Leading Lawyers 2024–2025 of Annapolis & Central Maryland
Heading into the new year, What’s Up? Media conducted the biennial Leading Lawyers Peer Review Survey, inviting all attorneys and judges who practice law in Anne Arundel County, Central Maryland, and/or the Eastern Shore to participate. We would like to thank the many area attorneys who took the time and effort to fill out the official survey online.
A true peer review survey is a rarity today—most publications don’t take the time and energy to conduct the survey in-house, which makes these results all the more meaningful. These are not “editor picks” or the result of limitless ballots from the general public. These honors only come directly from other attorneys and judges—people who really know what it takes to be a good lawyer right here in Maryland.
We are especially gratified because we believe this biennial poll provides an invaluable service to our readers. Please consider this group of esteemed lawyers when seeking and vetting legal counsel.
The following names, in 30 categories, represent the individual lawyers who clearly received the most substantial number of nominations; not every lawyer who was nominated. No attorney paid to be on this list. Some categories list more names than others. This is the result of especially active voting in those categories. Congratulations to all Leading Lawyers named herein!
Administrative Law/Liquor Laws/Hearings
Anthony Kupersmith
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Brian D. Lyman
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Chris Mincher
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
James C. Praley, III
Lessans Praley & McCormick, P.A.; 7419 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 410-760-5000; lessanspraleymccormick.com
Robert J. Kim
McNamee Hosea; 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 402, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9909; mhlawyers.com
Sally V. Baldwin
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Samuel J. Brown
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Steven A. Brown
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Appellate Law
M. Evelyn Spurgin
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Marietta B. Warren
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
N. Tucker Meneely
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Ronald H. Jarashow
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Arbitration Law
Ronald H. Jarashow
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Stephen B. Stern
Kagan Stern Marinello & Beard LLC; 238 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-216-7900; kaganstern.com
Bankruptcy Law
Daniel A. Staeven
Frost & Associates, LLC; 839 Bestgate Road, Ste. 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-497-5947; districtofcolumbiataxattorney.com
Steven L. Goldberg
McNamee Hosea; 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 402, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9909; mhlawyers.com
Business Law
Brian D. Lyman
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
James E. Crossan
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
James R. Walsh
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Jeffrey P. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Jonathan E. Pasterick
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Jonathan P. Kagan
Kagan Stern Marinello & Beard LLC; 238 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-216-7900; kaganstern.com
Jonathan W. McGowan
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Michelle DiDonato
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Ryan M. Beard
Kagan Stern Marinello & Beard LLC; 238 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-216-7900; kaganstern.com
Stephen A. Oberg
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Collaborative Law
Julie Ellen Landau
Law Offices of Julie Ellen Landau; 1925 Old Valley Road, Ste. 2, Stevenson, MD 21153; 410-625-1100; landaulaw.com
Construction Law
Jonathan E. Pasterick
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Brian D. Lyman
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
James E. Crossan
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Jeffrey P. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Kevin M. Tracy
McNamee Hosea; 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 402, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9909; mhlawyers.com
Criminal Law
Crighton A. Chase
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
David P. Putzi
Fischer & Putzi, P.A.; 7310 Gov. Ritchie Highway, Ste. 300, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 410-787-1800; fischerputzilawfirm.com
Frank C. Gray, Jr.
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
James Keatts
Keatts Law Group, LLC; 7310 Ritchie Hwy., Ste. 1007, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 410-863-1020; khjustice.com
John J. Doud
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Mandeep S. Chhabra
Cochran & Chhabra, LLC; 116 B Cathedral Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-5515; ccc-law.com
Robin K. Henley
Henley & Henley; 47 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-734-5536; henleylaw.net
Scott MacMullan
Scott MacMullan Law; 104 Cathedral Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 443-494-9775; macmullanlaw.com
Strider L. Dickson
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Dispute Resolution Law
Eric A. Haviland
Burrows Haviland Law; 168 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-960-6642; burrowshavilandlaw.com
Frank C. Gray, Jr.
