*Special Advertising Section*
Gill Cochran and Mandeep Chha a have been working together for more than 22 years. They have developed a style and rhythm that has garnered them the respect and admiration of their colleagues and the judges they practice before daily. This year, in an unprecedented decision, the partners decided to hire an associate. They are proud to announce that Ms. Raquel Smith has joined the firm. All three attorneys have been lauded by clients with top notch reviews for excellent work and availability. As a result, the firm has received the highest honors as trial lawyers, including the selection of Leading Lawyers by What's Up? Annapolis magazine and Super Lawyers, as published in Baltimore Magazine. Also, the nation’s top online legal directory, AVVO, has awarded all three attorneys Client's Choice Awards. Additionally, Gill and Mandeep have been awarded Top Attorneys in the fields of DUI, traffic, criminal defense, personal injury, and litigation.
Gill Cochran began his legal career as a Public Defender upon his return from serving as a Platoon Leader in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star for exemplary service. He graduated from Yale University, and then proudly completed his formal education at the University of Maryland School of Law, where he graduated seventh in his class. Gill has been practicing law for more than 45 years, opening his Annapolis practice in 1970.
Mandeep joined Gill in 1994 after completing his first year at Boston University. Initially, Gill had no position for Mandeep, but Mandeep’s perseverance and charm landed him a job as Gill’s driver during summers, which led to his career in law. Eventually, Mandeep also attended the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating in 2000. Mandeep and Gill now practice as Cochran and Chha a, LLC.
Raquel Smith was admitted to practice law in 2013 after graduating from American University, Washington College of Law. She completed her undergraduate degree in History at University of Maryland, College Park and attended the prestigious Georgetown Visitation College Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. Raquel is fluent in Spanish and is of Chilean and Jamaican descent.
The trio strive to help clients who are facing serious consequences after being accused of major and minor criminal offenses, and those injured through the negligence of others. As trial lawyers they enjoy the challenges of representing their clients effectively, with their number one goal being a positive end result and addressing any issues they may have that led to their difficulties. More importantly, they pride themselves to be available to maintain constant contact with clients.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer—not sure what kind of lawyer—but after meeting Gill and working with him, I realized that I wanted to be one that actually helps people,” says Mandeep Chha a. “I truly enjoy the success stories of my clients, often who I help in their time of greatest need.”
Gill Cochran proudly tells his clients that he has suffered from alcoholism himself. He has not had a drink of alcohol in more than 40 years: “Helping clients find the tools to stay sober is rewarding and gives me great satisfaction,” says Gill Cochran. “I was drawn to Gill and Mandeep’s firm as they aspire to maintain the love of the law while helping clients, which coincided with my personal goals,” says Raquel Smith. “In my time here, I have seen firsthand, the genuine relationships that both Mandeep and Gill have built with their clients.”
All three lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the needs of their clients. They are known to show up at police stations in the middle of the night to advise clients of what to do in difficult situations and protect their rights. Mandeep and his staff often meet injured victims at their homes, making the process of hiring an attorney as easy and painless as possible.
If you visit their office in Historic Annapolis, you will be captivated by the unusual design and architecture that blends a contemporary flare with an Old World feel, adorned with, of course, a model train and huge murals of Annapolis.
The motto of “Not Your Typical Lawyers” is not just a saying at Cochran and Chha a. Once you meet Gill, Mandeep, and Raquel you will know what it truly means. You can also tune into 1430 AM or 99.9 FM—WNAV—on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. to learn more about the firm’s philosophy in educating the community. These attorneys and their highly-trained staff are here to serve your every need.
116 B Cathedral Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
443-321-1858 (Direct) | 410-268-5515 (Phone)
