Silverman Thompson is proud to announce that Partner Kerri L. Smith has been recognized by the University of Baltimore School of Law’s Baltimore Law magazine as a “Rising Star in the Baltimore Legal Community.” 

The feature highlights Kerri Smith’s exceptional professional achievements, leadership, and service within the legal community. An alumna of the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she earned her J.D. magna cum laude in 2012, Kerri has built a distinguished career in real estate law and litigation at Silverman Thompson over the last 14 years, where she was recently named partner. 

Kerri’s practice spans a wide range of commercial and residential real estate matters, with a particular focus on landlord-tenant law. Known for her dynamic litigation style, she regularly appears in courts at all levels, combining strategic advocacy with a deep understanding of evolving legal frameworks. 

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Smith has earned widespread recognition for her leadership and service. She has been named one of the American Bar Association’s Top 40 Young Lawyers, received the Maryland Bar Foundation’s Edward F. Shea, Jr. Professionalism Award, and currently serves as President of the Baltimore Bar Foundation. She was also recently appointed by the governor to the Board of Trustees for the Office of the Public Defender. 

Colleagues and peers consistently praise Ms. Smith’s energy, dedication, and collaborative spirit. As noted in the profile, she is widely regarded as a driven leader who brings both professionalism and enthusiasm to every endeavor. 

Kerri also leads the firm’s community service initiatives and its Women’s Legal Network, fostering mentorship, professional growth, and meaningful engagement both within and beyond the firm. 

It’s an honor to be featured by the University of Baltimore School of Law and reflect on my journey from UB to Silverman Thompson, and the people and experiences that have guided me along the way.  – Kerri Smith

We congratulate Kerri on this well-deserved recognition from her alma mater, and are proud to celebrate her continued impact on our firm and the broader Baltimore legal community. 

This annual guide is compiled through peer nominations and in-depth research, recognizing firms that demonstrate consistent excellence in family law representation. 

This recognition reflects the firm’s long-standing reputation for handling complex and emotionally sensitive family law matters, including divorce, custody and visitation disputes, support issues, and high-asset marital property cases. 

In addition to the firm’s recognition, Monica L. Scherer was named a Leading Family, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyer in Baltimore for 2026. 

Ms. Scherer leads Silverman Thompson’s family law practice and brings decades of experience to representing clients in all aspects of family law. Her practice includes divorce, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, marital property division, paternity, adoption, and post-judgment modifications. 

Known for her strategic insight and compassionate approach, Ms. Scherer works closely with clients to navigate some of life’s most difficult transitions while protecting their legal rights and long-term interests. 

Under Ms. Scherer’s leadership, the firm’s family law team is recognized for its ability to balance strong courtroom advocacy with practical problem-solving. Whether a matter requires litigation, negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law, the team tailors its approach to each client’s unique circumstances. 

Her team’s practice is grounded in the firm’s core values of professionalism, responsiveness, and client-focused advocacy — ensuring that every client receives clear guidance, trusted counsel, and strong representation at every stage of the process. 

Congratulations to the entire family law team on this well-deserved recognition and remains committed to serving Maryland families with integrity and excellence. 

To be considered, lawyers must be nominated by their peers. Nominees then undergo a vetting process, including independent research, peer evaluation, and managing partner surveys, to be selected for this award. 

William (Bill) Sinclair appears on the 2026 Top 100 list for the second year in a row. He is also featured on the inaugural Top 5 Business Litigation Attorneys in Maryland. 

Our four founders, Steven D. Silverman, Brian G. Thompson, Andrew G. Slutkin, and Andrew C. White have all earned their 20^th Super Lawyers recognition.  