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
James Milko
Trainor, Billman, Bennett & Milko, LLP; 116 Cathedral Street, Ste. E, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-280-1700; lawannapolis.com
Laura Burrows Haviland
Burrows Haviland Law; 168 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-960-6642; burrowshavilandlaw.com
Ronald H. Jarashow
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Ronald M. Naditch
Ronald M. Naditch, P.A.; 49 Cornhill Street, P.O. Box 749, Annapolis, MD 21401; 443-926-9254; rmnaditch.com
Domestic Violence Law
Carla M. Poole
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Crighton A. Chase
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Katie D’Entremont
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Nick Mastracci
Rice Law; 79 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-709-8971; staceyricelaw.com
Sarah E. Brown
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Scott MacMullan
Scott MacMullan Law; 104 Cathedral Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 443-494-9775; macmullanlaw.com
Stacey B. Rice
Rice Law; 79 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-709-8971; staceyricelaw.com
Education Law
Jeffrey P. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Elder Law
Alexander Pagnotta
Sinclair Prosser Gasior; 900 Bestgate Road, Ste. 103, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-573-4818; spgasior.com
Erica Redmond
Frame & Frame, LLC; 8562 Fort Smallwood Road, Pasadena, MD 21122; 410-255-0373; frameandframelaw.com
Gregory P. Jimeno
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
Jon Gasior
Sinclair Prosser Gasior; 900 Bestgate Road, Ste. 103, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-573-4818; spgasior.com
Laura Curry
Sinclair Prosser Gasior; 900 Bestgate Road, Ste. 103, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-573-4818; spgasior.com
Tara K. Frame
Frame & Frame, LLC; 234 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-255-0373; frameandframelaw.com
Employment Law
Charles H. Henderson
McNamee Hosea; 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 402, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9909; mhlawyers.com
Jeffrey J. Sadri
Ellison Sadri, LLC; 2086 Generals Highway, Ste. 201, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-974-6000; eslawgroup.com
Jeffrey P. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Joyce Smithey
Smithey Law Group LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, #200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-881-8154; smitheylaw.com
Steven A. Brown
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Susan S. Shapiro
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Environmental Law
Anthony Kupersmith
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Susan T. Ford
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Family Law
Amanda Schmidt
Ward & Co. Law; 308 Crain Highway N., Ste. 203, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 410-709-7801; wardcochtd.com
Elizabeth A. Pfenson
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Frank C. Gray, Jr.
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
Kevin M. Schaeffer
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Magaly Bittner
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
Marietta B. Warren
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Marla Zide
Zide Siegel Tabor & Spigel; 7310 Ritchie Highway, Ste. 1001, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 410-760-9433; zstslaw.com
Samantha Posner
Rice Law; 79 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-709-8971; staceyricelaw.com
Sarah E. Brown
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Sean E. Becker
The Law Office of Sean E. Becker, LLC; 1362 Cape St. Claire Road, Annapolis, MD 21409; 410-757-5650; seanbeckerlaw.com
Stacey B. Rice
Rice Law; 79 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-709-8971; staceyricelaw.com
General Practice
Brian D. Lyman
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Jeffrey P. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Jonathan E. Pasterick
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Ronald H. Jarashow
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Samuel J. Brown
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
HOA/Condominium Law
Anthony Kupersmith
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Daniel J. Mellin
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Katie D’Entremont
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Matthew D. Skipper
Skipper Law, LLC; 2127 Espey Court, Ste. 100, Crofton, MD 21114; 410-919-2121; skipperlawllc.com
Immigration Law
Gilda O. Karpouzian
Law Office of Gilda O. Karpouzian; 107 Ridgely Avenue, Ste. 9, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-280-8864; karpouzianlaw.com
Intellectual Properties/Patent Law
Jennifer Henriquez
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
John N. Costello
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Lucas Van Deusen
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Juvenile Law
Carla M. Poole
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Crighton A. Chase
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Litigation
James E. Crossan
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
John P. Lynch
McNamee Hosea; 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 402, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9909; mhlawyers.com
Jonathan P. Kagan
Kagan Stern Marinello & Beard LLC; 238 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-216-7900; kaganstern.com
Jeffrey P. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Richard Berwanger, Jr.
Frost Law; 839 Bestgate Road, Ste. 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-995-9618; askfrost.com
Mediation Law
Evan Koslow
Koslow Law Firm; 420 Chinquapin Round Road, #209, Annapolis, MD 21401; 443-482-5141; koslowlawfirm.com
Frank C. Gray, Jr.
