Springdale Lawyers

Jim Hammerschmidt is Co-President of the firm, Co-Chair of the Employment Law group, and a member of its Litigation and Appellate Practice groups. His practice includes a range of commercial, corporate, and employment counseling and litigation, but his primary task is listening. The first thing Jim does when meeting with a client is ask, “What is your goal?” In doing this, Jim is able to determine the client’s expectations and whether we will be able to meet them. Only then can he really set about meeting his clients’ business needs.
Jim has extensive experience representing and counseling clients on employment law...

I am an American citizen and have been admitted to practice as an Attorney and Counselor at Law in Maryland, Washington DC, and New York. I earned a master's degree in law from the George Washington University Law School, with a focus on Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. My legal career began in 1989 when I was first admitted to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as a lawyer. I have also worked for several years as a Legal and Community Affairs Manager for a British-owned oil company. With over 35 years of combined experience, I have a substantial background in...

JASON A. RUBEN, ESQ.
Education: Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law
Honors, Health Law Certificate
Bachelors of Science in Political Science and Bachelors of Science in Communications at Towson University


Areas of Practice: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Government Relations.


Experience:

Jason Ruben began his legal career working in the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County Maryland. There he gained an invaluable understanding and in-depth knowledge into the Maryland criminal justice system.


Jason then began working at the Network for Public Health Law. The Network for Public Health Law provides legal assistance and helpful resources to local, state and federal...

Gary Gerstenfield is a well-known and respected criminal defense attorney who is highly soughtafter for his effective trial skills and advocacy. He obtained his Juris Doctor in 1990 from the Catholic University of America, where he served as senior staff member of the prestigious Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy. Upon entering the bar, Mr. Gerstenfield returned to school in Boston where he obtained a certificate in DUI defense from the nationally known College of DUI Defense presented at Harvard Law School.

Tom Downs is an Estate Planning Attorney who currently resides in Laurel, Maryland with his wife, Margie Lazzati Downs. They have three children, Patrick, Lauren, and Joseph Downs.

Patrick is married,  and is a civilian employee of the US Army, following five years service as an Army officer. He served a one year tour in Afghanistan, during which he lead numerous dangerous missions. We are proud of his service and thankful that he and his team made it home safely. We have a great appreciation for those who serve, and what they and their families do.

Lauren is married. She teaches at...

30 years experience as lawyer--10 years as a federal prosecutor employed by Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice and 20 years as solo practitioner in Oxon Hill, Maryland concentrating in family law, criminal law, tort law (including personal injury/auto accidents), civil rights, business counseling & litigation, and appeals. Reasonable fees and very high rate of satisfaction among former clients.

Michael Fried has spent over 25 years practicing law, and more specifically tax related law. As the principal founder of Fried Law Firm and now 1 of 2 partners at Fried & Rosefelt, LLC, Michael S. Fried actively helps clients by handling bankruptcies, business purchases, federal and state tax problems, partnership and shareholder relationships.

Linda Schwartz is a senior member of the Professional Ethics & Discipline, Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Corporate, and Real Estate practice groups. She has considerable experience in complex real estate and commercial transactions, business planning, executive succession planning, and estate planning and administration for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. For more than 30 years, she has served as counsel to prominent national, regional and local developers and business owners. In 2006, she was elected to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.
Throughout her legal career, Linda has been active in public service. She is a former Assistant Attorney...

Cristen Rose’s practice encompasses a wide variety of commercial & business litigation, with significant experience in mass torts, class actions, product liability defense, environmental litigation, contractual disputes and regulatory compliance. As a member of the firm’s Regulatory Law & Litigation practice group, she devotes a significant portion of her practice to the regulation of pesticides and other chemical products under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Cristen also has extensive experience representing companies that are subjects of investigations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the...

As Co-Chair of Paley Rothman’s Family Law practice and a member of its Litigation practice group, Carlos Lastra provides clients with diligent, thoughtful and effective representation, addressing both their immediate concerns and securing long-term solutions, in arguably the toughest times imaginable. Applying skills honed over a quarter of a century of recurrent civil and criminal trials before judges and juries in federal and state courtrooms in multiple jurisdictions, Carlos employs his rich trial experience to create a strategy custom-made to meet the client’s objectives, anticipate the opposing party’s tactics, and ultimately achieve his client’s goals.
Over the last 26 years, Carlos...

Pallavi Kachoria is an Associate in the firm’s Litigation and Family Law practice groups. She has experience in a variety of litigation areas including general civil, commercial, and domestic litigation. Pallavi also has experience in transactional matters in working with business owners to draft documents and research complex legal issues.
Her passion for the law, the rules, and fairness helps her succeed as a litigator. In working with her clients, Pallavi embraces a practical and honest approach in dealing with their complex disputes. She works tirelessly to understand all facets of her cases and aims to develop a strong relationship...

