrate Court, 1985-86. Hearing Officer, Department of Environmental Resources, Prince George’s County, 1991. Member, Citizens Advisory Committee, Board of Education, Howard County, 1991-93. Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division, 1991-94. Executive Administrative Law Judge and Deputy Director of Operations, Office of Administrative Hearings, 2001-14 (Administrative Law Judge, 1995-2001). Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 27, 1957. West Philadelphia University City High School, 1975; Howard University, B.S. (Psychology), 1979; University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 1984 (President, Student Bar Association, 1983-84). Admitted to Maryland Bar, January 1985. Associate, Fossett & Brugger, Chartered, 1987-90; Alfred Nancy & Associates, 1990-91; Law Offices of James H. Taylor, P.C., 1991. Member, American Bar Association, 1985-91; Maryland State Bar Association, 1985-91, 2008- (Administrative Law Section; Board of Governors, 2008-10; Chair, Minorities in the Legal Profession Committee, 2010-2011); Howard County Bar Association, 1995- (President, 2007); Prince George’s County Bar Association, 1987-91; J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association (Co-chair, Legislative Committee, 1987-91); Waring-Mitchell Law Society, 1995- (President, 2000-02) (Treasurer, 2015-2022); National Association of Administrative Law Judges (Maryland Board Member, 2010-2014). Board of Directors, Ardmore Enterprises, 1988-94 (President, 1992-94). Chair, Scouting on the Mall Committee, Scouting for Food Committee, National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1989-90. Baseball and Basketball Coach, Elkridge Youth Organization, 1993-96. Board of Directors and Coach, Columbia Football Association, 1993-2001. President, Hollifield Estates Homeowners’ Association, 2003-06. Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland State Bar Association, 1989, 1990. Certificate of Appreciation, National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 1990. Appreciation Award, Ardmore Enterprises, 1994. Public Defender of the Year, Mental Health Division, Howard County Office of Public Defender, 1992. Living Legend Award, Mount Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2001. Service Award, Howard County Bar Association, 2008. Member, Mount Pisgah A.M.E. Church, 1995- (Co-chair, Board of Trustees, 1997 2023) (Men’s Choir 1995-). The Daily Record Veteran in Business and Law Award, 2023; and Leader in Law Award, 2024. Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 1978 -.

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