The Ultimate “Beach Reads”: Because the Practice of Law Never Takes a Summer Break
While summer often brings a change of pace, the practice of law remains a year-round commitment. Staying ahead of legal developments, honing trial strategies, and mastering procedural nuances do not pause for the season. For Maryland attorneys looking to utilize their summer downtime to strengthen their legal acumen, the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) has curated a selection of summer “beach reads”: informative treatises and manuals that will benefit lawyers working in a variety of practice areas.
Additionally, through June 30, 2026, members can take advantage of an exclusive summer discount by using the promo code BEACHREADS2026 at checkout. This code provides an additional 10% off in addition to existing member discounts.
Here is what’s hot on the MSBA bestseller and newly released lists this summer:
Our Best Sellers
Our best-selling publications offer comprehensive insights designed to streamline complex litigation and transactional matters.
Gibber on Estate Administration (8th Edition) remains the premier authority on probate law in Maryland. This treatise provides detailed guidance on navigating the administrative hurdles of estate closure, estate planning updates, and the latest statutory shifts affecting orphans’ courts across the state.
For litigators, Pleading Causes of Action in Maryland (7th Edition) by Paul Mark Sandler, James K. Archibald, and Eleanor Chung is an indispensable courtroom resource. It outlines the essential elements of civil actions, helping practitioners draft airtight pleadings and avoid critical procedural pitfalls.
Complementing this is Civil Pre-Trial Practice (2024 Edition), which offers a tactical roadmap for the critical phases leading up to trial. From initial case evaluation and deposition strategies to motions practice, this manual ensures your litigation strategy is sound from day one.
Newly Released Titles to Advance Your Knowledge
Staying informed on newly emerging laws and practice updates is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. MSBA offers several recent releases tailored to evolving practice areas.
Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law: The Essential Guide (1st Edition), authored by Michael P. Spanos, Esq., provides clear insight into a complex practice area. This volume covers lease drafting, eviction proceedings, and compliance with local jurisdiction for both commercial and residential properties.
The newly available Protective & Peace Order Cases in Maryland: A Practice Manual provides a step-by-step framework for handling high-stakes domestic and civil protection cases. It serves as a valuable tool for family law practitioners and public interest attorneys alike.
Additionally, practitioners can now secure their preorders for Maryland Will Contests (2026), co-authored by Paul Raschke, Esq. and Jeffrey Nusinov, Esq. This upcoming release provides strategies for litigating validity challenges, undue influence claims, and testamentary capacity disputes.
Reference Guides
For those seeking practical information, the MSBA offers a range of reference materials.
The Maryland Rules of Evidence (2026 Edition - Pocket Guide) condenses critical evidentiary standards into a highly portable format. It allows attorneys to quickly verify admissibility rules, hearsay exceptions, and foundation requirements while away from the office.
To navigate local administrative frameworks efficiently, the Guide to Maryland Courts & Agencies (3rd Edition) provides up-to-date jurisdictional boundaries, filing requirements, and agency directories.
Finally, professional responsibility remains paramount regardless of the season. The Maryland Attorneys’ Rules of Professional Conduct offers an accessible reference for reviewing ethical obligations, helping practitioners confidently navigate complex conflicts of interest and client confidentiality scenarios.
Secure Your Beach Reads Today
Investing in legal publications can provide you with the information you need to excel in your practice area. Ensure you stay ahead of the curve by exploring these titles and more in the MSBA online bookstore.
To apply the 10% discount, remember to input the promo code BEACHREADS2026 during checkout before the offer concludes on June 30, 2026.