2026 Maryland Super Lawyers 

We are pleased to announce the following Silverman Thompson lawyers have been selected for the 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers list: 

• Marshall T. Henslee: Criminal Defense
• Steven N. Leitess: Business Litigation  
• Ethan S. Nochumowitz: Personal Injury (General): Plaintiff
• Andrew G. Norman: Criminal Defense 
• Monica L. Scherer: Family Law  
• Steven D. Silverman: Civil Litigation: Defense  
• William (Bill) Sinclair: Business Litigation 
• Andrew G. Slutkin: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff 
• Brian G. Thompson: Criminal Defense 
• Jason T. Wasserman: Personal Injury (General): Plaintiff  
• Andrew C. White: Business Litigation  
• Ramsay M. Whitworth: Business Litigation 

2026 Maryland Super Lawyers Rising Stars 

• Erin D. Brooks: Real Estate 
• Andrew Harvey: Business Litigation 
• Ilona Shparaga:  Business Litigation 
• Kerri Smith: Real Estate 
• Nathan Volke: Family Law  
• Megan R. Weaver: Business Litigation  
• Justin A. Batoff: Mergers & Acquisitions

A founding member of Silverman Thompson, Mr. White is widely regarded as one of Maryland’s leading criminal defense attorneys. Over his four-decade career, he has represented clients in some of the most complex and high-profile criminal and regulatory matters in the state and across the country. 

“When a client comes to see me, it’s often because their life is out of their own control because of a criminal investigation or prosecution,” he said. “My role is to help clients navigate through a difficult process and regain agency over their own life.”  

Silverman Thompson’s criminal defense team has a long history of recognition on The Daily Record’s Power List. In recent years, Creston Smith (2024), Brian Thompson (2023), and Steve Silverman (2022) have all been honored for their leadership in criminal law. 

Andy White’s recognition continues Silverman Thompson’s tradition of excellence in criminal defense and reaffirms the firm’s reputation as one of Maryland’s premier litigation teams. 

Contact Andrew C. White directly at awhite@silvermanthompson.com. 

We’re proud to have 11 of our practice areas highlighted in this top ranking, proving the diversity of our expertise and our interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to serving our clients. 

Learn more about our practice areas here. 

We are honored to announce that 16 of our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers for 2026, including The Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch®.

Silverman Thompson’s Awards | Best Law Firms – United States (2026 Edition): 

Baltimore Metropolitan Tier 1 

• Criminal Defense: General Practice 
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar 
• Family Law 
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 

Baltimore Metropolitan Tier 2 

• Civil Rights Law 
• DUI / DWI Defense 
• Insurance Law 
• Litigation – Real Estate 
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs 
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs 

Baltimore Metropolitan Tier 3 

• Litigation – Insurance 

The Best Lawyers in America®

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that 12 lawyers have been included in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Attorneys recognized with this distinction traditionally have over 10 years of experience and have exhibited legal excellence in their specific practice areas.

• Richard M. Karceski 
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice 
  • DUI / DWI Defense 

• Edward Parent
  •  Litigation – Insurance

• Monica L. Scherer 
  • Family Law 

• Steven D. Silverman
  • Civil Rights Law 
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice 
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar 
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs 

• Laura Simmons 
  • Insurance Law 
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• William Sinclair 
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar 
  • Litigation – Construction 

• Andrew G. Slutkin 
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs 
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• Creston P. Smith 
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice 

• Avery B. Strachan 
  • Litigation – Real Estate 

• Brian G. Thompson 
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice 

• Andrew C. White 
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice 
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar 

• Ramsay M. Whitworth 
  • Insurance Law 

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® 

Best Lawyers awards the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® designation using its same peer-reviewed methodology to highlight excellent attorneys 5-9 years into their private practice.  

We are pleased to announce that four Silverman Thompson lawyers are recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®:   

• Andrew Harvey 
  • Commercial Litigation 

• Michael J. Levin 
  • Commercial Litigation 

• Ethan S. Nochumowitz 
  • Commercial Litigation 
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs 
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• Kerri L. Smith 
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law 
  • Litigation – Real Estate 
  • Real Estate Law

Explore our Best Lawyers profile here

Ilona’s path to the legal profession was anything but conventional. Born in Ukraine, she immigrated to the United States at age 15 and originally pursued a career in psychology. Encouraged by her husband to consider law school, she overcame initial doubts about her English skills and earned her J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Today, she credits those early challenges with shaping her resilience and deep appreciation for the legal profession. 

In addition to her litigation practice, Ilona Shparaga is actively engaged in Maryland’s legal community. She serves as a Member At-Large of the Maryland State Bar Association’s (MSBA) Business Law Section, where she helped pilot the first pro bono Legal Clinic for Small Businesses. The clinic offers free legal advice to entrepreneurs who may not yet have the resources to retain counsel, supporting economic growth and strengthening local communities. 

