Top best C Lawyers in Columbia | 1436 available

Hobbies include Astronomy, Billiards, Fishing, Golf, Piano, Dog Training and Sporting Clays.  Served 6 years as Vice President and Member of the board of directors of the Scott Joplin Internation Ragtime Foundation, Sedalia, Missouri.

Hello;. I am in my mid 50's, happily married for over 30 years, with two adult children. I have been practicing law in Columbia and all across the State of Missouri for over 20 years. I had a real life and career before entering the practice of law. My prior work experiences included acting as a Sales Representative and Territory Manager, short run Trucking, welding, security for a bar and many other excellent opportunities to learn about life.. My law practice included cases in front of Juries and Judges, administrative hearing panels, mediations, Municipal Court, State Court, Federal Court, the Missouri Courts of Appeal, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have handled simple traffic matters, complex divorces, Medical Malpractice claims, professional licensing issues for clients, Pharmaceutical products liability, auto crashes, motorcycle crashes, wrongful death cases.  I have handled nearly every type of State level case possible. Those experiences and my life experience help me to work with my clients, to assist them in complex situations, to negotiate firmly and fairly with the other side. My litigation experience lets the other side know I will go to trial if they will not be fair.. Recently, I have shifted my caseload to limit my practice to three areas. First, cases involving fraud committed against State and Federal Governments. I am working on several such cases now, and in 2012, I was successful with a high level False Claims Act case, assisting the Federal Government with recovery of over $150,000, for a case involving Mortgage Fraud. I also represented a whistleblower in a medical fraud case where I recovered @$15,000, for the Federal Government and the state of Missouri. I am in the process of closing another case where the whistleblower I represented recovered @$4,000, for the Federal Government.  Second, I am also handling small business matters, including litigation.  Third, I am commencing my practice as a Mediator Neutral. My life experiences and courtroom experiences will be of great assistance to both sides of civil mediations. I have also completed significant training at the University of Missouri for mediators. I have participated in many mediations.. My experiences help me every day identify with clients, all the way from business owners to the regular folks who need some help. My firm is dedicated to helping people whenever possible. If you need help with a legal problem, I'd appreciate your call.. Thanks,. Finley D. Gibbs

He has represented clients in difficult, high profile cases that have been featured on CBS's 48 Hours and Court TV's Trial Story. He has served as a guest commentator on Court TV's Catherine Crier Live.. Mr. Slusher has received training in courtroom techniques at places such as the Wyoming Trial Advocacy Institute, the California Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy and Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College.. Mr. Slusher also has experience representing clients in appeals to the Missouri Appellate Courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.. Christopher A. Slusher received a degree in Business from Indiana University in 1988 and his law degree from the University of Missouri in 1991. His litigation practice concentrates on serious personal injury, wrongful death and criminal defense.

Having been married for 45 years and having raised 3 children, I have a great deal of experience and insight into family dynamics and the pressures and issues families confront.  I use this experience and knowledge in assisting my clients to navigate the judicial process involved in numerous family law proceedings.  I take the time necessary to really listen to my clients as I seek to meet their needs, whether in divorce proceedings, estate planning, accident cases or business planning.

Growing up, Stephen watched the great impact his father, a lawyer himself, had on people as well as his passion for helping others. As he grew older, Stephen learned that his father’s passion was borne from the unfairness he witnessed growing up in Easley, SC where brown lung was a problem for so many. Stephen decided from a very early age that he wanted to do good for others, just like his dad. He wanted to be someone to help others in their time of need. After gaining his B.S. degree in 1996 from the University of South Carolina, Stephen continued on to the USC School of Law. While in law school, he was elected Vice-President of Student Trial Lawyers. He graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1999. He has been fighting for the rights of victims ever since. When Stephen says that he is offended by the strong getting their way just because they are strong, he means it.. For nearly ten years, Stephen worked for a non-profit in Columbia, SC, Appleseed Legal Justice Center. There he was involved in major civil rights litigation. In January 2018, Stephen joined the legal team at Stewart Law Offices to continue in his lifework and passion to stand up and fight for those that are in the most difficult times of their lives.. Stephen spends his free time with his wife Holly and five children. He enjoys putting on his chef hat and cooking, indoors and out, for his family. Although Stephen claims to be the king of the basketball court at his house, his children say the jury is still out. If you are injured and need a lawyer who is committed to fighting for you, contact Attorney Stephen Suggs and the legal team at Stewart Law Offices.

