Top best L Lawyers in ZIP 21046 | 90 available

Valerie Portner has been an attorney licensed to practice in Maryland and Washington, D.C. since 1988.* She was recently selected into the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers organization.  She currently provides valuable input on all of the Firm’s larger personal injury cases.  In addition, she continually advises the Marketing Department, and assists with personnel management.  Since Valerie’s training came from the defense side, she often provides our personal injury attorneys insight to the insurance defense attorney’s arguments.. Valerie grew up and was educated in the Baltimore area. She graduated from Randallstown High School, and thereafter obtained an undergraduate degree  from The Johns Hopkins University, and a law degree from the University of Maryland. Valerie initially gained experience clerking for Judge Robert Karwacki on the Maryland Court of Specials Appeals. Thereafter, she spent six years working for what was then Maryland’s largest law firm, Venable, Baetjer, and Howard. Next, she took an in-house legal position with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Howard County.. Working while raising three children lead her to decide to leave Johns Hopkins APL and join Portner & Shure. She remains active with the Firm and currently has a Top Superb 10.0 Rating with AVVO. Additionally, Valerie is involved with all of the education and sports endeavors of her children.  Two of her children are Division I athletes (Georgetown and Davidson).  Her oldest daughter will soon be attending the University of Maryland Law School, and is currently gaining valuable experience interning with the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office.. Without a doubt, Valerie’s input has enabled the Firm to grow and be more responsive to the needs of our clients. Her insight has been especially helpful in obtaining our multiple million dollar injury awards.   Truth be told, many of our cases have been tried and resulted in large awards, due to Valerie saying “just try the case and win.”. *Valerie works closely with both Kevin Ruby and Richard Shure who are both licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The attorneys and staff of Elville and Associates are proud of the firm’s charitable organization – the Elville Center for the Creative Arts. Founded on June 30, 2014 by Elville and Associates’ principal and lead attorney Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M., the Elville Center is a 501(c)(iii) non-profit corporation that partners with local and regional businesses such as the classical music station 91.5 WBJC, Music and Arts, schools, the Columbia Orchestra, and other non-profit organizations to provide music instruments, music instrument rental, music lessons, and participation in music-related activities to and for children of all ages throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region. The purpose of the Elville Center is to improve the quality of life of children of all ages by providing them the opportunity to learn music theory and application, and experience cultural events related to the musical and creative arts; and to use music and the promotion of music-related activities to transcend social and economic divisions.. As most of our clients are aware, Elville and Associates is an active sponsor of the arts through its support of WBJC classical radio and performances. The firm also promotes awareness of the arts by providing clients with opportunities to attend events at The Kennedy Center, The Strathmore, Modell Lyric Opera House, and other venues. Although Elville and Associates has traditionally supported and promoted music in the classical genre, student participants in Elville Center-sponsored educational activities have the ability to choose their own musical paths based on their own individual preferences, talents, and goals.. Your monetary donations and used musical instrument donations are critical to the success of the Elville Center’s mission. In addition to individual and corporate donations, Elville and Associates began its own contributions to the Elville Center in June, 2014. It is the hope of Mr. Elville that this charitable initiative will capture the imaginations and enthusiasm of our clients, business partners, and the community at large culminating in the fulfillment of many dreams and a continuation of the music.. If you are interested in the Elville Center for the Creative Arts and would like to learn more, or if you would like to make a musical instrument donation or monetary pledge, please contact visit the Elville Center online at  or contact Jeff Stauffer, Director, at or via email at  Personal meetings with Stephen Elville or Jeff Stauffer for further discussion of the Elville Center are available upon request.. Elville & Associates engages clients in a multi-step educational process to ensure that estate, elder law, and special needs planning works from inception, throughout lifetime, and at administration. Clients are encouraged to take advantage of the Planning Team Concept for leading-edge, customized planning. The mission of Elville and Associates is the education of clients and their families through counseling and superior legal-technical knowledge.

Sarah focuses on divorce and custody cases and has extensive experience handling domestic violence and child abuse cases for petitioners. She has worked at HopeWorks of Howard County and Heartly House over the last 11 years focusing on obtaining Protective Orders and Peace Orders for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse. She approaches her cases with a trauma informed lens and with the understanding that this is an emotionally challenging and confusing time for her clients. Mulinazzi Law Office is committed to serving their clients and helping them achieve their long-term goals.