MSBA recently profiled Ilona in its Member Spotlight feature of the Maryland Bar Journal, highlighting her journey, her values, and her vision for the future of business law. We are proud to share the full article below. 

Read the Full Article Below:

Finding Her Calling

MSBA Member Spotlight: Ilona Shparaga

Seven years into a thriving legal career, Ilona Shparaga, Counsel at Silverman Thompson, has carved a niche in the demanding field of Commercial Litigation in Maryland. While her journey to becoming a business litigation attorney was anything but traditional, her analytical skills and drive enabled her to excel as an advocate for her clients. MSBA recently interviewed Shparaga to delve deeper into the guiding principles of her practice and her vision for the future of law. 

Why did you enter the legal profession? 

As I like to joke, I didn’t choose the legal profession, the legal profession chose me. I was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States when I was 15. I chose psychology as my undergraduate degree, and planned to vigorously pursue it until I earned a doctoral degree in psychology. Sometime during my last year of undergraduate studies, my now husband asked me if I ever thought about law school. I dismissed that notion, convinced that my English was not strong enough to become a lawyer in the United States. However, with the unwavering encouragement and support of my husband, I mustered enough courage to take the LSAT summer of 2014. As I was waiting for the results, I applied to the University of Baltimore School of Law, which had rolling admission. Miraculously, they accepted me, and the rest is history. Truthfully, the first year of law school and attempting to navigate the U.S. legal system, terminology, and processes, was difficult and overwhelming. However, with each year and each internship I took, I started to enjoy and appreciate the profession, and I can truly say that I found my passion in it. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received from someone in the legal profession? 

Regardless of the task you are working on, always try to dig deeper and anticipate the follow-up questions that people might ask you. It is never enough to do the assignment you were given. In the legal profession, slight deviation from a specific pattern can produce a different outcome. Therefore, it is important to dissect each problem into smaller pieces, analyze them individually, and anticipate to fill the gaps where people might have questions. 

Tell us a little about your biggest project or passion project related to your professional career right now. 

I am a Member At-Large of the MSBA Business Law Section. Last year, under the leadership of David Cahn and Christine Dixon, we piloted the first pro bono Legal Clinic for Small Businesses. Once a month, attorneys volunteer one hour per client to provide free legal advice to small businesses in Maryland. The issues our attorneys encountered in the past involved: entity formation and management; securities and capital raising; business acquisition; contract review; real estate leasing; intellectual property protection and licensing; and government licensing and permitting. In my legal practice, we receive daily inquiries from prospective entrepreneurs who desire to set up their business practices properly; however, they still lack the capital to afford to hire an attorney. This clinic allows us to bridge that gap by offering proactive support to entrepreneurs who are navigating complex legal terrain with limited resources. It’s a way fo me to use my expertise to help build stronger, more resilient businesses, often run by individuals who pour everything into their ventures. Contributing to their success not only prevents future litigation but also fosters economic growth and equity in our local communities. 

How do you stay informed and educate yourself about the latest shifts in legislation and legal precedents? 

I make it a priority to stay current on legal developments, whether it’s changes in procedural rules, emerging case law, or regulatory shifts, through regular continuing legal education, legal publications, and active participation in professional associations. Being a part of MSBA in general, and the Business Law Section within, I have unfettered access to CLEs and the brightest legal minds in Maryland. MSBA continuously provides relevant and timely industry webinars and legal conferences, where I can engage with thought leaders and fellow attorneys about significant legal developments. Staying proactive in these ways ensures I am prepared to advise clients on the most current and relevant legal issues. 

Describe a memorable MSBA event or product that has had an impact on you personally or professionally. 

Attending the Advanced Business Law Institute (ABLI), organized by the MSBA’s Business Law Section, opened a new world for me within the business law arena and introduced me to some of the exceptional legal practitioners in the field. For two consecutive years, I participated in the ABLI as an attendee and gained invaluable insights into emerging issues in business law. I was especially inspired to learn that some attorneys played an active role in planning such a high-caliber program. 

The Power List highlights individuals who are leading key organizations, driving change, making a meaningful impact in their communities, and inspiring others to succeed. This distinguished group represents some of the most respected and influential leaders in Maryland’s legal community. 