Growing up in the small town of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, home of Gamecock greats Phil Petty and Dylan Thompson, I attended Winthrop University and then received my Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.  After graduation, I worked as a staff attorney at the South Carolina Supreme Court, while also moonlighting as a legal writing instructor at the law school.. After leaving the Supreme Court, I worked at an insurance defense firm representing insurance companies, individuals, and corporations in personal injury, bad faith, product liability, and commercial litigation, trying numerous cases to verdict.  After thirteen years of representing defendants and insurance companies, I made the decision to join Kenny’s practice representing injured clients.. I met my wife Jenny in law school and together we have two children, Garner and Nate, who keep us very busy at the ball field when we’re not practicing law.  In my rapidly shrinking spare time I could probably be found watching movies and sports or reading a good book.

Greetings. I am the principal attorney for the Lilly Law Firm, a multi-service law practice located in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland. I've been practicing law for over 29 years and have extensive trial experience. I have successfully represented multiple men and women in a wide variety of criminal and civil matters. I primarily practice in the area of criminal and motor vehicle law defense but also handle a large number of accident cases and family law matters. My fees are highly competitive.. I served as a Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney from 1992 to 1998. I prosecuted numerous felonies and misdemeanors during that time – including serious motor vehicle offenses (DWI/DUI, Driving While Suspended, etc.) – and developed a particular expertise with respect to narcotics crimes. From 1998 to 2001, I was a Maryland Assistant Attorney General, during which time I investigated and prosecuted a wide range of state criminal environmental offenses.. Since 2001, I've been on the defense side of the aisle with respect to criminal and motor vehicle law matters. I take great pride in providing highly personalized and effective legal representation. With thorough preparation, hard work and meticulous attention to detail, I consistently achieve outstanding results for my clients.. My firm handles a substantial number of personal injury cases – including auto accidents, trucking accidents, and slip and falls. We seek and achieve full compensation for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We understand that helping our clients obtain all of the medical care they need – as well as thorough and effective medical documentation – are the keys to maximum personal injury awards – and, where possible, a full recovery.. The Lilly Law Firm also handles a substantial number of family law matters. These cases are often emotionally charged and challenging. While the firm endeavors to achieve a negotiated settlement of the issues presented by a divorce or separation, we are fully prepared to litigate if this is required. The firm offers mediation to opposing parties, often drafting separation agreements based on the terms agreed upon by the parties – avoiding the high financial and emotional costs of litigation.. The firm also has expertise in preparing wills. A will or trust is the best way to ensure your property and assets are passed to the people who matter most in your life. We will carefully and meticulously articulate your wishes and desires in a will or trust.. It was an honor for me to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve as both an officer and an enlisted sailor from 1988 to 2015. I was mobilized for two years immediately following the events of September 11, 2001. The Lilly Law Firm offers substantial discounts to active duty and reserve military members, veterans, and their families.

George’s practice is concentrated in workers’ compensation claims. He has handled hundreds of cases before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, including through trial and appeal before the South Carolina Court of Appeals. George has likewise handled hundreds of cases in state and federal courts throughout South Carolina. He is passionate about representing injury victims and takes great pride in the personal relationship he builds with each of his clients.. George holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from The Citadel. After graduating, he accepted a Commission into the U.S. Air Force. He deployed multiple times during his service as an intelligence officer, including tours to Iraq and Qatar. After leaving the Air Force, George attended the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he graduated with honors.

Former Prosecutor with over 25 years of experience in criminal law.  Former Adminsitrative Hearing Officer. Experience also as an Investigator for a State Agency. I love trying cases and get great satisfaction by working with clients and presenting their side to prosecutors or law enforcement to get great results without going to trial. Each client's case demands a unique approach, tailored to fit the situation. Clients deal directly with me, not a paralegal or answering service. Call me at to get a lawyer who works hard, knows the law, and a lawyer who cares.