Richard D. Shure is a vastly experienced and renowned attorney, providing of counsel to Portner & Shure, P.A. He has been licensed to practice law in Maryland since 1991 and in Virginia since 1995. Throughout the course of his expansive legal career, Mr. Shure has primarily focused his practice on personal injury law, handling cases involving medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, and workers’ compensation, among others.Mr. Shure has been recognized by numerous organizations for his successes and his commitment to client service. He has also been personally responsible for securing millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients every year.Mr. Shure handles many of the initial meetings with clients at Portner & Shure, P.A., offering thorough explanations and honest counsel for those seeking answers. For a free consultation regarding your case, contact Portner & Shure, P.A. today.

Reid M. Weinstein was born in New Hyde Park, New York and raised in North Brunswick, New Jersey.  He attended the University of Maryland where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Civicus Living and Learning Program, an academic citation program centered around the concept of fostering a civil society.  Mr. Weinstein graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Government and Politics and a secondary major in Criminology and Criminal Justice.  After college, he attended the University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore.  During law school, Mr. Weinstein was part of the Moot Court Board, an appellate advocacy group comprised of students with a demonstrated ability in appellate brief writing and oral argument. He also clerked at a highly regarded civil litigation firm in Montgomery County, Maryland.. After law school, Mr. Weinstein served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert A. Greenberg in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.  Following the clerkship experience, he entered private practice at a well respected regional law firm in Washington, D.C. and handled insurance defense matters in the context of automobile tort liability, products liability, premises liability, professional malpractice, landlord/tenant, and workers' compensation cases.  After two years, Mr. Weinstein joined a law firm in Howard County, Maryland where he practiced civil litigation with an emphasis on automobile, assault/battery, defamation, property damage, slip and fall, and subrogation matters.. Prior to founding his own firm, Mr. Weinstein served as in-house counsel for an insurance company where he litigated numerous personal injury, personal injury protection, insurance coverage, subrogation, and underinsured/uninsured motorist claims throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia.  Mr. Weinstein has successful jury trial experience and has tried many cases before members of the bench.. Mr. Weinstein is licensed to practice law in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He is also barred in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.  Mr. Weinstein is a proud member of the Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Maryland State Bar Associations.

P. MICHAEL NAGLE. Mr. Nagle is a principal of Nagle & Zaller, P.C., a Columbia, Maryland law firm representing business, individual and community association clients in Maryland and the District of Columbia.  He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Maryland Law Review.  His Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, magna cum laude, is from Mount Saint Mary's College, where he was elected to the Monsignor Tierney Honor Society.  He is admitted to practice law in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Georgia, and is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.  He is an "AV" rated attorney.. In his community association practice, Mr. Nagle is active in a national trade organization called the Community Associations Institute (CAI).  He is a charter member of CAI's prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers and is the author of two of CAI's best selling books, "Guide to Annual Meetings, Special Meetings, and Elections," and "The Role of the Association Secretary."  He has also written numerous articles for the national magazine, "Common Ground," and is a frequent speaker at national conferences and seminars.  He served two terms as President of CAI’s Maryland Chapter and has been named “Educator of the Year” and “Speaker of the Year.”  He is a past Chairman of the national CAI President's Club Advisory Board and a member of the national CAI Attorney’s Committee.  He is serving his third two-year term on CAI’s National Board of Trustees and was a member of the Governance Task Force—for which he received the President’s Award in 2004.  In addition, he was the 2007 Chair of the National Business Partners Council for CAI.  He has been selected as National CAI President-Elect for 2009 and will serve as National CAI President in 2010.. Mr. Nagle is also active in the community.  He is the Chairperson of the Howard Community College Educational Foundation and its Executive Committee.  In addition, He  serves on the Board of Directors of the Domestic Violence Center and is a two-term Past President of the Columbia Business Exchange (CBX), served for six years as the Chairperson of The Columbia Association Sister Cities Advisory Committee and is a two-time past Chair of the Howard Community College Grand Prix Advisory Board.  In June, 2006, he completed six years as a Trustee of The Columbia Foundation and a member of its Development and Marketing Committees.  In July, 2007 he completed three years as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of The Columbia Festival of the Arts.  He also served for eleven years on the Alumni Board of the University of Maryland School of Law.  He worked with Leadership Howard County’s newly minted  “Leadership U”  program  and  acted  as  mentor  to  two  high   school  students  in  that program.  Mr. Nagle was recently elected to the Board of Trustees for Center Stage and the Board of Directors for Howard county Tourism.  He also worked with his wife, Debbie, to found The Gavel Group, a new endeavor designed to bring together the heads of all Howard County non-profit organizations to exchange ideas, share experiences and better understand the roles of the other non-profits.. Mr. Nagle and his wife provide financial support to many charities and arts organizations as well.  These include The Columbia Foundation, Howard Community College, the Columbia Festival of the Arts, the Howard County Arts Council, the Howard County Domestic Violence Center, the American Heart Association, the ARC of Howard County, Hospice, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts of America, the Washington Ballet, Center Stage, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Family Life Center, the Salvation Army, Purple Heart, the Claudia Mayer Cancer Center, Cystic Fibrosis and Success in Style, among others.. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Nagle served ten years with U.S. Air Force Intelligence, earning two Air Force Commendation Medals and being designated Fifth Air Force Airman of the Year.  He served three overseas tours, two in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and one in Japan.