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
Medical Malpractice Law
Andrew T. Burnett
Potter Burnett Law, LLC; 16701 Melford Boulevard, Ste. 421, Bowie, MD 20715; 301-850-7000; potterburnettlaw.com
Benjamin H. Meredith
Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Brennan, P.C.; 8055 Ritchie Highway, #201-203, Pasadena, MD 21122; 410-685-1166; ilimer.com
David Jaklitsch
The Jaklitsch Law Group; 14350 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; 301-781-7600; jaklitschlawgroup.com
John P. Valente, III
The Valente Law Group; 2200 Defense Highway, Ste. 301, Crofton, MD 21114; 410-451-1777; johnvalenteattorney.com
Kathleen H. Meredith
Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Brennan, P.C.; 8055 Ritchie Highway, #201-203, Pasadena, MD 21122; 410-685-1166; ilimer.com
Patrice M. Clarke
Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Brennan, P.C.; 8055 Ritchie Highway, #201-203, Pasadena, MD 21122; 410-685-1166; ilimer.com
Military Law
Matthew J. Bernhardt
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Michael J. Marinello
Kagan Stern Marinello & Beard LLC; 238 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-216-7900; kaganstern.com
Personal Injury Law
Adam G. Cohen
Cohen & Greene, P.A.; 156 South Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-4500; cohengreene.com
Andrew T. Burnett
Potter Burnett Law, LLC; 16701 Melford Boulevard, Ste. 421, Bowie, MD 20715; 301-850-7000; potterburnettlaw.com
Benjamin H. Meredith
Iliff, Meredith, Wildberger & Brennan, P.C.; 8055 Ritchie Highway, #201-203, Pasadena, MD 21122; 410-685-1166; ilimer.com
Christine Murphy
The Jaklitsch Law Group; 14350 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; 301-781-7600; jaklitschlawgroup.com
David Jaklitsch
The Jaklitsch Law Group; 14350 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; 301-781-7600; jaklitschlawgroup.com
Deborah L. Potter
Potter Burnett Law, LLC; 16701 Melford Boulevard, Ste. 421, Bowie, MD 20715; 301-850-7000; potterburnettlaw.com
M. Evelyn Spurgin
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Marietta B. Warren
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Matthew J. Bernhardt
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Rick Jaklitsch
The Jaklitsch Law Group; 14350 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772; 301-781-7600; jaklitschlawgroup.com
Robert Farley
Hyatt & Weber, P.A.; 200 Westgate Circle, Ste. 500, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-0626; hwlaw.com
Suzanne V. Burnett
Potter Burnett Law, LLC; 16701 Melford Boulevard, Ste. 421, Bowie, MD 20715; 301-850-7000; potterburnettlaw.com
Real Estate Law
Alan J. Hyatt
Hyatt & Weber, P.A.; 200 Westgate Circle, Ste. 500, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-0626; hwlaw.com
Daniel J. Mellin
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Frank P. Lozupone, III
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Gary Damico
Evans Law; 113 Cathedral Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-431-2599; msevanslaw.com
James R. Walsh
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Jonathan E. Pasterick
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Jonathan W. McGowan
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Lee Ann Adams
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Thomas W. Simmons
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Tax Law
Glen E. Frost
Frost Law; 839 Bestgate Road, Ste. 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-995-9618; askfrost.com
Peter Haukebo
Frost Law; 839 Bestgate Road, Ste. 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-995-9618; askfrost.com
Rebecca Sheppard
Frost Law; 839 Bestgate Road, Ste. 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-995-9618; askfrost.com
Trust & Estate/Wills & Probate Law
Alexander Pagnotta
Sinclair Prosser Gasior; 900 Bestgate Road, Ste. 103, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-573-4818; spgasior.com
Brooke H. Bowman
Bowman Jarashow Law, LLC; 162 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-267-9545; bowmanjarashow.com
Frank R. Campbell
Sims & Campbell Estates and Trusts; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 150, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-881-0999; simscampbell.law/
Frederick R. Franke, Jr.