For over 30 years, Jason A. Shapiro has been a highly recognized and sought after attorney in the state of Maryland. Jason has consistently been recognized as one of Maryland’s Superlawyers, by Best Lawyers in America, and was even named their Lawyer of the Year in 2016.  He’s been honored by his peers in the criminal defense bar by being chosen as their leader, serving as President of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Association from 2010 to 2011. Jason has served as the Managing Partner of Shapiro Zwanetz & Associates which has repeatedly been honored as one of the Best Law Firms in America. This recognition is due not just to the excellent results that Jason’s firm delivers to its clients; it is also due to the firm’s recognition that each client is a unique individual, each deserving of the highest client/customer service.. In serving his community as a Defense Attorney, Jason has defended thousands of Criminal, DUI/DWI, Traffic and Juvenile cases. Jason has handled over 1000 Motor Vehicle Administrative Hearings. Most notably, Jason has successfully defended all types of criminal matters, and securing dismissals of all charges regarding the last two First Degree Murder cases which he co-defended with his partner, David Zwanetz.. Prior to entering the private practice of law, Jason served in the Offices of the State’s Attorneys for both Montgomery and Howard Counties. While serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Jason prosecuted a myriad of cases from Misdemeanors and Felonies, and from Agricultural Crimes to First Degree Murder cases. As a prosecutor, Jason was honored to receive the scholarship offered by the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association to Career Prosecutor School (a/k/a “Prosecutors’ Top Gun School”).. Jason has lived in the state of Maryland his entire life, grew up in Silver Spring, and has lived in Columbia for nearly the past 35 years. He has been active in the local community, coaching his children’s sports teams; serving on charitable Board of Directors; and was appointed by then – Governor Martin O’Malley to be the Chairman of the Trial Courts Nominating Commission for Howard County from 2007 through 2015.  Since 2017, Jason was elected as the President and Chairman of the Board of "HC DRUG FREE" a non-profit organziation seeking to educate the Howard County community regarding the prevention and treatment of drug and/or alcohol abuse.

For more than 15 years, bankruptcy attorney Eric Reed has dedicated himself exclusively to helping clients through difficult financial times. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings are not a part of his law practice. They are his law practice.. Eric Reed helps individuals and small business owners get a fresh financial start by discharging debt and protecting their homes and other assets from foreclosure or repossessions.. As an active member of the South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association, Mr. Eric Reed stays current with the latest laws and techniques available to focus on the best possible results in processing your bankruptcy filing. With his membership in the American Bar Association and the South Carolina Bar Association, he has access to the finest legal resources to ensure he uses the best possible legal representation in pursuing your bankruptcy filing.. Mr. Reed has been practicing in the area of bankruptcy since 1999, deciding in 2005 to open Reed Law Firm, PA to provide you with the personalized service you deserve. Mr. Reed and his caring staff work hard to make sure all issues with your filing are handled with compassion, courtesy and professionalism as you begin a fresh start on your financial situation.. From your Free Initial Consultation, Mr. Reed and his staff walk you through the steps necessary to file for bankruptcy.

For a Columbia, SC, criminal lawyer, work with Lir Derieg at Derieg Law Firm, LLC. We have the resources and skills to represent a variety of cases and legal needs. When you need a firm you can trust, we can protect your rights and best interests.. We represent criminal defendants. When you've been accused of committing a crime, we help you avoid unnecessary consequences by building strong defense cases that advocate for reduction or dismissal of your charges. We'll help you understand your rights under the law and your legal options, letting you make informed decisions.. We are proud to represent a wide variety of clients, both personal and commercial. We help you with everything from day-to-day operations to specific legal issue or disputes. We review and explain contracts, guide you through acquisitions and sales, and help you make plans for the future. You can trust that we'll provide knowledgeable advice and guidance that truly looks out for your business's bottom line.. We are also exceptional personal injury lawyers. We represent the needs of victims, helping you secure recovery and additional compensation so that you can get the care you need, pay your medical bills, cover your personal expenses, and move forward with your life. We will work aggressively to advocate for the maximum and work efficiently so that you won't have to wait.. As local Columbia, SC, personal injury lawyers, we want to make sure that you have high quality private representation. You have needs and we are here to meet them. To protect your rights, schedule your initial appointment today. We have flexible appointments available for your convenience.