My legal practice focuses primarily in the area of labor and employment matters. While most of my clients are based inteh greater Baltimore area, I have worked with labor clients that have a national presence.. Employment Claims Representation:  I represent individuals in employment law related matters such as unpaid wages, FMLA violations, unlawful discrimination and retaliation, wrongful discharge and unemployment.. Labor Union Representation:  I have worked with both private and public sector unions.  In particular I have assisted with unon negotiation, grievance handling and arbitration, and internal union governance.. Alternative Dispute Resolution:  I have an interest in alternative dispute resolution.  I have worked with Federal Mediators during labor negotiations as union-side counsel, attended mediation at the EEOC and MCHR to assist and counsel clients during the process, and I have served as a volunteer mediator for the Community Mediation program.  In addition, I am the chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Dispute Resolution Committee for the 2011-2012 bar year.

Mr. Fellner is an associate attorney with Nagle & Zaller, P.C.  He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in History and Spanish in 2002.  After working as an Americorps volunteer teacher in an impoverished area of San Diego, he earned a his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2005.. While he was in law school, Mr. Fellner was a member of the Law Review, and worked as a legal assistant for Professor Shaun P. Martin.  He was also an active member of the Legal Clinic, assisting low-income individuals with legal issues, worked on the staff of the law school magazine The Advocate, and worked as a student assistant in the Legal Research Center.  During law school, Mr. Fellner also clerked for the litigation law firm of Winet, Patrick and Weaver.. Mr. Fellner has been admitted to practice law in Maryland since 2006, and he has zealously represented clients in civil and criminal disputes in courts throughout the state.  His experience ranges across many fields of law, including personal injury, insurance litigation, community association law, criminal felony and misdemeanor defense, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and more.  In addition, Mr. Fellner is admitted to practice law in Washington, DC, where he has litigated civil and criminal matters since 2007.. Mr. Fellner represents clients in the areas of community association law, construction law, civil litigation, criminal/DUI defense, real estate, zoning/land use, corporate law, contracts, commercial law, creditors' rights/collections, immigration, and more.. Contact Mr. Fellner today at or  for a free, no obligation consultation.

Michelle Dauksha focuses her practice on domestic law matters, including:  divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence issues. She is a former attorney at Hope Works of Howard County and was a Judicial Intern to Judge Timothy J. McCrone of the Circuit Court for Howard County.  She has great insight into the judiciary and the Court policies. She has won several cases to include very difficult custody, child support, alimony, and domestic violence cases. Michelle and the Mulinazzi Law Office is committed to remaining focused on each client's best interest and their long-term goals.  With the help of Michelle and the entire legal team and the Mulinazzi Law Office, the Office was awarded the 2019 Pro Bono Resource Center’s Law Office of the Year.. Michelle was recently recognized as a Super Lawyers' Rising Star.. Michelle is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, Howard County Bar Association, and Howard County Women's Bar Association.

Maryland and DC individuals and families facing challenging times in their marriages rely on Lead Attorney Thomas Stahl to provide reliable and effective guidance when contemplating divorce. His clients have come to rely on his compassionate approach to their sensitive legal issues and tenacious dedication to protecting their rights and best interests in any action he represents.. As a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2008, Tom completed an advanced program at the Institute for Family Law Associates in 2012. During this time, he served as the Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Timothy J. McCrone and assisted the now-retired Honorable Dennis M. Sweeney during the trial of former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon. With these experiences, he joined the firm Silverstein & Ostovitz as an associate attorney until co-founding Spencer & Stahl, P.C., in 2015.. In addition to his experience going from a law clerk to the founder of the Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, he has had the honor of being recognized for his community leadership and professional involvement by Lawyer Legion. Since 2013, Mr. Stahl has been recognized by the Maryland Super Lawyers for his ongoing dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of family law and estate services to his clients.. Since 2006 he has been a member of the American Bar Association (ABA) and is licensed to practice in Maryland (2007) and Washington D.C. (2010). He currently serves as Co-Chair on the Rules of Practice Committee in the Maryland State Bar Association.

Lauren is the principal attorney at Oliver Leffler Law, and focuses on family law, estate planning, estate administration, and guardianship. She is a skilled negotiator and litigator, and is trained in numerous alternative dispute resolution methods, including collaborative law, mediation, and Parent Coordination.. Prior to joining the firm, Lauren worked for several law firms throughout Maryland handling trusts and estates matters. In addition to her legal experience, Lauren served several U.S. Government agencies including The White House, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This experience allows Lauren to lend a unique perspective to handling her client's complex issues.. Lauren works with her clients to facilitate long-lasting resolutions for families in crisis. This includes individuals who are contemplating marriage, separation, or divorce, as well as those who seek modifications in their child support, alimony, or other collateral obligations. While the goal is to resolve complex issues without going to court, in some cases that is simply not possible and in those cases, Lauren advocates zealously for her clients’ interests in court.. In working with clients to prepare or review their estate plans, Lauren works with closely with clients to plan for a potential future incapacity and death. This often includes utilizing various estate planning instruments to achieve the clients' objectives, including a last will and testament, trust agreement, durable powers of attorney, and an advance medical directive. Lauren’s comprehensive approach to estate planning contemplates the individual needs of her clients, including any death tax implications their estate may have, the need to preserve and manage assets for future generations, and ensure the overall dispositive goals are reached. Lauren also assists families with special needs children who may need to set up specific trust mechanisms to protect that child’s inheritance while maximizing the availability of public benefits.. During the probate process, Lauren represents clients in various roles, including Personal Representatives, beneficiaries, and creditors. Lauren’s combines her compassion for helping families through their darkest days with her skills in resolving inter-familial disputes to help minimize potential conflicts that could arise during the estate administration process. Lauren has assisted many individuals throughout the state of Maryland to help finalize their loved one’s final affairs.. For families who are struggling with a loved one who is no longer able to manage their own affairs, Lauren provides legal advice and representation in the guardianship process. Lauren draws on her experience and skills to demonstrate the need for a guardianship, and provides her clients the personal attention they need to help them through this process.. Lauren resides in Ellicott City with her husband, daughter, three step-children, and two dogs. When not helping clients, she enjoys painting, traveling, and yoga.

I've been with Portner & Shure since 2013.  Prior to joining the firm, I served as law clerk to the Hon. Timothy J. Martin of the Baltimore County Circuit Court. I graduated with honors from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2012.  While in law school, I served as an Articles Editor for the University of Maryland Law Review, editing scholarly articles for publication.  Since joining Portner & Shure, I have successfully tried cases in the following areas: personal injury, workers compensation, criminal, and traffic related offenses.

I'm a Maryland Attorney who has worked with many families (divorces, custody, support, adoption) and helped many individuals with their estate planning.  I've represented construction companies, a nursing college, hospice companies, an assisted living network, the United States Food and Drug Administration,  the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, the Public Health Law Network, the Center for Tobacco Regulation, and multiple federal defense contractors.  I received my Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law (the nationally ranked top tier law school and second oldest law school in the United States), where I graduated from its famous Law and Health Care Program (recognized nationwide as the second best program in the country).  I worked in the University's Clinical Law program, which is ranked fifth in the U.S. and provides more than 110,000 hours of free legal services to Maryland's poorest citizens each year.

