The Maryland State Bar Association announced on April 30 that it is accepting nominations for the Paul Mark Sandler Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Continuing Legal Education. The award, given by the association’s Continuing Legal Education Committee, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the professional growth and competence of Maryland attorneys.
This year marks the first time someone other than Paul Mark Sandler will receive the honor. Sandler was named as the inaugural recipient in 2025. According to the announcement, “Paul Mark Sandler is a distinguished litigator and author who has spent over 50 years not just practicing law, but teaching it.” He has authored several important legal treatises in Maryland and co-founded the association’s Litigation Section.
Nominees are evaluated based on educational impact, commitment to competence, and innovation. The association said it seeks “individuals or organizations creating and providing effective, high quality CLE programs, publications, and opportunities for Maryland lawyers” as well as those who act as catalysts for innovation in continuing legal education.
The association supports more than 20,000 attorneys, judges, paralegals, law students, and other legal professionals at various stages of their careers according to its official website. It operates under a Board of Governors along with an Executive Committee and section chairs according to its official website. The organization focuses on serving legal professionals throughout Maryland while fostering leadership within the bar according to its official website.
In addition to professional development initiatives like this award program, the association works to broaden access to justice by supporting commissions such as the Maryland Access to Justice Commission according to its official website. It also offers resources related to education and advocacy across communities statewide according to its official website.
Nominations can be submitted via an official application form provided by the organization. “This is a unique opportunity to recognize those who… believe that a lawyer’s education never truly ends,” said representatives from MSBA.