Family law attorney with over twenty years of experience representing clients from all walks of life including business owners, professionals, stay at home parents, late life divorcing couples, unmarried couples with custody disputes, same sex couples, grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren, engaged couples with prenuptial agreements, and stepparents.. My practice also includes family law mediations related to divorce, custody and child support as well as special education law disputes through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, mediations for the Citizens Police Review Board, Human Rights Commission, land disputes, and other mediations related to various topics.. Proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community representing children and adults with respect to name and gender changes.

Erica Wilkinson represents clients in matters involving heirs’ property, wills and estates, family law, landlord/tenant disputes, and consumer Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Ms. Wilkinson earned her Bachelor of General Studies in Music, Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Studies from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in December 2015. After graduation, she began working for political leaders and organizations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Florida, with a focus on developing policies centered on racial, environmental, and economic justice. In 2021, Ms. Wilkinson graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.. Ms. Wilkinson holds membership in the Maryland State Bar Association, the Bar Association of Baltimore City, and the Bankruptcy Bar Association. She sings soprano with her church’s choir and returns to Oklahoma once a year to sing with the NSU Voice Alumni Choir, Vox Solaris. She lives in Baltimore City with her husband, Erik, and her dog, Dobby.

Emily Koning (she/her) joined Family Legal Advocacy Group, LLC (FLAG) in September 2022 as a Senior Attorney.. Emily graduated from Marshall University, magna cum laude, in 2010, and then from the University of Baltimore School of Law, cum laude, in 2013. During law school, Emily interned for the Honorable Kendra Y. Ausby in the Family Division of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, and for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Child in Need of Assistance Division. Emily represented clients in divorce, custody, and protective orders cases as a student attorney in the school’s Family Law Clinic. She was also a member of the University of Baltimore Law Review. After graduation, Emily clerked for a Family Law Magistrate in Baltimore City. Since then, she has practiced Family Law almost exclusively, in numerous jurisdictions in Maryland.. Emily represents clients in cases involving:. divorceproperty division;alimony;establishment of custody and child support;modification of custody and child support;contempt;protective orders (petitioners and respondents);peace orders (petitioners and respondents);marital settlement agreements;parenting agreements; andprenuptial agreements.. Emily believes that clients should be treated like people, not like “cases.” People need to feel heard and respected; they should not just be ushered through a legal process. When your case ends, you should feel like you understood the process, that you had all the information you needed to make decisions, and that your advocate knew your priorities and goals.. In each case, Emily’s priorities are her client’s priorities. Clients’ goals are specific to their complex, individual situations. There is no one size fits all approach. What happens in your case may differ from what happened in your cousin’s divorce case or what happened in your friend’s child support case—and that’s okay. Your attorney should help you achieve your goals, not someone else’s goals.. Emily resides in Baltimore County with her husband and children. She enjoys home improvement projects and spending time with family and friends.

Ellen's 20-year career at Collins & Lacy has involved more than 1,000 cases.  She practices in workers' compensation, is a certified circuit court mediator and also has experience in general litigation and professional liability. She has argued cases to the Full Workers’ Compensation Commission, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.  Ellen is a native of Cayce, S.C. and received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.  She has been repeatedly named one of the Best Lawyers in America©, and her reputation has earned her a BV Distinguished rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Each client is important to me, and I believe it is critical to provide one on one personal attention to truly understand each client's unique circumstances. I'd be happy to provide a free consultation to personally discuss your legal matter and determine how to best assist you.

Dylan has focused his practice on small business law, probate and estate law, and medical malpractice law for clients across South Carolina although he has represented clients in Georgia and North Carolina also. He has a proven track record of achieving outstanding results. He has been recognized by his peers and listed in Super Lawyers as a top rated medical malpractice lawyer in South Carolina. He is a member of The South Carolina Association for Justice and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.. Dylan is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He received his undergraduate degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in History in 2002. He earned his law degree at the University of South Carolina School of Law where he was President of the school's chapter of The Federalist Society and involved in veterans service organizations. He has been in private practice in Columbia since 2008. Dylan is admitted to practice in all courts in South Carolina.. Dylan is a combat veteran. He is proud to have served in Operation Enduring Freedom as a combat adviser where he trained Afghan forces in southern Afghanistan with United States Army Special Forces and forces from the United Kingdom. He earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge for his service in Afghanistan. He continues to actively serve in the South Carolina Army National Guard.. In 2010, Dylan was elected by a joint session of the South Carolina General Assembly to serve as a member of the Citadel Board of Visitors. He has served as Vice Chair of the Board and has chaired the Legal, Customs and Regulations, and Strategy, Vision and Governance committees of the BOV. He is a past Chairman of the Board of directors of Hidden Wounds, a non-profit veteran's service organization providing counseling services for combat veterans and their families. He is also a member of the South Carolina Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, an organization advocating strong U.S. leadership and involvement in the world.

