Beyond the Bench: Legal Shifts Shaping Local Government at #MACoCon

The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and understanding the latest court decisions is essential for effective local governance.

For county officials, staying ahead of legal developments is essential to making informed policy decisions and avoiding costly missteps. Recent court rulings and regulatory changes continue to reshape the authority, responsibilities, and day-to-day operations of local governments, often with significant implications for county budgets, personnel, public safety, land use, and service delivery. This session offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from judges and legal experts about the decisions and judiciary initiatives that matter most to Maryland counties, helping elected officials, administrators, and attorneys better understand emerging legal risks and prepare their jurisdictions for the challenges ahead

Title: Beyond the Bench: Legal Shifts Shaping Local Government
Description: From courtrooms to counties, legal decisions at every level of government continue to shape how local jurisdictions in Maryland operate and serve their communities. This session brings together judges and leading legal experts to examine the latest federal and state court opinions, emerging legal trends, and evolving regulatory issues affecting local governments. Panelists will provide practical insights into how recent rulings may influence county policy making, public administration, land use, public safety, labor relations, and other core functions. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the legal landscape and the developments county leaders should be watching.
Speakers:
- Roscoe Leslie – County Attorney, Worcester County
- Brynja McDivitt Booth – Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland
- John P. Morrissey – Chief Judge, District Court of Maryland
Moderator: The Honorable Jon Cardin, House of Delegates
Date/Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm