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Over the years, Ms. O’Brien has litigated numerous cases and obtained millions of dollars for her clients. With the team at Evan K. Thalenberg, P.A., she has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict on behalf of her clients. Ms. O’Brien was selected to the 2017 Maryland Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, an honor bestowed upon only 2.5% of Maryland’s lawyers. She is also a member of the Maryland Association for Justice, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Baltimore City Bar Association. Ms. O’Brien has been invited to speak and has presented at national lead litigation conferences over the years.

Over the course of my 31 years of experience, my practice has primarily focused on surety and construction law.  I am rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, I have been selected as a Best Lawyer in Construction Law by The Best Lawyers in America 2013-2022 and I have been named as a Super Lawyer in Maryland for Surety law by Super Lawyers for 2015 - 2022.. In the surety industry I have represented most of the major surety companies as well as many mid-size and smaller companies.  I have been involved as counsel on large multi-state, multi-project contract performance bond defaults, involving workouts, financing and takeovers as well as large national bankruptcy matters for commercial bond sureties.  I have also represented sureties in pursuing indemnity, salvage and subrogation rights.  Over the years I have been very active in the surety industry writing articles, giving presentations and attending/sponsoring conferences around the country.  I spearheaded the creation of the Philadelphia Surety Claims Association and I am a founding Officer and member of the Board of Directors.  In 2016 I was named a Vice Chair of the ABA/TIPS - Fidelity and Surety Law Committee and continue to serve in that capacity today.  I updated Chapter 10, Payment Bond Surety's Right to Contract Proceeds, in the ABA publication titled The Law of Payment Bonds, 2d Ed.  I co-authored Chapter 6 Surety Claims in Bankruptcy in the ABA publication titled Surety Aspects of Bankruptcy Law and Practice.  I co-authored Chapter 4, Financing the Principal in the ABA publication titled the Bond Default Manual, 4th Ed.  I co-authored Chapter 20, The Commercial Surety’s Collateral in a Principal’s Bankruptcy Case in the ABA publication titled The Law of Commercial Surety and Miscellaneous Bonds, 2d Ed.. In May 2016, I spearheaded the creation of the Surety Today® live podcast program.  Surety Today® is a live podcast educational resource for professionals in the surety industry presented monthly by the attorneys of the Surety Law Group at Wright, Constable and Skeen.  Surety Today®  podcasts offer 30 minutes of in-depth discussion on topics of narrow focus and practical importance to those in the industry.  I am the host and have presented on numerous surety related topics.  The presentations are recorded and can be found as podcasts on spotify, apple podcast, amazon music, sticher, and Podbean and are also transcribed and can be found at and .. In the construction industry I have represented fortunetors, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers and owners in a wide variety of matters.  From negotiating and drafting contracts, to preparing and filing claims, bid protests, mechanics liens, litigation, collections, mediations and arbitrations.  I regularly present seminars for the construction industry.

My practice focus is business advice, planning and transactions for companies of all sizes in a wide range of industries including financial services, life sciences, hospitality, private equity, consumer products and services, and technology. My representative transactions include strategic alliances, service and distribution relationships, mergers and acquisitions, corporate, limited liability company and other joint ventures, venture capital/private equity financing, equity and other restructurings, redemptions and other buy-outs, and executive employment arrangements and terminations. I help clients understand risks/benefits, solve complex problems, resolve difficult issues, implement creative solutions, and manage sensitive interpersonal dynamics. I serve as Vice President (Education) and Chair of the Board of Education of an 1100-student parochial school. I have served on the executive boards of several charitable organizations and other non-profits.

Ms. Van Lenten is an Associate at Venable LLP.

Ms. Stewart is an associate in the firm's Real Estate group.  Her practice includes the representation of condominium and homeowners' associations and cooperatives in the areas of dispute resolution, construction, and governance issues.

Ms. Steedman’s practice focuses primarily on commercial construction-related civil litigation. She represents institutional owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals, and municipalities in all areas of construction, including contract drafting and negotiation, pre-litigation dispute resolution, and all phases of civil litigation. She also handles complex commercial construction disputes, including mechanics’ liens, trust fund and prompt payment issues, impact and delay claim analysis, construction defects, and warranty issues on public and private projects. Her experience includes a wide variety of litigation matters, including fair housing disputes, condemnation matters, MOSH liability, and bid protests. She has litigated cases at the trial and appellate levels in both state and federal courts. In 2010 and 2011, Maryland SuperLawyers named Ms. Steedman as a Rising Star in the area of construction litigation.  Ms. Steedman also serves on the Maryland Defense Counsel's Board.. Ms. Steedman is designated as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP™) by the U.S. Green Building Council. Her LEED AP designation allows clients to earn one point toward LEED Certification for their projects. She also advises clients on green building incentive-based and regulatory requirements and represents clients in adversarial proceedings.

Ms. Severance is an associate in the Litigation Department of Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP. She concentrates her practice in the areas of civil and commercial litigation, insurance coverage and property insurance law, subrogation, and employment law in the state of Maryland.. Ms. Severance was recently appointed to serve on the Board of the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore.

Ms. Madden is a partner at Goodell DeVries.  Her practice is concentrated in the defense of health care providers in medical malpractice litigation.  Ms. Madden has successfully defended health care providers in trial at both the District Court level and at the Circuit Court level, and she has successfully defended judgments for her clients in Maryland's Court of Special Appeals. She has also obtained dismissals and summary judgments for hospital and physician defendants in medical malpractice actions.

Ms. Chu is an associate with the firm.  Her practice areas include professional malpractice defense, product liability defense, employment law, and general civil litigation.  While in law school, Ms. Chu interned for the Honorable Deborah K. Chasanow and the Honorable Alexander Williams, Jr., U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.  She was also a Rule 16 attorney with the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted criminal and serious traffic matters and conducted over ten trials.

Ms. Blackmon graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she served as Managing Editor for the North Carolina Central Law Review and spent a summer interning for the Honorable Andre M. Davis of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.  Currently, Ms. Blackmon is Of Counsel in the firm’s Baltimore office, practicing primarily in the area of asbestos defense litigation.

Ms. Beavan is a partner with the firm. Before entering the private practice of law, Ms. Beavan was a law clerk to the Honorable Edward B. Davis of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and a law clerk with the United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Organized Crime and Racketeering Section, in Washington, D.C.. Since entering private practice in 1986, Ms. Beavan's work has focused on pharmaceutical, product liability and professional malpractice defense. She defends her clients against claims of negligence, regulatory non-compliance, fraud, and alleged failures to adequately test, manufacture, design and warn about products and prescription drugs. Ms. Beavan represents manufacturers, hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers and companies in local, federal and multidistrict litigation. Her practice encompasses all phases of the litigation process, including pre-trial, trial and appellate representation.. Ms. Beavan's medical device and pharmaceutical work has focused on the representation of corporations and manufacturers in individual lawsuits, multidistrict suits, and class actions. Her responsibilities have included the defense of suits alleging autoimmune disease, heart damage, cancer, neurological deficits and other personal injuries as a result of exposure to silicone gel-filled breast implants, latex gloves, diet drugs, hormone therapy medications, thimerosal and other products and prescription medications. She has also counseled clients concerning alleged failures to comply with regulatory reporting and submission requirements.. Ms. Beavan's medical malpractice trial work has involved multiple areas of medicine, including cardiology, hematology, neurosurgery, general surgery, internal medicine, infectious diseases, pathology, obstetrics, gynecology, emergency medicine, radiology, neurology, psychiatry and family practice medicine.. As a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), Ms. Beavan taught at the IADC Trial Academy and has been a guest lecturer before epidemiologists and biostatisticians on Daubert and the use of epidemiology in court.

Ms. Baker is a Partner in the Corporate/Commercial Department. She represents business clients in full range of matters, including entity formation and modification, owner agreements, contract review and negotiation, and, in particular, trademark and copyright issues. She also has a concentration in health care, assisting many types of health care providers in business and contracting matters. In addition, she advises and supports healthcare service providers.. Ms. Baker is extremely active in her community. She assists growing businesses through the Maryland Small Business Development Center’s CEO Accelerator Program, and she mentors two high school students through My Sister’s Circle.

Mr. Youssef is a trial lawyer admitted to practice in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. His litigation practice focuses on business disputes and commercial litigation in all three regions. Mr. Youssef also regularly handles matters involving real estate disputes, community associations, residential and commercial construction defects, landlord-tenant disputes, and creditor's rights litigation.. Mr. Youssef has a strong understanding of insurance law and regularly handles insurance related litigation involving Commercial General Liability, casualty, property, and life insurance disputes.. In addition to a wide range of state and federal court litigation Mr. Youssef has also represented clients in administrative hearings before the Home Improvement Commission, Insurance Administration, and Board of Contract Appeals.. Mr. Youssef, a long-time resident of Baltimore City, is also a committed volunteer with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore, where prior to law school he resided in the home for one year as an AmeriCorps volunteer serving the program's scholars. BHGH Baltimore is a privately funded, non-profit multi-denominational organization that provides at-risk children with a stable home, positive parenting, high quality education, and the support needed to reach their full potential.