For more than 40 years, Art House has been working with businesses of all types as a corporate lawyer and litigator. He chairs the firm’s Science & Technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution practice groups, and is a member of the Corporate practice group. Art brings responsiveness and an ability to offer practical solutions to his clients, understanding that his clients’ business needs drive the deals, not the lawyer.
Art’s background in enterprise development, licensing for technology-based companies and assisting both established and start-up businesses in developing legal, business alliance and acquisition strategies gives him unique insight into the real-world problems facing...

Mark Goldstein, one of the founders of the firm, is a member of its Corporate, Financial Services, Estate Planning and Estate & Trust Administration practice groups. He concentrates on corporate, business, estate and tax planning and advises large and small corporations, general and limited partnerships, associations and proprietorships on sophisticated business planning issues. He represents a large number of estate planning clients and is well respected for his ability to communicate and implement complicated plans in a practical manner. Mark has significant experience in structuring and negotiating business and financing transactions, reorganizations and private placement syndications. He has served as...

Immigration Lawyer, Lynn Garfinkel, Esq., has been helping clients prevent and solve problems for eight years. She recently launched Garfinkel Immigration Law, LLC to better serve client needs.Lynn Garfinkel represents clients seeking green cards, temporary and permanent visas, family and work petitions, deportation defense, naturalization, and religious, political, and gender based asylum, and benefits under the Violence Against Women Act. Ms. Garfinkel has experience with a variety of employment based petitions, including intracompany transferees, specialty occupations, professionals, researchers, and more.Finally, Ms. Garfinkel successfully represents clients at consulates around the world. Ms. Garfinkel is currently Chair of the Asylum...

Ron Dweck is Chair of the firm’s Corporate practice group, and a member of the Tax, Nonprofit and Science & Technology groups. Ron acts as general counsel to a number of companies, including large and small corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and business organizations in various fields. As such, he knows a great deal about many different practice areas and applies that knowledge to better serve his corporate clients. His corporate work includes preparing and negotiating a wide variety of business contracts, as well as counseling in conjunction with executive compensation, corporate governance and risk & litigation management. He has...

Retired U.S. Marine officer (infantry), U.S. Naval Academy graduate, practicing land use, municipal, zoning, business, real property, landlord-tenant, homeowners association, litigation and other law.

Mr. Duvall received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Baltimore in 1990. For over eighteen years, he has successfully represented business and individual clients in the Baltimore/D.C. corridor. Passionate about providing thorough and highly personalized service, Mr. Duvall works with clients to achieve both protection and planning for the future. Duvall Law Firm, LLC has dedicated staff who are ready to serve you in the following areas: Estate Planning Incapacity Planning Wills Trusts Specialized Wealth Transfer Trusts DynastyTrusts Charitable Trusts Gifting Trusts Estate Administration Trust Administration Asset Protection Disability Planning Business Planning New Business Formation Purchase or Sale of Businesses Succession Planning Contract Review Shareholder/Member Agreements Business Outside Counsel Providing small businesses with immediate access to legal...

Founded in 2003, Simpson Law, PA provides a comprehensive, compassionate, and convenient way for busy parents and professionals to obtain vitally necessary estate planning services in MD, DC and VA. The standard package of documents provided includes a Will, Power of Attorney for Health Care, Power of Attorney for Finances, and a Living Will. Depending upon the client’s needs, trusts such as marital trusts, children’s trusts, and life insurance trusts are advised and prepared. Suzanne counsels clients with regard to strategies to reduce or eliminate estate tax liability, and makes recommendations regarding asset titling, life insurance, and...

Over 28 years experience with a specialized practice in agricultural, environmental, natural resources, land use and administrative law, providing advice and counsel to private individuals and corporate entities, local governments and other governmental entities on matters including compliance, Critical Areas and wetlands regulation, nutrient management, dredge placement, pesticide/herbicide application, hazardous and solid waste, Brownfields Redevelopment and Voluntary Cleanup Programs, permitting and related litigation and general land use law on planning, annexation, rezoning, Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreements and water and sewer capacity allocation and rates. Represents clients in State and federal courts and administrative forums, including both trial and...

Iris practices bankruptcy and civil litigation as it relates to bankruptcy (foreclosure, eviction, FCRA and FDCPA claims).

Mr. Richa's clients include recording artists, songwriters, music producers, music production companies, music publishers, record labels, television and film producers, television and video production companies, entertainment management companies, apparel companies, filmmakers, professional photographers, promotion companies, restaurants, mortgage companies, real estate companies, graphic design companies, automobile service centers, importers/exporters, interior decorating companies, insurance companies, consulting companies, medical industry companies, technology companies, software companies, image consulting companies, property nanagement companies, retail stores, business management companies, actors, directors, screenwriters, marketing companies, public relations firms, personal and business managers, commercial and music video production companies, DJ's, recording studios, dancers and choreographers along with various...