Ethan’s inclusion in this distinguished list is a testament to his outstanding career in personal injury and medical malpractice law and his reputation for providing exceptional representation and relentless advocacy on behalf of his clients. 

Recognized as one of the Baltimore legal community’s rising leaders, he has secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements across personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability cases. Ethan is known for his meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to his clients. 

Beyond the courtroom, he serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors for the League for People with Disabilities, an organization he has proudly supported for the past eight years. 

“Ethan brings unparalleled attention to detail and a commanding knowledge of the facts and law to each case, which enables him to reach tremendously favorable results for his clients.” – Senior Partner and Chair of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice group, Andrew Slutkin.The Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Power List promotes the accomplishments of legal professionals who excel in their fields across Maryland. Ethan’s inclusion is the latest in a long line of accolades recognizing his skill and expertise. He has also been recognized by Best Lawyers as a One to Watch, and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star. 

For more information about Ethan Nochumowitz and Silverman Thompson’s medical malpractice and personal injury practice areas, you can contact him directly at enochumowitz@silvermanthompson.com or 443.909.7487 

Ramsay will work to support the City of Westminster while maintaining his robust business litigation practice at Silverman Thompson, where he serves clients across a variety of complex business, corporate, and civil matters, including partnership disputes and securities litigation.

This prestigious appointment is both a professional milestone for Ramsay and a reflection of our firm’s deep and growing commitment to public sector legal service across the state.

We are honored to continue our representation of Westminster in this capacity and to support the mayor, common council, city administrator, and municipal departments in navigating the complex and important work of local government.

This appointment formalizes a relationship already years in the making. Silverman Thompson has been privileged to advise the City of Westminster on a range of legal matters over the past several years, including serving as special counsel in connection with certain of the City’s capital projects such as the Wastewater Treatment Plant ENR and Biosolids Upgrade Project. Ramsay’s appointment as City Attorney is a natural extension of the foundation of trust and collaboration that the City and the firm have established.

A Strong Team Supporting the City

In his capacity as city attorney, Ramsay will oversee a wide array of legal matters critical to Westminster’s long-term vision and established reputation as a thriving and innovative municipality focused on community, economic development, and environmental sustainability.  In his representative matters beyond his role as city attorney, Ramsay will continue to provide exceptional representation to his other clients, including outside general counsel services, complex business litigation, and employment and construction disputes.

Ramsay will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of attorneys with extensive experience in both public and private sector legal matters, including Meredith McKinnon, Ilona Shparaga, and Michael Levin.

We are grateful for the trust placed in us by the City of Westminster and are committed to serving its leaders and residents with the utmost professionalism.

Congratulations to Ramsay Whitworth on this well-deserved recognition and addition to his list of esteemed clients across the state. We look forward to continuing this important work and supporting the City of Westminster.

A Broader Commitment to Public Service

Silverman Thompson is a premier full-service Maryland law firm with over 40 highly credentialed attorneys. Our team includes former prosecutors, judicial law clerks, public defenders, and veteran litigators who bring a wealth of practical experience and legal acumen to their work. Our attorneys are consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for excellence across a wide range of practice areas.

We are proud to serve both public and private clients throughout Maryland and have built a strong reputation for delivering high-value results, exceptional client service, and efficient legal solutions. Our attorneys regularly serve as outside general counsel, real estate and zoning advisors, employment law specialists, construction claims litigators, and regulatory counsel. This blend of experience equips us to meet the diverse and often urgent needs of public sector clients with creativity, agility, and professionalism.

If you have questions about this post or general counsel services at Silverman Thompson, please get in touch with Ramsay Whitworth at rwhitworth@silvermanthompson.com or 410-385-2225.

Ms. Smith’s journey with Silverman Thompson is a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional legal acumen, where she began her journey as a law clerk and has most recently been named a partner of the firm. Throughout her tenure, Kerri Smith has specialized in both commercial and residential real estate, representing a diverse clientele that includes landlords, commercial tenants, business owners, property management companies, and property owners.  

“The 2025 Maryland’s Top 100 Women are leading companies, creating change, breaking barriers and charting new territory. They are leaders who make a difference in their communities and also mentor and inspire future leaders toward success,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of The Daily Record/BridgeTower Media. 

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Smith has been instrumental in leading our firm’s community service initiatives. Her commitment to public service is evident through her active involvement in local, state, and national bar associations for over a decade. She has held numerous leadership roles within the Bar Association of Baltimore City, Maryland State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. This dedication not only enhances our firm’s community engagement but also fosters a culture of mentorship and service among her colleagues. 

Kerri Smith’s contributions have been consistently recognized within the legal community. In 2021, she was first honored as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record, underscoring her impact through leadership, community service, and mentoring. Her commitment to professionalism was further acknowledged in 2024 when she received the Edward F. Shea, Jr. Professionalism Award from the Maryland Bar Foundation. Additionally, in 2023, the American Bar Association recognized her as one of the Top 40 Young Lawyers in the nation, highlighting her broad range of achievements, innovation, vision, leadership, and service.  

Reflecting on Ms. Smith’s journey, Managing Partner Steven D. Silverman remarked, “Kerri has been with the firm her entire legal career. She is conscientious and dependable both in her service to her clients and in public service. She is a master of her craft and uniquely dependable.” This sentiment encapsulates the high regard in which she is held within our firm and the broader legal community. 

The Maryland’s Top 100 Women award, now in its 30th year, celebrates women who have made outstanding achievements through professional accomplishments, community leadership, and mentoring. The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on May 5, 2025, at the Towson University Arena. 

We are immensely proud to have Kerri Smith as a partner at Silverman Thompson and look forward to her continued contributions to our firm and the broader community. 

To be considered, lawyers must be nominated by their peers. Nominees then undergo a vetting process including independent research, peer evaluation, and managing partner surveys to be selected for this award.

We are beyond proud to have so many of our attorneys spanning virtually all practice areas represented in the 5% of Super Lawyer nominees and 2.5% of Rising Stars nominees to be selected for the 2025 edition.

2025 Maryland Super Lawyers

We are pleased to announce the following Silverman Thompson lawyers have been selected for the 2025 Maryland Super Lawyers list:

• Jodie Buchman: Bankruptcy: Business
• Mark Edelson: Business Litigation
• Steven N. Leitess: Business Litigation
• Kurt E. Nachtman: Criminal Defense
• Andrew G. Norman: Criminal Defense 
• Monica Scherer: Family Law 
• William (Bill) Sinclair: Business Litigation
• Andrew Slutkin: Personal Injury Medical Malpractice, Plaintiff 
• Brian G. Thompson: Criminal Defense
• Jason T. Wasserman: Personal Injury General, Plaintiff
• Andrew C. White: Business Litigation 
• Ramsay Whitworth: Business Litigation

Congratulations to Partner Bill Sinclair who was named as a Top 100 Lawyer in Maryland. Bill leads Silverman Thompson’s business litigation practice group—a team with nine other attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers this year.

2025 Maryland Rising Stars

We are pleased to announce six Silverman Thompson lawyers have been recognized as 2025 Maryland Rising Stars:

Explore Silverman Thompson’s Super Lawyers profile here. 

This recognition honors the top legal professionals in the field of Maryland criminal law who demonstrate exceptional expertise, leadership, and dedication to the justice system.

The Criminal Law Power List awards Maryland attorneys who have made significant contributions to criminal law, and whose work continues to shape the legal landscape. Mr. Smith’s inclusion in this distinguished list is a testament to his outstanding career in criminal defense law and his reputation for providing exceptional representation to his clients.

A former Baltimore public defender, Creston P. Smith has been a prominent figure in Maryland’s legal community for over two decades. His deep knowledge of criminal law, combined with his commitment to defending the rights of individuals, has earned him widespread recognition among colleagues, clients, and the judiciary.

Creson Smith’s ability to navigate the most challenging and intricate criminal cases is what sets him apart. Mr. Smith is known for his tireless advocacy and his ability to find innovative solutions to legal challenges.

