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For Immediate Release 
 
  
 
 

Maryland’s Chief Judge Appoints Chief of Staff

(ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Jan. 23, 2014) Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has named Victoria Z. Sulerzyski as her chief of staff. Sulerzyski, who had been with the law firm of Ober|Kaler in Baltimore, began her new duties with the Maryland Judiciary Jan. 13.

As chief of staff, Sulerzyski reports directly to Chief Judge Barbera and will manage the daily operations of the chief judge’s chambers, including supervising staff, handling communications, inquiries, and scheduling, providing research, reviewing reports, advising, and, as directed, communicating on the chief judge’s behalf. The chief judge is the head of Maryland’s judicial branch and is responsible for the administration of the state court system, overseeing a budget of $468 million with nearly 300 judges and about 4,000 employees.

“Victoria brings impressive experience and skills to a job that requires a wide-ranging combination of attributes and an ability to multitask, solve problems, prioritize and handle complex assignments, all fitted into a dedication of helping to achieve the Judiciary’s overall goals,” Chief Judge Barbera said.

“I am honored to have been chosen by Chief Judge Barbera. It’s a privilege to serve the citizens of Maryland, and I’m excited to begin this new challenge,” Sulerzyski said. “One of my major goals is to help ensure that the Judiciary’s operations run smoothly and efficiently. To do that, I plan to work closely with my colleagues to provide the chief judge with the information and tools she needs as the leader of Maryland’s court system.”

Sulerzyski’s private practice focused on estates and trusts, and assisting those individuals with special needs. Until her appointment as chief of staff, she was an associate at Ober|Kaler since October 2009, and concentrated on a variety of legal issues, including estate planning and administration, guardianships, and veterans’ affairs. She also assisted parents of children with special needs with special needs trusts, transition services, and representation of parents and children before school districts to develop individualized education plans. In addition, she served as the coordinator of Ober|Kaler’s signature pro bono medical-legal partnership with Kennedy Krieger Institute known as Project Heal. Before joining Ober|Kaler, Sulerzyski was an associate counsel at Miles & Stockbridge from October 2007-October 2009.

Sulerzyski graduated from the University of Maryland in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and received a second bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from the University of Maryland University College in 1996. She earned her J.D. in 2005 from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She was an administrative assistant and law clerk for Court of Appeals Judge Alan M. Wilner (since retired) from July 2003-December 2006.

A member of the Maryland State Bar Association and American Bar Association, Sulerzyski is also active in several civic involvement and advocacy organizations. She is a member of the special needs section of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, and is on the board of trustees for the Kennedy Krieger Institute and PACT: Helping Children with Special Needs. She has testified about disability issues before the United States Congress and the Maryland General Assembly. In 2012, Sulerzyski was named “Pro Bono Champion” by the American Health Lawyers Association, and received the “Volunteer of a Lifetime” award from the United Way of Central Maryland.

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