Professionalism Committee

2026 Plumhoff Nomination Form

Professionalism—it's a trait that makes the truly exemplary attorney stand out among their highly competent peers. Now is your chance to honor this invaluable quality in your colleagues!

The Baltimore County Bar Association is currently soliciting nominations for the 2026 J. Earle Plumhoff Professionalism Award. Nominations are due by December 1, 2025.  Please email a copy of your nomination to Rachel Ruocco at rruocco@bcba.org.

Nominate a deserving legal professional, who has been an active BCBA member for at least five years, by submitting a letter on their behalf, describing them as follows:

1. How they demonstrate the principles recognized in the BCBA Code of Professionalism:
   1. civility;
   2. diversity, inclusion, and equity;
   3. preparation;
   4. zeal and commitment;
   5. punctuality;
   6. communication with fellow lawyers and the court;
   7. adherence to deadlines;
   8. good faith participation in discovery, settlement, and ADR;
   1. service to the community; and
   10. education and mentoring.
2. How they have made contributions, especially those that have gone largely unnoticed, to the legal profession and to the BCBA.  

Nominators are encouraged to solicit accounts from others who have had occasion to interact with the nominee as a colleague, opposing counsel, or even a client.  Other information, such as a copy of the nominee’s resume, is most welcome.

Submissions should include the name, firm or employer, and contact information for both the nominator and nominee. 

The award will be presented at the BCBA Stated Meeting on February 19, 2026 and the award recipient will also be recognized at the Annual Bar Banquet on January 29, 2026.

Prior Recipients include:

1999 Myles F. Friedman

2003 Richard A. Reid

2005 Leon Berg

2006 Keith R. Truffer

2007 Carolyn H. Thaler

2008 Jennifer B. Aist

2009 Christopher W. Nicholson

2010 Kristine K. Howanski

2011 Harris J. “Bud” George

2012 Mary Roby Sanders

2013 Robert L. Hanley Jr.

2014 Robert J. Steinberg

2015 Herbert R. O’Conor

2016 C. Drake Zaharris

2017 Carl R. Gold

2018 Dominick A. Garcia

2019 Judge Vicki Ballou-Watts

2020 Suzanne K. Farace

2021 Michael S. Barranco

2022 Stephen J. Nolan

2023 Laurie M. Wasserman

2024 Judge Justin J. King

2025 Jason E. Cuomo

Mentorship Program

On behalf of the BCBA, welcome to the practice of law in Baltimore County!  We look forward to meeting you and working with you throughout your career.

In that spirit, we invite you to participate in the BCBA Mentor Program.  Get paired with a seasoned attorney for mentorship, advice and networking.  This is a great opportunity to make a career long connection with a respected member of the Baltimore County legal community.

The first years of practice, with its many challenges, questions, and fears, can be overwhelming.  A mentor can provide guidance, support, and practical wisdom that helps new attorneys navigate this difficult transition.  While building relationships is one of the objectives of this program, mentors are not expected to assist new attorneys in finding employment.  Of course, it is perfectly appropriate for mentors to invite new attorneys for a coffee or office visit and to make introductions to other legal professionals.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the Mentee Application. A member of the Professionalism Committee will contact you shortly thereafter.

Thank you.