Legal Professionals, Community Leaders Gather for Investiture of Newly Appointed District Court Judge in Annapolis

An evening celebrating leadership, representation and public service brought members of the community, legal professionals, family and friends together on Friday, October 30, 2026, for the investiture of the Honorable Brian A. Marsh as a Judge of the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County.

Related: Governor Moore Appoints Anne Arundel Deputy State's Attorney Brian Marsh to District Court

The ceremony was held at the Anne Arundel County District Court on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. 

Among those attending was Ms. Elsa W. Smith, President of the Arundel Black Bar Association, who joined fellow members of the legal community in recognizing Judge Marsh's appointment and celebrating the accomplishments of one of the association's members.

"Some evenings remind us of the importance of community, representation, and service. This evening was one of them," Ms. Smith shared in a social media reflection following the ceremony.

In the Facebook post, Ms. Smith said her decision to attend was rooted in her desire to represent the organization and show support for Judge Marsh as he marked an important milestone in his professional career.

Appointed by Governor Wes Moore on July 8, 2026, Judge Marsh previously served as Deputy State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County. His extensive legal background includes service as an Assistant Attorney General for Maryland and as an Assistant State's Attorney handling complex criminal cases.

Judge Marsh, who was initially sworn in on July 27, also previously served as President of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to professional leadership and service.

His contributions to the legal profession have included educating residents about fraud prevention and training prosecutors on various aspects of criminal law. He was also recognized with the J. Joseph Curran Jr. Public Service Award by the Maryland Bar Foundation.

For Ms. Smith, however, one of the most meaningful aspects of Friday's celebration was hearing the personal reflections of those who have witnessed Judge Marsh's journey firsthand.

According to Ms. Smith, speakers offered heartfelt accounts of his professional accomplishments, personal character and commitment to justice, compassion and fairness.

She described the opportunity to see his family, friends and colleagues gathered in his honor as a reminder of the encouragement and support that often accompany significant professional achievements.

"Behind every professional milestone are the people who encourage, support, and believe in us along the way," Ms. Smith reflected.

The occasion also carried particular significance for the Arundel Black Bar Association, which was established in 2023 to advance equality, representation, professional development and opportunities for attorneys of color within Anne Arundel County's legal community.

As the organization's president, Ms. Smith's attendance reflected the importance of supporting fellow members as they achieve meaningful career milestones, particularly those involving positions of public trust and responsibility.

Her participation also highlighted the association's commitment to professional fellowship and recognizing the accomplishments of individuals contributing to the administration of justice.

Judge Marsh's appointment comes after more than two decades of legal service in Anne Arundel County and elsewhere in Maryland.

Reflecting on Friday's celebration, Ms. Smith expressed appreciation for the opportunity to witness the occasion and recognize Judge Marsh alongside those closest to him.

"It was a privilege to witness this milestone and celebrate the accomplishments of one of our own," Ms. Smith shared.

She concluded her reflections by extending congratulations to Judge Marsh and wishing him wisdom, purpose and fulfillment as he begins this important chapter of public service.

While the ceremony recognized Judge Marsh's professional achievements and transition to the judiciary, it also served as a reminder that public service is measured not only by the positions individuals attain, but by the fairness, compassion and integrity they demonstrate toward the people they are entrusted to serve.

Photo attribution: Elsa W. Smith, President of the Arundel Black Bar Association (Facebook)