Mr. Wothers practices in the Litigation Department of Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP, concentrating in insurance coverage litigation, property insurance law, related first party insurance matters and commercial litigation. His experience includes investigation and litigation in various first party areas, including coverage disputes, arson and fraud investigations across North America.. In addition to representing many domestic carriers, Mr. Wothers represents a significant number of syndicates in the world's leading specialist insurance market: Lloyd's of London. He works with underwriters, brokers, managing general agents and third party administrators to handle excess and surplus lines insurance coverage, reinsurance, and litigation in the mid-Atlantic United States.. Mr. Wothers has lectured extensively regarding investigation of fraudulent claims, insurance coverage, and first party property appraisal. He also has extensive experience in subrogation. His liability/third party practice includes construction defect matters and commercial litigation involving business related matters. Mr. Wothers practices in the state and federal courts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Washington, D.C.. Mr. Wothers serves on the Firm's Management Committee, and previously served as Managing Partner for seven years. Mr. Wothers is a member of the American Bar Association's Property Insurance Law Committee, and the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice sections. He is also a member of Defense Research Institute.. Mr. Wothers was recognized by Maryland Super Lawyers as a top attorney in Insurance Coverage and Business Litigation from 2008-2015. Mr. Wothers was profiled in the 2012 edition of Maryland Super Lawyers magazine in an editorial titled, "Insurance Exchange." He is also rated by Martindale-Hubbell as an AV- Preeminent® Top Rated Lawyer in Insurance Law.. Mr. Wothers serves as Vice Chair of the Carroll Hospital Center Board of Directors and Chairman of their Risk and Compliance Committee, as well as Secretary of the Board of Directors of LifeBridge Health, its parent company. He is a member of the Risk, Audit and Compliance Committee of LifeBridge Health and serves as Chairman of the Board of Carroll Hospital’s Cen-Mar Assurance Company.  Mr. Wothers also serves on the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission in Carroll County, Maryland.

Mr. Wolf practices in the Litigation Department concentrating on property insurance law. His practice includes arson and insurance fraud investigation, Maryland condominium law, contract disputes, insurance law, and tort defenses. Mr. Wolf practices in the state and federal courts of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Mr. Williams is a Partner in the Estates and Trusts Department. His practice focuses on estate planning, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, and estate and gift taxation.  With over thirteen years of legal experience, Mr. Williams has counseled clients on personal wealth planning, complex wills, trusts, special needs trusts, guardianships and conservatorships, contested estates, living wills, powers of attorney, charitable giving, and estate administration. He has also represented businesses and nonprofits on transactional and litigation matters, including contracts, business incorporation, compliance, tax exempt qualification, employment, and commercial disputes.

Mr. O'Brien's practice is focused upon the defense of claims in commercial litigation. He has had extensive experience in defending maritime claims (including cargo damage, collision, personal injury and death), inland marine claims, non-maritime trucking industry claims (including cargo damage, personal injury, death and coverage issues), claims involving warehousemen, freight forwarders, transportation brokers and terminal operators, as well as claims involving commercial contract disputes.. He has served on the firm's Management Committee and as Chairman of the firm's Litigation Section. He is the author of such articles as Admiralty Jurisdiction Over Pleasure Craft Torts, 36 Md. L. Rev. 212 and What You Need to Know About the Amended Wrongful Death Statute, The Defense Line, Spring 1997. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, the Baltimore City Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute and the DRI Trucking Law Committee. Mr. O'Brien has been a proctor member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States since 1981 and he is currently a member of the MLA's Maritime Torts and Casualties Committee. Mr. O'Brien has also served as an Assistant Editor of American Maritime Cases since 1981.

Mr. Mannes is a member of the firm's Real Estate group.  His practice includes all phases of real estate with a concentration in the development and creation of condominium and planned unit developments; and representation of condominiums, homeowners' associations and cooperatives in the areas of dispute resolution, construction and governance issues.  Prior to joining Niles Barton, Mr. Mannes was a solo practitioner for fourteen years.. Mr. Mannes has also been recognized as a top attorney in real estate by Maryland Super Lawyers from 2008-2014.

Mr. Finamore is a member of the firm’s Management Committee and Compensation Committee. He is the Chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee.. In the Litigation Department, his practice concentrates in the areas of employment law and general liability. He is admitted to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia. His litigation experience includes employment claims, various first and third party insurance claims, fraud and subrogation.  He is a member of the Law Firm Alliance [LFA] Lender Liability Litigation Subgroup.. In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Finamore regularly counsels employers on employment issues, workplace policies, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws. Mr. Finamore began practicing in employment law while serving on active duty in the US Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps at Aberdeen Proving Ground. He is the author of "The Employment Process, A Practical Guide.". Mr. Finamore has been recognized as a top attorney in general litigation and employment and labor by Maryland SuperLawyers magazine.  He is a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel and the Defense Research Institute.  Mr. Finamore is an active participant on the DRI Employment Law Committee’s listserv and has published articles in DRI’s The Voice and the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel's Employment Practices and Workplace Liability Section Newsletter.. Mr. Finamore is also actively involved in the Baltimore community, and currently serves as Secretary on the Executive Committee of the Board of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore. BHGH of Baltimore is a privately funded, non-profit multi-denominational organization that provides at-risk children with a stable home, positive parenting, high quality education, and the support needed to reach their full potential.

Mr. Fetterman practices in the Litigation Department, focusing on complex commercial, business, and contractual matters throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He also has extensive experience successfully briefing and arguing appeals, including numerous cases before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  In addition to his duties as a litigator, Mr. Fetterman assists clients with statutory and regulatory compliance.. Prior to joining Niles Barton, Mr. Fetterman served as a prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.  He uses this experience to provide comprehensive service to clients dealing with fraud, misrepresentation, and other potentially criminal issues.  Mr. Fetterman currently practices before the state and federal courts in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.. In 2011, Mr. Fetterman was named a SuperLawyers Rising Star in Maryland.

Mr. Dykes is an Associate in the Litigation Department.  He concentrates his practice in Commercial Litigation, Complex Civil Litigation, Employment Law, Insurance Law, Products Liability, Regulatory and Transportation Defense.  Mr. Dykes has experience with all facets of litigation, including trial and appellate work, injunctive relief and complex mediations.  He has successfully litigated a multitude of bench and jury trials and has secured favorable judgments on dispositive pre-trial motions.. Following law school, Mr. Dykes clerked for the Honorable Wanda Keyes Heard in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.  While in law school, Mr. Dykes also served as a non-commissioned officer in the Maryland Army National Guard and worked as a fraud investigator for a multi-national financial services corporation.

Mr. Curley practices in the Litigation Department, concentrating in commercial litigation, real estate litigation, maritime law, property insurance law, related first party insurance matters and general business litigation. Mr. Curley’s practice includes insurance law, construction law, tort defense and contract disputes. He also has extensive experience in subrogation. His liability/third party practice includes intellectual property litigation as well as construction defect matters and commercial litigation involving business related matters.. Mr. Curley practices in the state and federal courts of Maryland and North Carolina. Mr. Curley is a member of the American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Litigation Committee and the National Association of Subrogation Professionals. He previously served as law clerk to the Hon. Clayton Greene, Jr. of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals while Judge Greene was serving on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.

Mr. Chrencik is an associate with the firm.  He practices in product liability and medical malpractice defense.  Mr. Chrencik was a summer associate and law clerk with the firm from 2009 to 2010, joining the firm as an associate in 2010.  While in law school, Mr. Chrencik also studied at Erasmus University School of Law in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and interned for the Honorable Alan M. Wilner, former Chief Judge of the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland.

Mr. Buckwalter joined Niles Barton in 2001 and is a partner in the litigation department, concentrating in insurance law, professional liability, general civil litigation, and employment law.  He has litigated cases at the trial and appellate levels in both state and federal courts. His litigation practice includes insurance coverage and defense, professional negligence, wrongful death/survival actions, motor vehicle torts, premises liability, casualty subrogation, and employment discrimination. In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Buckwalter counsels employers with regard to personnel issues, drafting effective workplace policies, and complying with federal, state, and local employment laws.

Maryland and South Florida criminal defense lawyer who has represented adult and juvenile defendants in over 1,200 criminal cases ranging in severity from first degree murder to drug possession and DUI.  Has challanged the government in over 60 jury trials, and appeared on national television as a legal analyst for Face the Nation on CBS. Will fight to the finish on every case.  Born and raised in Baltimore County and attended Pikesville High School.  Received undergratuate education at The University of Michigan and then law degree at The University of Miami School of Law.