Dondi West counsels and represents clients on matters related to Technology, Business, Cybersecurity, National Security Affairs, and specialized litigation matters. As a former military officer, Mr. West frequently represents military professionals and their dependents during Divorce proceedings.. Dondi brings over 10 years of experience to the practice of law, which includes serving on active duty as an Information Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and acting as a Cybersecurity consultant and trusted advisor to Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Executive Branch organizations.. Mr. West frequently counsels small businesses, technology start-ups, and government contractors on all aspects of the business life cycle, including business formation, contract drafting and negotiation, intellectual property, technology transactions and licensing, cybersecurity, privacy, and e-commerce. Dondi also assists clients with transactional and litigation issues related to government contracting including drafting, reviewing, and advising on proposals, drafting and negotiating subcontractor, teaming and licensing agreements, and bid protests.. Because of his dedication to hard work and community involvement, Dondi was named one of Maryland’s 40 Very Important Professionals (VIPs) Under 40 by the Maryland Daily Record, and was honored as a Distinguished Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Alumni by Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine. Most recently, Dondi was the only attorney named to the 2014 Rising Stars List by Maryland Super Lawyers in the area of Technology Transactions. Mr. West is a member of the Board of Directors for INNterim Housing Corporation, which is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, support, and job training to homeless mothers.. Dondi earned his Juris Doctor at The University of Maryland School of Law, where he was an editor on the Maryland Law Review. In addition, he received a M.Sc. degree in Applied Information Technology from Towson University, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Alabama A&M University. Mr. West holds a CISSP certification. Mr. West is an Affiliate Professor at Loyola University Maryland, where he teaches a course titled Legal, Ethical, and Global Perspectives of Cybersecurity.

Dixon Robertson has practiced law in Columbia, South Carolina, since 1984. His business focuses exclusively on building construction. He tries cases for homeowners whose contractors fail to deliver, and for other building owners when their projects don't work the way they should. Dixon has been of counsel to McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC, since April 2008. From 1996 to 2008 he ran a solo practice. Previously he was a partner in Bowers Orr & Robertson, and an associate with Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard. He was law clerk to the late Judge Randall T. Bell of the South Carolina Court of Appeals. Dixon has both undergraduate (B.A., 1980) and law (J.D., 1983) degrees from the University of South Carolina. He served in the United States Army as an infantryman from 1974 to 1976, and is thankful that he never saw combat. He is a member in the American Association for Justice and the South Carolina Association for Justice. Dixon balances practicing law with evaluating and developing software to help trial lawyers keep their stuff straight and try cases. He lives in downtown Columbia with his wife and teenage daughter.

Deyaska Spencer is a native of Columbia, South Carolina but she calls the Carolinas, North and South, home. She attended Dreher High school where she served as Class President during her freshman, sophomore and junior years respectively.  As a senior she served as Student Body President.  After high school, Ms. Spencer pursued her baccalaureate studies at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, SC.. She places a premium on client service and is always willing to help others.  In her spare time she enjoys basketball, volleyball and family time with her family.

