Supreme Court of Maryland Committee/Commission/Board Membership

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APPLYING FOR SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND BOARDS

The Supreme Court of Maryland is aided by select committees, commissions, and boards that include appointed volunteers—judges, lawyers, and public members who are non-lawyers. The panels have a wide range of responsibilities and functions. Some make recommendations to the Court for amendments, revisions, or simplification of court procedural rules. Others regulate the practice of law—from admission to disciplinary matters, while others provide ethical advice, address judicial misconduct, or assist the Court with its mission to ensure access to justice.

More information regarding the board, commission, or committee can be found below:

Attorney Grievance Commission

Oversees the conduct of Maryland attorneys and nonmembers who engage in law practice in the State. The Office of Bar Counsel investigates and, where indicated, prosecutes attorneys whose conduct violates the Maryland Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Conduct and those engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. Bar Counsel also reviews notifications of overdrafts on attorney escrow accounts. Rule 19-101, et seq.

For more information on the Attorney Grievance Commission, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

Character Committees

Character Committees are appointed by the Supreme Court of Maryland in the seven Appellate Judicial Circuits to review the character and fitness of most applicants for admission to the Maryland bar. The Character Committees are made up of volunteer Maryland attorneys who investigate and interview these applicants, and, when necessary, hold hearings as to their character and fitness. Thereafter, the Character Committees make recommendations to the State Board of Law Examiners regarding the applicants’ character & fitness for admission to the Maryland bar.  See Md. Rule 19-103 (Character Committees) and Md. Rule 190-204 (Character Review).

To apply to become a member of one of the Character Committees must:

  • Be a current, active member in good standing of the Maryland bar; and,
  • Have been admitted to the Maryland bar for at least 5 years prior to the date of application; and,
  • Reside in OR maintain a principle place of employment in the Appellate Circuit for which a Character Committee vacancy is posted.
    • Maryland’s seven Appellate Circuit cover the following geographic areas:
      • 1st Appellate Circuit - Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties
      • 2nd Appellate Circuit - Baltimore and Harford counties
      • 3rd Appellate Circuit - Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington counties
      • 4th Appellate Circuit – Prince George’s County
      • 5th Appellate Circuit - Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties
      • 6th Appellate Circuit – Baltimore City
      • 7th Appellate Circuit – Montgomery County

For more information on the Character Committees, please visit their website. 

Judicial Ethics Committee

Gives guidance by opinion or letter of advice concerning the application of the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct (Rule 18-100.1, et seq.), the Maryland Code of Conduct for Judicial Appointees (Rule 18-200.1, et seq.), and Code, General Provisions Article, § 5-501 et seq. and § 5-601 et seq.

Reviews timely appeals from the State Court Administrator’s decision regarding financial disclosure statements. Rule 18-604.

For more information on the Judicial Ethics Committee, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

Judicial Inquiry Board

Complaints against judges are brought to this board upon the recommendation of the Investigative Counsel of the Judicial Disabilities Commission. Rules 18-412 and 18-423.

For more information on the Judicial Inquiry Board, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

Standing Committee on Pro Bono Public Service

Examines pro bono policies and practices statewide and offers advice and assistance to statewide programs that provide legal services to persons and organizations with limited resources. It also studies pro bono issues, serves as a clearinghouse for pro bono materials, and guides the work of county pro bono committees. Rule 19-501, et seq.

For more information on the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Public Service, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

Standing Committee on Rules of Practice & Procedure

Considers proposed amendments and additions to the Maryland Rules of Practice and Procedure and submits recommendations for change to the Supreme Court.

For more information on the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice & Procedure, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

State Board of Law Examiners

Coordinates the receipt and filing of applications for admission to the Maryland bar, administers the bar examination in Maryland, investigates the legal competence, character, and fitness of persons who seek a license to practice law in the state courts of Maryland, and recommends to the Supreme Court of Maryland those candidates qualified for admission to the Maryland bar.

For more information on the State Board of Law Examiners, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

Client Protection Fund

Maintains the integrity and protects the good name of the legal profession. The Fund, supported financially by practicing attorneys, reimburses claimants for losses caused by theft of funds by Maryland Bar members acting either as attorneys or as fiduciaries. Rule 19-601, et seq.

For more information on the Client Protection Fund, please visit their website. 

No Vacancies Available

Available Vacancies:

6th Appellate Circuit (Baltimore City) - Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

Application Instructions

Instructions

Thank you for your interest in serving on a Supreme Court of Maryland committee, commission, or board.

Here are a few tips before applying:

  • You must answer all questions.
  • Select your applicant type, Attorney, or Member of the Public
  • Please be prepared to provide the following when completing the application:
    • Legal full name, date of birth, home address, phone number, email address
    • Current Employer
    • Personal or Professional References
    • Letter of interest in pdf format
    • Resume/CV in pdf format
    • Other relevant documents in pdf format

You will receive an email confirmation once your application is successfully submitted. To begin the application process, please click the application button below: