(ANNAPOLIS, Md.) — May 13, 2010) Glenn M Grossman has been named as the new bar counsel for the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland. Commission Chairperson Linda Lamone today announced Grossman’s appointment, which becomes effective July 1.

“Glenn's more than 28 years with the Attorney Grievance Commission, the last 13 as deputy, give him an outstanding foundation to continue the leadership and commitment to professionalism that has been the cornerstone of the past three decades under Mel Hirshman,” Lamone said. “We know that Glenn will provide the leadership to continue this vital service to the people of Maryland and to make changes as necessary to carry the office forward into the future.”

As bar counsel, Grossman will lead the office that is responsible for investigating complaints against attorneys practicing in Maryland and, where appropriate, prosecuting cases of professional misconduct on behalf of the Commission. The 26-member staff of investigators, lawyers, paralegals and administrative support processes each year approximately 2,000 complaints against attorneys.

The Commission was established in 1975 to review the conduct, and oversee the discipline, of Maryland’s lawyers and to determine the need for alternatives to discipline. The Commission also seeks to prevent the unauthorized practice of law. Subject to approval by the Court of Appeals, the Commission appoints a lawyer to serve as bar counsel. The Commission consists of nine lawyers and three public members appointed by the Court of Appeals for staggered three-year terms. Members of the Commission serve without compensation.

“The Court is confident, based on past performance, that Mr. Grossman will be both a forceful, responsible advocate of appropriate disciplinary action and a valuable and ready resource with respect to defining and supporting professional conduct,” said Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Court of Appeals. “Under his leadership, the standard of conduct for all attorneys in Maryland will continue to rise, thus, ensuring, ultimately, the protection of the public and its trust and confidence in the legal profession,” he added.

“I am honored and humbled by the expression of confidence of the Court of Appeals and the Attorney Grievance Commission in appointing me to this position,” Grossman said. “I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Maryland.”

Grossman joined the Attorney Grievance Commission in 1981 as assistant bar counsel. He became deputy bar counsel in 1996. A 1972 graduate of the Johns Hopkins University, Grossman earned his law degree from the University of Maryland Law School in 1975. He was in private practice for a year, then served as an assistant city solicitor for Baltimore from 1977 to 1981, when he joined the Commission.

Throughout his career, Grossman has been active in legal and community organizations. He is a past president of Baltimore’s Bolton Street Synagogue with responsibility for the budgetary and personnel decisions for the congregation, and has served as president of the Baltimore Courthouse and Law Museum Foundation and treasurer of the Mitchell Courthouse Centennial Committee. He has served on several Maryland State Bar Association committees and sections, and chaired the sections on Correctional Reform and Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. He is also a fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation and a member of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, the Bar Association of Baltimore City and the National Organization of Bar Counsel.

# # #