David Zwanetz, Owner and Co-Managing Partner, brings a passion for justice to each case he takes. He handles many of the firm’s criminal defense cases, helping clients to confidently protect their future. If you face legal concerns that require the help of an attorney, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and let us work for you.. Dial now or contact Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake online to schedule a free consultation with our Columbia criminal defense lawyers.. Pursuing Justice for Over a Decade. With a loud “crack,” the surly Howard County police officer brought his heel down hard in the middle of the skateboard, snapping it cleanly into two useless pieces. The 14-year-old skater punk, David Zwanetz, watched as the board—which took months of re-gripping golf clubs to buy—was reduced to splinters. David wasn’t a bad kid, but the skateboarding opportunities near the Columbia, Maryland Lakefront were irresistible to a 14-year-old. The cop on duty didn’t seem to care as he kicked the remains of David’s hard-earned skateboard into the bushes with a smirk and sent him home.. His grandparents had immigrated to the United States from Italy and Russia in the early 1920's, eventually settling in Philadelphia. After moving to Howard County, David grew up in a blue-collar household and was the first person in his immediate family to attain an education beyond college. He learned to prioritize education, hard work, and sacrifice to obtain his goals.. Once, when David was barely 9 years old, his grandfather pulled him aside, looked him straight in the eye and said, “We came from Russia to give you a chance. Your father moved to Maryland to advance our family and to give you an opportunity. If you do not take advantage of that it will be a disgrace to our family.” That chance conversation left an indelible mark in his mind.. Immediately after recounting the skateboarding incident to his father, David was told, “no one is going to listen to you. You’re a punk kid skateboarding where you’re not supposed to, and this cop broke your skateboard. There’s nothing you can do about it.”. The next sentence out of his father's mouth lodged in David’s mind like a splinter: “The only way for you to fix this problem is for you to become educated and become an attorney and make sure this doesn’t happen to other people. That’s it. That’s all you can do.” Little did he know, this statement would determine the course of David’s life and career from that point forward.. Dedication to Legal Excellence. Although he battled dyslexia on a daily basis, David excelled in English, fine arts, and sports during his high school years. He spent much of his time drawing, painting, and traveling the east coast playing hockey for the Howard County Huskies and the Chesapeake Chiefs. In the off seasons, David trained and played hockey at Notre Dame University in Indiana.. After graduating high school, David focused on British literature at Salisbury University, where he remained on the Dean's list from 1998 to 2001. David studied fine arts and Italian literature for a semester at the University of Florence in Florence, Italy in 1998. He was inducted into the National Literary Honors Society in the year 2000. While in Italy, David studied and excelled in Tae Kwon Do, fell in love with combat sports, and soon returned to the United States to train and compete in both Tae Kwon Do and American boxing.. David began his legal studies at Widener University School of Law in 2002. During law school, David realized that Widener's Italian American Legal Society was lacking. He contacted the Order Sons of Italy in America (a 650,000 member worldwide Italian American organization), and was granted permission to start his own OSIA branch at Widener.. David created the first ever law school-based branch of OSIA and was duly recognized by several national publications. During his last semester, David was admitted early to the Delaware Bar to participate in the Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, where he focused on assisting victims of domestic abuse.. Facing serious legal issues? Get the help of experienced professionals. Call Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake today by dialing.. Overcoming Adversity. Upon completion of law school, David returned to Howard County to prepare for and take the Bar exam. While awaiting his results, he tended bar and managed at Historic Ellicott City's Cacao Lane. Ten days before David is sworn in as an attorney, tragedy struck and he lost his longtime girlfriend to a tragic car accident not 5 minutes from their home.. Despite a less-than-perfect upbringing, and suffering personal tragedy, David was admitted to the Maryland Bar on December 15, 2005. David quickly progressed in his time with Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake trying a multitude of criminal cases throughout Maryland. In fact, David has the rarified distinction with Jason Shapiro of trying and getting dismissed all charges against a client accused of First and Second Degree Murder, as well as Manslaughter. This case, tried jointly by Mr. Shapiro and David, is the only murder case dismissed in its entirety by the Office of the State's Attorney in this century.. Continuing the Fight. Possessing a fighter's spirit from early childhood and honed from years of combat sports, David began training daily at Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007, under the tutelage of Julius Park and started competing immediately. A few short years later, he placed 2nd in the World Championships of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a Blue Belt. David, now a Brown Belt, still trains daily, teaches, and competes.. Today, David is an active participant in the Howard County Bar Association, the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney's Association, and the National Criminal Defense Attorney's Association and sits on the Executive Board of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. In 2008, he was formally recognized by the National College for DUI Defense for his efforts in the defense of citizens accused of driving under the influence. In 2013 he was named a “Superior DUI Attorney” by the National Advocacy Center for DUI Defense.. Personalized Legal Advocacy. David has found a way to let his eccentricities work for him in a positive way as he fights zealously in court and out of court to protect Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake clients and most importantly, the Constitutional rights afforded to all US citizens. He runs a thriving YouTube channel with a mission to inform the public about little-known Constitutional Protections. David prides himself on his work ethic and dedication to his clients in a personal capacity. He truly believes that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”. Committed to Community & Family. He and his wife Cathy were married in September 2007. In October of 2013 their son Xander was born, and approximately two years later, in November 2015, their daughter Zoë came into the world. On May 6, 2014, on David’s 35th birthday, he became Partner. Two years later Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake was formed - Jason A. Shapiro and David Zwanetz remain the two establishing partners, and more importantly the closest of friends.. “For me,” says David, “the greatest thing that could ever happen to me is some crooked cop violated my rights as a 14-year-old because it propelled my entire career. He underestimated me, and I am thankful for that. Without that, who knows what would've happened or where I would be today. That single event planted a seed of determination in me that drove me to work hard to defend my clients. I think that is very funny.”. “If I were to justify where I am right now in my career, a lot of it has to do with my martial arts training at Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I view being a BJJ practitioner and a zealous lawyer as one and the same. I attribute much of my success to Master Julius Park, who I consider a best friend. We believe that our purpose is to improve our surroundings with the improvement of ourselves.”. Year admitted to bar: 2005. Law School: Widener University School of Law (Wilmington, D.E.). College: Salisbury University. Born: May 6, 1979 Reading, PA