Michelle Chapin, a member of the firm’s Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Tax and Corporate practice groups, advises individuals, families and small business owners regarding their estate and gift planning needs. Recognized as a Top Trusts and Estates Lawyer in Washingtonian magazine, Michelle excels at providing clients with easy to understand explanations of intricate legal and tax matters. She works closely with her clients to create comprehensive and customized estate and business succession plans to achieve their tax and non-tax wealth preservation objectives. She also helps clients implement lifetime gifting and post-mortem wealth transfer strategies and counsels fiduciaries on...

Debbie Cohn’s keys to professional success are as diverse as her eclectic client base that consists of professionals, business owners, retirees, and non-U.S. citizens. Yet perhaps her most critical—and comforting—characteristic is an ability to explain complex concepts in a way her clients can understand. Debbie’s approach to estate planning is equal parts pragmatic and creative, which helps put her clients at ease with the knowledge that their families will be cared for and protected, and their asset protection and wealth management goals will be met. And her wealth of experience and vast knowledge of the law allow her to blend...

Kevin is a Principal in the firm and considers himself as a true business attorney. From start-up through transition, Kevin serves as outside counsel for a myriad of local businesses of varying size and industry. He is a member of the firm’s Corporate, Nonprofits, Science & Technology, and Real Estate practice groups, and regularly provides counsel in each of these areas, including general operation and governance of for-profit and nonprofit entities, business dispute resolutions, IP and technology licensing and transactions, private placements, the negotiation of employment relationships and separations, executive compensation, structuring and implementing corporate mergers and acquisitions, the negotiation...

Robert Katz is one of the leading personal injury attorneys in the nation. For three decades, he has built one of the most successful personal injury practices. His practice employs six attorneys with approximately one hundred years combined experience as well as ten paralegals. He has obtained in excess of two hundred million dollars in compensation for his clients. He enjoys the highest peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Katz prides himself in having developed the loyalty of many immigrant groups including the Asian, Spanish, African, Middle-Eastern, and many other populations that reside in the Mid-Atlantic region. Mr. Katz is currently a...

Ken C. Gauvey is an experienced attorney in the areas of immigration, wage and hour,family law, and litigation matters. When you have a matter with us, your matter is personally handled by an experienced attorney who will communicate with you about your case and act as a litigator, an advocate, and partner.

When you have been charged with a crime, it may be in your interest to consider hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George’s County from Gracia & Mintz. Attorney Gracia possess prosecutorial experience, and is a diligent advocate who aims to handle each case as if it were his own. He understands and recognizes how much is at stake after a criminal charge. The firm offers 24/7 access, as they believe that a person who is in prison deserves attorneys who will be there around-the-clock. In addition, the firm handles personal injury cases. Call (301) 842-8584 to learn more...

With 23 years of experience, I have represented clients throughout the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia in the areas of family law, Criminal defense, personal injury, workers' compensation, landlord and tenant and estates. I practice in multiple forums including the district courts, the circuit courts, administrative hearing, and arbitrations

Annie Myers is an associate attorney with Cochran and Chhabra, LLC. Ms. Myers is licensed to practice law in Maryland.

Ms. Myers sparked an interest in the law while working as a Victim’s Advocate for the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Domestic Violence Legal Services. During her 6 years at the YWCA, she formed lasting professional relationships with local law enforcement, commissioners, court staff, prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys and judges. She then transitioned from the civil to the criminal arena, accepting a position with the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office as a Victim/Witness Specialist. In seven...

Stephen Drazin is the Principal, Legal Coordinator, and Managing Attorney at The Drazin Law Center, P.A. Mr. Drazin offers over 20 years of legal experience to individuals and businesses across Maryland, including the Columbia and Baltimore regions. Stephen Drazin is licensed in all the State and Federal Courts within Maryland, as well as, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (in Richmond, VA). Stephen strives to offer an alternative to large law firms by working with clients from the initial consultation through settlement, trial, or case dismissal. Understanding that clients require and desire to know all...

I have been practicing law for 18 years and been a commercial real estate broker for 8 years. I primarily represent businesses and individuals with business or real estate interests.

During that I time I have assisted client's in negotiating and drafted retail, office, medical, fitness club and warehouse leases and purchase and sale agreements. In addition, I assist clients with real estate related debt collection activities including delinquent deferred water and sewer facilities charges.

Clients have also retained my services as a real estate broker to assist them in locating office, industrial, flex, and retail space out of which...