Background
Bruce Charles Bereano, a Maryland attorney, filed a petition for reinstatement to the Bar of Maryland. Bar Counsel filed a response to the petition. The case was captioned under September Term, 2019, indicating the reinstatement proceedings had been pending before the Supreme Court of Maryland for an extended period.
Justice Watts and Justice Biran did not participate in the consideration of the matter, as noted in the order.
The Court’s Holding
The Supreme Court of Maryland granted Bereano’s petition and ordered his reinstatement as a member of the Bar of Maryland. The Court further ordered the Clerk to provide notice of the reinstatement order in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761, which governs notice procedures in attorney disciplinary and reinstatement matters.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court of Maryland granted Bruce Charles Bereano’s petition for reinstatement to the Maryland Bar.
- Bar Counsel responded to the petition, and the Court considered both submissions before granting reinstatement.
- Notice of reinstatement is to be given pursuant to Maryland Rule 19-761.
Why It Matters
This order marks the conclusion of a lengthy reinstatement proceeding for Bereano, a prominent Maryland lobbyist and attorney whose case attracted significant attention. The reinstatement reflects the court’s determination that Bereano satisfied the standards required for readmission to practice law in Maryland.
The case is a reminder that Maryland’s attorney disciplinary framework provides a structured pathway for reinstatement, requiring a formal petition, Bar Counsel review, and Supreme Court approval before a formerly disciplined attorney may resume practice.