Franke Beckett LLC; 151 West Street, Ste. 301, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-4876; fredfranke.com
Gregory J. Ferra
Liff, Walsh & Simmons LLC; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 200, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9500; liffwalsh.com
Gregory P. Jimeno
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
Jessica McConnell
Jimeno & Gray, P.A.; 7310 Ritchie Highway, #900, Glen Burnie, MD 21061; 443-227-5960; jimenogray.com
Jon Gasior
Sinclair Prosser Gasior; 900 Bestgate Road, Ste. 103, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-573-4818; spgasior.com
Jonathan E. Pasterick
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Kelly A. Burgy
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Laura Curry
Sinclair Prosser Gasior; 900 Bestgate Road, Ste. 103, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-573-4818; spgasior.com
Leanne Broyles
Frost Law; 839 Bestgate Road, Ste. 400, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-995-9618; askfrost.com
Maria W. McKenna
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Michael E. Lehr
Sims & Campbell Estates and Trusts; 181 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Ste. 150, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-881-0999; simscampbell.law/
Tara K. Frame
Frame & Frame, LLC; 234 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-255-0373; frameandframelaw.com
Timothy J. Oursler
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Workers Compensation Law
Karen M. Authement
KMA Law; 540 Ritchie Highway, Ste. 201, Severna Park, MD 21146; 800-851-3301; kma-law.com
Matthew D. Trollinger
Trollinger Law; 12113 Old Line Center, Waldorf, MD 20602; 301-298-2502; trollingerlaw.com
Zoning, Planning & Land Use
Anthony Kupersmith
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 706 Giddings Avenue, Ste. 305, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-934-3900; mdswlaw.com
Brian D. Lyman
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
Daniel J. Mellin
Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A.; 221 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-263-3131; hbdlaw.com
David A. Katz
Katz Day, LLC; 2077 Somerville Road, Ste. 206, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-5100; katzday.com
Joseph F. Devlin
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Matt C. Tedesco
McNamee Hosea; 888 Bestgate Road, Ste. 402, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-266-9909; mhlawyers.com
Sally V. Baldwin
Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A.; 125 West Street, Fourth Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401; 410-268-6600; councilbaradel.com
Leading Lawyers 2024–2025 of The Eastern Shore
Heading into the new year, What’s Up? Media conducted the biennial Leading Lawyers Peer Review Survey, inviting all attorneys and judges who practice law on the Eastern Shore and throughout the Central Maryland region to participate. We would like to thank the many area attorneys who took the time and effort to fill out the official survey online.
A true peer review survey is a rarity today—most publications don’t take the time and energy to conduct the survey in-house, which makes these results all the more meaningful. These are not “editor picks” or the result of limitless ballots from the general public. These honors only come directly from other attorneys and judges—people who really know what it takes to be a good lawyer right here in Maryland.
We are especially gratified because we believe this biennial poll provides an invaluable service to our readers. Please consider this group of esteemed lawyers when seeking and vetting legal counsel.
The following names, in 29 categories, represent the individual lawyers who clearly received the most substantial number of nominations; not every lawyer who was nominated. No attorney paid to be on this list. Some categories list more names than others. This is the result of especially active voting in those categories. Congratulations to all Leading Lawyers named herein!
Administrative Law/Liquor Laws/Hearings
Anthony P. Kupersmith
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Justin M. Hoyt
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Ryan D. Showalter
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Sharon M. VanEmburgh
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
William C. Chapman
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Appellate Law
Curtis H. Booth
Booth, Cropper & Marriner, P.C.; 130 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-2929; bbcmlaw.com
Demetrios G. Kaouris
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Arbitration Law
Alexis E. Kramer
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
David J. Baines
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Bankruptcy Law
Adam M. Lynn
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Andrea Ross
The Law Office of Andrea Ross; 129 N. West Street, Ste. 1, Easton, MD 21601; 800-758-9265; andierosslaw.com
Cami Russack
RLC, P.A. Lawyers & Consultants; 8737 Brooks Drive, Ste. 107, Easton, MD 21601; 410-505-4150; rlcfl.com
George R. Roles
G. Roles, Attorney & Counselor at Law; 8737 Brooks Drive, Ste. 107, Easton, MD 21601; 443-262-8501; groleslaw.com
Tate Russack
RLC, P.A. Lawyers & Consultants; 8737 Brooks Drive, Ste. 107, Easton, MD 21601; 410-505-4150; rlcfl.com
Business Law
Adam M. Lynn
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Douglas S. Walker
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Genevieve H. R. Macfarlane
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
John N. Costello
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
William W. McAllister, Jr.
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Collaborative Law
Amanda K. Forester-Cannon
Law Office of Amanda K. Forester-Cannon; 402A Academy Street, Cambridge, MD 21613; 410-228-6978
Mary Christine Joyce
Joyce & Associates, LLC; 800 Abruzzi Drive, Ste. C, Chester, MD 21619; 410-643-3647; annapolisbarrister.com
Construction Law
Demetrios G. Kaouris
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Derek A. Hills
The Law Office of Derek A. Hills, LLC; 129 N. West Street, Ste. 1, Easton, MD 21601; 443-239-4626; dahlawoffice.com
Justin B. Aronson
Coon & Cole, LLC; 110 N. West Street, Ste. D, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-5240; cooncolelaw.com
Ryan D. Showalter
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Criminal Law
Jesse F. Hicks
Shipley Law Firm; 10 W. Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-7660; shipleyfirm.com
Justin M. Hoyt
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Kaya C. Abukassis
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Michael R. Dodd
Simmons & Dodd, LLP; 402A Academy Street, Cambridge, MD 21613; 410-228-2200; simmonsdodd.com
Pamela L. Duke
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
Patrick J. Palmer
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Stephanie A. Shipely
Shipley Law Firm; 10 W. Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-7660; shipleyfirm.com
Dispute Resolution Law
Justin M. Hoyt
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Patrick J. Palmer
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Domestic Violence Law
Alexis E. Kramer
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Bridget M. Mahoney
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
David J. Baines
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Justin M. Hoyt
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Kaya C. Abukassis
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Patrick J. Palmer
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Education Law
William W. McAllister, Jr.