“Creston Smith is one of the most impressive and accomplished criminal defense attorneys in Maryland. He has an encyclopedic memory for the law and the common sense to apply it to the facts of even the most complex cases. Over the last three years, he has won seven consecutive murder jury trials.  It would hard to find someone who is this equal to, much less better than, him.” –Senior Partner Brian G. Thompson

Throughout his career, Creston Smith has consistently been praised for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his clients. “I try to treat each client and their family with dignity and respect, I try to get to know my client as a person before I address any of the legal issues of a particular case,” says Mr. Smith.

The Criminal Law Power List serves as a platform to highlight the accomplishments of legal professionals who excel in their fields. Mr. Smith’s inclusion is the latest in a long line of accolades recognizing his commitment to justice and his legal expertise. Over the years, Mr. Smith has received numerous awards and honors, including recognition from local bar associations and national legal publications.

For more information about Creston P. Smith and Silverman Thompson’s criminal defense practice, you can contact him directly at csmith@silvermanthompson.com or 410-385-9100.

Silverman Thompson’s Awards | Best Law Firms – United States (2025 Edition):

Baltimore Metropolitan Tier 1

• Criminal Defense: General Practice
• Criminal Defense: White-Collar
• Family Law
• Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Baltimore Metropolitan Tier 2

• Commercial Litigation
• Insurance Law
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs

Baltimore Metropolitan Tier 3

• DUI / DWI Defense

Additionally, this year, over one-third of Silverman Thompson’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®.

This recognition is entirely based on nomination and peer-reviewed voting, meaning our 17 recognized lawyers are known amongst their peers for being the best private practice lawyers in the region. 

“For over 40 years, Best Lawyers has been esteemed by both legal professionals and the public as a premier benchmark for legal integrity and distinction in the United States. Consequently, being recognized by Best Lawyers is a testament to exceptional practice.” – Phillip Greer, CEO, Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers: The Best Lawyers in America®

We are pleased to announce that 13 lawyers have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. These attorneys traditionally have over 10 years of experience and have exhibited legal excellence in their specific practice areas: 

• Jodie Buchman: Commercial Litigation 

• Richard Karceski: Criminal Defense: General Practice, DUI / DWI Defense 

• Ned Parent: Litigation – Insurance 

• Monica Scherer: Family Law 

• Steve Silverman: Civil Rights Law, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs 

• Laura Simmons: Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• Bill Sinclair: Criminal Defense: White-Collar 

• Andrew Slutkin: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• Creston Smith: Criminal Defense: General Practice 

• Avery Strachan: Litigation – Real Estate 

• Brian Thompson: Criminal Defense: General Practice 

• Andrew C. White: Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar 

• Ramsay Whitworth: Insurance Law 

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®

Best Lawyers awards the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® designation using its same peer-reviewed methodology to highlight excellent attorneys 5-9 years into their private practice. 

We are pleased to announce that four Silverman Thompson lawyers are recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®:  

• Mark Edelson: Appellate Practice, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Real Estate Law 

• Mike Levin: Commercial Litigation 

• Ethan Nochumowitz: Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs 

• Kerri Smith: Administrative / Regulatory Law, Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law 

Explore our Best Lawyers profile here. 

Empowering Women winners will be honored at The Daily Record’s Women’s Leadership Summit on October 22 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. 

Read The Daily Record’s announcement here.

The Empowering Women Awards recognize companies and organizations that show a strong commitment to supporting and elevating women in Maryland. Honorees demonstrate a track record of hiring and promoting women; support programs to mentor women in their organizations and address inequalities; show a strong record of women on the company’s board or in C-suite positions; and establish DEI programs and philanthropic efforts to support women. Judges reviewed each nominee’s application and letters of reference and evaluated the information relative to the company’s resources.  

“The 2024 Empowering Women honorees invest in, elevate and support women leaders throughout the state. They demonstrate tangible, innovative efforts to assist women in taking on new opportunities in business and in the community” -Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record

Silverman Thompson is committed to and has a proven track record of empowering women in the legal field. The Firm owes so much of its success over the past 20+ years to its women partners, associates, and staff. 

“Our firm’s leadership encourages women’s promotion and professional development by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for growth. The pathways for women to advance at Silverman Thompson are clear and well-supported, ensuring that talented female attorneys have every opportunity to succeed. This commitment is not just a policy but a core value that permeates every aspect of our firm” –Avery Strachan, partner and head of the Firm’s real estate practice group 

By the Numbers

One-third of attorneys at the Firm are women, with this level of representation being consistent across the associate, partner, and executive committee levels. 