David T. Duff is the firm's specialist in employment law and also practices in the areas of procurement/construction, education, and litigation.. He represents private and public sector employers regarding all aspects of the employer/employee relations and is certified by the South Carolina Supreme Court as a Specialist in Employment and Labor Law.. Mr. Duff also practices extensively in procurement and construction, including experience with bidding, contract awards, contract dispute, and mediation. He has represented numerous school districts as they faced complex construction-related issues.. In education law, Mr. Duff's focus is on issues related to the education and discipline of disabled students, school construction, and school finance in primary and secondary education, and he defends higher education institutions in policy and contract areas.. While he brings his skills as a mediator into each legal conflict, he also has extensive experience as a litigator, including work in appellate courts. He is licensed to practice before the South Carolina Supreme Court, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.. Dave is an exercise enthusiast and an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

Daniel Coble was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended public schools growing up in Columbia. He received his undergraduate degree from Clemson University in Economics. After college, Daniel attended University of South Carolina School of Law where he received his law degree.. After graduation, Daniel worked as a prosecutor for the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office. He was appointed as a Richland County Magistrate Judge in 2017 where he served full time at Central Court on Decker Boulevard until 2021.. Daniel is married and has a young daughter and a Yellow Lab, Jack. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, deer hunting, and reading historical fiction novels and autobiographies.. Daniel is the founder and editor of the legal resource Everyday/Evidence.

Dan Viets is an attorney in private practice in Columbia, MO, concentrating on the defense of marijuana cases. He has served for many years as the Missouri State Coordinator for NORML. He is a former president of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, former chair of the board of the Mid-Missouri ACLU, former president of the University of Missouri student body and former chair of the City of Columbia Human Rights Commission.. Dan was the recipient of the 1993 Martin Luther King Association's "Keeping the Dream Alive" award and the 1995 Mid-Missouri "Civil Libertarian of the Year." Dan was named High Times Freedom Fighter of the Month in March, 2005 for his work helping to pass both a marijuana decriminalization initiative and a medical marijuana initiative in the November, 2004 election in Columbia.. He received the 2005 Atticus Finch Outstanding Criminal Defense Lawyer award from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In January, 2006 he received the Trailblazer award from the Mid-Missouri NAACP.. He received the "Audiencey Award" from Conan O'Brien on the Tonight Show for looking most like the college professor who could always get you weed. Dan hosts a weekly radio program, called "Sex, Drugs and Civil Liberties", on a community station affiliated with National Public Radio.. Dan co-authored Missouri's medical marijuana law and Chaired the Board of the 2018 campaign which passed that law, now Article XIV, Section 1 of Missouri's Constitution. He co-authored Missouri's law legalizing adult use, cultivation and sales of marijuana and Chaired the Advisory Board of the 2022 campaign which passed that law, now Article XIV, Section 2 of Missouri's Constitution.. Dan is President of the national NORML Foundation, Secretary of the national NORML Board, and a Lifetime member of the NORML Legal Committee.