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Elder Law
Amanda K. Forester-Cannon
Law Office of Amanda K. Forester-Cannon; 402A Academy Street, Cambridge, MD 21613; 410-228-6978
John M. Eglseder
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Walter B. Gunby
Law Office of Walter B. Gunby; 102 Market Square, Cambridge, MD 21613; 410-228-6111; waltergunbybankruptcy.com
Employment Law
David J. Baines
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Environmental Law
Jesse Hammock
Parker Counts; 129 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1122; parkercountslaw.com
Ryan D. Showalter
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Family Law
Alexis E. Kramer
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Bridget M. Mahoney
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
Ivette Furneisen
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
Janine Evans Wolford
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Justin M. Hoyt
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Kaya C. Abukassis
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Morgan E. Foster
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Pamela L. Duke
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
Patrick J. Palmer
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
General Practice
Alexis E. Kramer
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Curtis H. Booth
Booth, Cropper & Marriner, P.C.; 130 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-2929; bbcmlaw.com
William W. McAllister, Jr.
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
HOA/Condominium Law
Demetrios G. Kaouris
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Ryan D. Showalter
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Immigration Law
Ivette Furneisen
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
Intellectual Properties/Patent Law
John N. Costello; McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Juvenile Law
Kaya C. Abukassis
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Litigation Law
John Leo Walter
Eastern Shore Legal; 128 N. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-2662; easternshorelegal.com
Justin B. Aronson
Coon & Cole, LLC; 110 N. West Street, Ste. D, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-5240; cooncolelaw.com
Richard A. DeTar
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
William C. Chapman
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
William W. McAllister, Jr.
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Mediation Law
Crystal Richard
Law Offices of Crystal S. Richard, LLC; 210 Pennsylvania Avenue, Centreville, MD 21617; 443-988-7583; csrlawoffice.com
Justin M. Hoyt
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Karen M. Kaludis
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Kaya C. Abukassis
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Mary Christine Joyce
Joyce & Associates, LLC; 800 Abruzzi Drive, Ste. C, Chester, MD 21619; 410-643-3647; annapolisbarrister.com
Medical Malpractice Law
Curtis H. Booth
Booth, Cropper & Marriner, P.C.; 130 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-2929; bbcmlaw.com
Emily C. Wise
Wise & Blitzer; 101 Log Canoe Circle, Ste. M, Stevensville, MD 21666; 443-249-3562; wiseblitzer.com
John Leo Walter
Eastern Shore Legal; 128 N. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-2662; easternshorelegal.com
Personal Injury Law
David J. Baines
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
John Leo Walter
Eastern Shore Legal; 128 N. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-2662; easternshorelegal.com
Real Estate Law
Adam M. Lynn
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Douglas S. Walker
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Genevieve H. R. Macfarlane
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
John M. Eglseder
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Joseph A. Stevens
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Ryan D. Showalter
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Sharon M. VanEmburgh
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Willard C. Parker, II
Parker Counts; 129 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1122; parkercountslaw.com
Tax Law
Adam M. Lynn
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Douglas S. Walker
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Mitchell J. Cornwell
Coon & Cole, LLC; 110 N. West Street, Ste. D, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-5240; cooncolelaw.com
Vincent A. Dongarra
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
Trust & Estate/Wills & Probate Law
Bridget M. Mahoney
Duke Law, LLC; 127 High Street, Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-2828; dukelaw.org
Charles Capute
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
John M. Eglseder
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Sharon M. VanEmburgh
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Workers Compensation Law
David J. Baines
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
Zoning, Planning & Land Use Law
Genevieve H. R. Macfarlane
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Joseph A. Stevens
Stevens Palmer, LLC; 114 W. Water Street, Centreville, MD 21617; 410-758-4600; spp-law.com
Ryan D. Showalter
McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker LLC; 100 N. West Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-820-0222; mdswlaw.com
William C. Chapman
Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kaludis, P.A.; 16 S. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601; 410-822-1988; ewingdietz.com
