Friday, May 8, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
BWI Airport Marriott Hotel

This is a plaintiff-only program. This program will not be livestreamed or recorded.

Approved for 5 CLE credits in VA and PA.

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Online registration is closed for this event. Please join us for on-site registration, beginning at 8:00 A.M. on May 8, 2028 at the Marriott BWI Airport Hotel.

MAJ Convention is our biggest event of the year: a full day dedicated to sharing trial skills, networking with colleagues across the state, and gaining strategies from expert litigators that you won’t find anywhere else. With no recordings, no livestream, and no defense attorneys, our speakers share their most effective strategies in a candid, closed-door setting.

This year’s keynote, “Depositions Are Trial,” will be presented by renowned trial attorney, Sach Oliver, Oliver Law Firm. Known for transforming the way plaintiff lawyers approach depositions, Oliver will deliver game-changing tactics on developing a clear plan for every deposition, shaping the story you want told in court, and using language and visuals to unlock more powerful testimony. His approach equips attorneys of all levels with tools to strengthen their cases from the very beginning.

Then, speakers will build on the morning's momentum: to start the afternoon, Derrick L. Walker will explore how to harness the persuasive power of visuals, offering guidance on crafting effective exhibits, collaborating with illustrators, and navigating admissibility challenges. Deborah L. Potter will unpack the latest trends in non-economic damage trials, and James Gentry will end the day with a presentation on using AI-enhanced and AI-generated imagery in trial, addressing the benefits and potential pitfalls to take into consideration. 

Throughout the day, attendees will have access to MAJ’s Exhibitor Hall to learn more about the premier services and resources our sponsors have to offer so you can better serve your clients. Join us for an entire day dedicated to help you communicate more clearly, connect more deeply, and advocate more effectively in today's courtroom.

 

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Welcome Reception

Expand your Convention experience by joining us at the Welcome Reception on Thursday, May 7, from 6 – 8 p.m. This is an exclusive opportunity to connect and network with fellow MAJ members, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished speakers. Enjoy great food and drinks, unwind, and mingle before the big day. Attendees can stay overnight at the hotel or return the following morning for a full day of inspiration featuring accomplished speakers. 

By attending this event in-person, you are certifying that you are abiding by MAJ's Code of Conduct. 

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Keynote: Depositions Are Trial

Renowned trial attorney Sach Oliver offers game-changing tactics on word choice, visual strategy, and motivating witnesses to tell the truth. Learn how to set and achieve goals, create a well-defined plan, and tell the story you want told through depositions. Whether you're a seasoned trial lawyer or just starting out, this presentation will dramatically improve the way you approach depositions and prepare for trial. Attendees will walk away with practical approaches and actionable steps to enhance their deposition strategies.

 

Unlocking the Power of Visuals in Trial

Jurors are overwhelmingly visual learners, and the right medical illustration can make complex facts clear, memorable, and persuasive. In this program, Derrick Walker will share the hallmarks of an effective exhibit, best practices for collaborating with illustrators, and strategies for overcoming admissibility challenges. Learn how to tap into the brain’s visual retention power to ensure your client’s story is seen and remembered.

 

Tips, Thoughts & Tirades with Debbie Potter

Debbie Potter will share her recent observations on Non-Economic Damage trial issues, and other trends that you may expect in your upcoming motor tort trials.

 

Federal Civil Justice Update

Stay informed on the latest federal rule changes that impact your ability to fight for clients in court. American Association for Justice (AAJ) President and MAJ Past President Bruce Plaxen will provide critical updates on proposed amendments from Congress that could affect discovery, access to justice, and trial strategy for plaintiffs' lawyers.

 

AI in the Courtroom: Using Visuals at Trial

This professional program examines the growing use of AI-enhanced and AI-generated visuals in courtroom advocacy, emphasizing both their persuasive power and their legal and ethical risks. The program explains how jurors’ strong reliance on visuals—combined with AI’s ability to increase polish and perceived accuracy—can unintentionally mislead fact-finders if visuals cross from clarification into speculation or storytelling. Focusing particularly on evidentiary rules, ethical duties, and judicial concerns (including authentication, Rule 403 balancing, expert foundations, and disclosure), the program outlines a “safe harbor” of best practices to help lawyers use AI responsibly. Its core message is that AI visuals can be powerful tools for truth-finding when transparently disclosed and tightly tethered to admitted evidence, but they can also create appellate and ethical landmines if used recklessly, making responsible development and full disclosure essential.

 

This program has been approved for credit in the following jurisdiction(s):

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board

Credit has been approved with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board for 5.00 Professionalism credits.

Virginia MCLE Board, Virginia State Bar

Credit has been approved with the Virginia MCLE Board, Virginia State Bar for 5.00 General credits.

BWI Airport Marriott Hotel

1743 W Nursery Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Materials available with registration:

Courtesy Room block

A courtesy room block has been organized for Thursday, May 7. Please make a reservation by following this link before April 10, 2026: Book your group rate for Maryland Association for Justice Annual Convention

Written cancellation on or prior to April 25, 2026 will result in a refund less a $50 fee. After April 25, 2026, registration fees will not be refunded.