I primarily focus my practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and elder law. I believe that everyone should have a well-structured and carefully thought out plan for disability and death. As a result of this philosophy, I have built my practice by representing a wide range of clients, including parents with young children, parents with special needs children, business owners, retirees, elderly individuals, and others. I do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to planning. I take time to learn my clients' needs and objectives and then develop a plan that is customized for their unique situations. If you would like an experienced attorney to represent you in one of these areas of law, or even if you think you may have some other legal need, I welcome your call and am happy to discuss your specific situation with you.

I grew up on the Caribbean island of Nevis, so as an immigrant myself I understand the complexities  involved with the immigration process.. I studied law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and enjoy working with clients from throughout the world to resolve family immigration law issues, humanitarian issues including asylum and NACARA  and business immigration issues like H1B applications.

I am an experienced Bankruptcy and Foreclosure Attorney.  I look forward to assiting you resolve your debt issues.  Feel free to call me at for a free consultation.

Here's a revised version of the bio:. Snehal is the principal of SPM Law, LLC, where she practices comprehensive family law across Maryland. With extensive trial experience in multiple Maryland jurisdictions, she brings a depth of legal expertise to her practice. Snehal has argued a case in the Court of Special Appeals, securing a published opinion from the intermediate appellate court, and has expanded her litigation practice to include Collaborative Law. She is also qualified to serve as a Best Interest, Child Privilege, and Child Advocate Attorney in Maryland.. After graduating with her J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2015, Snehal began her legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Ronald A. Silkworth (Ret.) at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. She then worked as an associate at two prominent family law firms in Baltimore before establishing her own practice in 2021.. Prior to her legal career, Snehal spent six years in marketing, bringing a diverse professional background to her legal work. She is deeply committed to community service and is currently serving on the board of Christalis, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports underserved children and families globally.. Snehal is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including:- Maryland State Bar Association- Baltimore County Bar Association- Anne Arundel County Bar Association- Maryland Association of Justice- South Asian Bar Association DC Chapter- Asian Pacific American Bar Association MD Chapter- Howard County Collaborative Professionals. Outside of her professional endeavors, Snehal enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

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.

Guy is a Maryland native who grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from Thomas S. Wootton High School in 2002. He received his Bachelor’s of Science Degree at Old Dominion University in 2007. Following his graduation from Old Dominion University, he served in the United States Army. While on active duty, he deployed overseas from 2010 to 2011. Guy left the United States Army in 2012. He then entered the University of Baltimore School of Law in the fall of 2012.. While in law school, Guy was a member of the Brand Names Moot Court Team. He also worked as a Law Clerk for the Office of the Public Defender. In his final year of law school, Guy worked as a Legal Assistant for a Private Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore City. He received his Juris Doctorate, with Honors, in the spring of 2015.. Since graduating from law school, Guy has been in private practice. His practice areas include personal injury and criminal defense. In his spare time, Guy enjoys watching movies and television shows, reading, and running.

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.

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

Becoming Owner and Co-Managing Partner at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake is the realization of a dream that began years ago. Justin first had the opportunity to work with Jason Shapiro and David Zwanetz as a law clerk while in his second year of law school at the University of Baltimore. During that time, it was immediately apparent that Jason, David, and Justin all shared the same values and the same passion for fighting for every client and their particular and individual situations. Justin knew that this was “home”, and it was his dream to one day return after law school to join forces once again with Jason and David.. Upon joining them (Shapiro Zwanetz & Associates) in 2018, Justin’s effectiveness in the courtroom was quickly recognized by his peers as he was selected as one of Maryland Superlawyer’s Rising Stars, which is a distinction awarded to only 2.5% of the attorneys in Maryland.. Being charged with a crime and facing the criminal justice system can be a scary and daunting process. Justin takes great pride in each of his client's cases and works hard to keep all clients informed throughout the entire process.. Justin has years of experience handling a wide range of criminal, DUI/DWI, and traffic cases. Prior to Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, Justin was an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office. During his nearly four years at the State’s Attorney’s office, Justin prosecuted thousands of DUI/DWI and misdemeanor cases, prompting his quick promotion to the Circuit Court Division, where he routinely handled major felony cases including Robbery, Armed Robbery, and First Degree Murder. Justin is now handling these same types of cases, and the experience Justin has as a former prosecutor allows him to meticulously analyze each and every aspect of his cases to get the best results for his clients.. One particularly notable case that Justin has handled was during the winter of 2019 when Justin represented a client charged with First Degree Rape, a felony that carries the possibility of life in prison. The case was not called for trial until over one full year from the date that charges were initiated. Through Justin’s tireless efforts to defend his client, he learned that the prosecution’s case was based solely on false accusations. One of the most satisfying moments of Justin’s career was when, due to Justin’s superb lawyering, evidence proposed by the State was excluded and the prosecution was forced to dismiss all charges against Justin’s client. Sharing with his client and the client’s family that their nightmare was finally over is a pinnacle moment in Justin’s career that he will never forget. Perhaps this is just one reason why one of the Maryland judges commented about him: “Justin has impressed me so much…..He puts a lot of thought into his approach for each of his clients and chose the perfect words to say on their behalf. If I didn’t know any better I’d swear Justin has been doing criminal defense for 20+ years. He is so polished and poised….”. Justin is a lifelong Maryland resident, growing up in Howard County with his parents and two sisters. Justin received his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and matriculated from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he graduated Cum Laude. Justin now lives in Baltimore with his wife and daughter. Justin is a passionate D.C. sports fan and enjoys cheering on the Washington Football Team, Nationals, Capitals, Wizards, and of course his Nittany Lions.

Attorney Sandra Holt is currently a Senior Associate Attorney at MLO/Mulinazzi Law Office in Columbia, Maryland. While her legal experience spans through several areas of law, she primarily focuses on Real Estate and Will and Estates work. Attorney Holt also is a real estate broker, a certified general contractor, and dedicates countless hours to local Howard County charities such as Volunteens, Columbia Community Care, Elizabeth House in Laurel, and various dog shelters and rescues.

As an associate at Oliver Leffler Law, Alana L. Quint represents clients throughout central Maryland, including Howard County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Carroll County. Ms. Quint handles legal issues related to family law and domestic violence, ranging from divorce and custody to protective orders.. Born and raised in Maryland, Ms. Quint attended Towson University where she graduated with Honors and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. During college, Ms. Quint had internships in the Maryland state and federal government where she learned more about the legislative and legal processes. She also spent a semester studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain.. Immediately following her graduation from college, Ms. Quint went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law where she graduated cum laude with a concentration in criminal law. During law school, Ms. Quint took advantage of numerous opportunities to advance her oral advocacy and litigation skills. She was a member of the National Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Team and served on the University of Baltimore's Moot Court Executive Board. She also acted as a Teaching Assistant for the Introduction to Advocacy course, where she assisted first-year law students in developing oral advocacy skills. Ms. Quint also practiced as a Rule 19 Attorney in the University of Baltimore School of Law Innocence Project Clinic for four consecutive semesters in which she represented individuals wrongfully convicted of felony crimes.. Ms. Quint started her legal career with Maryland Legal Aid where she quickly realized her passion for family law. At Maryland Legal Aid, Ms. Quint handled complex family law matters for an underrepresented and indigent population, including victims and survivors of domestic violence. In her first year as an attorney, Ms. Quint litigated approximately one dozen family law cases, provided numerous clients with brief legal advice, and participated in outreach programs to provide free legal advice in Baltimore City.. Her unique background and professional experiences have allowed Ms. Quint to approach cases with compassion, empathy, and a unique perspective.. Ms. Quint is admitted to practice law in the state of Maryland and has experience litigating complex family law matters, as well as negotiating disputes outside of court. She assists individuals and families through some of their toughest life circumstances, which informs her client-centered approach to lawyering. Ms. Quint thoroughly advises her clients and ensures that they are informed and able to make the best decisions for their families.

Amy is the founding member of Providence Law Group, LLC.  Her practice provides an integrated approach to estate planning. She provides clients peace-of-mind, with planning to preserve their life-savings and family harmony for years to come. Amy is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College, The Johns Hopkins University – Carey Business School, and The University of Baltimore School of Law, graduating cum laude. She is a member of the Maryland Bar Association, The Howard County Bar Association, the Howard County Women's Bar Association and the prestigious American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, which has been recognized as a top legal source by Money Magazine and Suze Orman in her book, “9 Steps to Financial Freedom”. Amy grew up in Maryland and resides with her family in Columbia.