Two out of six members of the executive committee are women, and two out of five departments are led by women. 

In 2022 and 2023, Silverman Thompson awarded two-year scholarships and a one-year living stipend to two top-performing women at the University of Baltimore School of Law to foster the future of leadership in the Baltimore legal community. 

Recent awards and recognition earned by women at Silverman Thompson: 

• Four 2025 Best Lawyers in America and one Ones to Watch  
• Two 2025 Super Lawyers and three Rising Stars 
• All women attorneys at the Firm are involved in local bar associations and/or hold non-profit leadership positions 

Other notable awards received by female attorneys at the Firm include: 

• Maryland’s Top 100 Women  
• Edward F. Shea, Jr. Professionalism Award 
• The Daily Record’s Power Lists 
• University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law School Alumni Board 

Top leadership positions held by women include:  

• Head of the family law practice group 
• Head of the real estate practice group 
• Office manager 
• Controller 
• Head of the law clerk program 
• Chief paralegal 

2024 Empowering Women Winners 

Associated Black Charities 

Baker Donelson 

Bank of America 

Bithgroup Technologies Inc. 

Bookminders 

Comptroller of Maryland 

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington 

Curio Wellness 

Department Of Juvenile Services 

Dwyer Workforce Development 

EcoMap Technologies 

F.N.B. Corporation 

Fulton Bank 

GBMC HealthCare 

Global Refuge 

Goodell DeVries 

Gordon Feinblatt LLC 

Harford Mutual Insurance Group 

HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) 

Indigo Physiotherapy 

Junior League of Baltimore 

Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd. 

Marian House 

Maryland Food Bank 

Maryland Office of the Attorney General 

McDaniel College 

MD Energy Advisors 

Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group 

Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures  

PENN Entertainment/Hollywood Casino Perryville 

Pessin Katz Law, P.A. (PK Law) 

SAGE Dining Services® 

Silverman Thompson  

Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC 

Towson University 

United Way of Central Maryland 

Windsor Group LLC 

The Y in Central Maryland 

About The Daily Record  

The Daily Record is a digital first, daily news media company focused on law, government and business at TheDailyRecord.com. The Daily Record publishes a print edition on weekdays in addition to more than 25 special products a year, including Power Lists, in a variety of industries. The Daily Record hosts 13 annual events to recognize excellence and provide leadership opportunities. These events include Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Most Admired CEOs, Influential Marylanders, Health Care Heroes, Icon Honors and more. The Daily Record’s Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting and email marketing among other services. The Daily Record, with 136 years of editorial excellence, is part of BridgeTower Media, the leading provider of B2B information, research, events and marketing solutions across more than 25 U.S. markets and industries. 

In partnership with the Maryland State Bar Association – MSBA, the Maryland Bar Foundation considers a reputation of professionalism, contributions of time and resources to public service or charitable activities, encouragement of other lawyers to develop and maintain their knowledge of the law and proficiency in practice, and demonstration of a high degree of courtesy, personal dignity, and professional integrity.

“Incoming Maryland Bar Foundation President Carl Isler introduced Smith, lauding her as thoughtful, considerate and a great advocate for her clients.” -The Daily Record

MD Bar Foundation presents awards, announces class of fellows

Baltimore attorney and past president of the MSBA Edward F. Shea, Jr., exemplified professionalism, civility, integrity, compassion, and commitment to public service. Since 1996, the Maryland Bar Foundation has honored his memory and impact on the legal profession by awarding the Shea Award to attorneys who embody the same ideals.

Kerri Smith is a member of the Firm’s Real Estate Group, specializing in commercial and residential real estate for landlords, tenants, business owners, property management companies, and real property owners. Her practice spans development, construction, leasing, and management across various property types. She is a skilled litigator with extensive experience in federal and state courts.

Ms. Smith is very active in the local and legal community and has been involved with local, state, and national bar associations for over 10 years, developing strong relationships with the Maryland legal community. Additionally, She serves in numerous leadership roles for the Bar Association of Baltimore City, Maryland State Bar Association, and American Bar Association.
Kerri Smith receives the Edward F. Shea, Jr. Professionalism Award at the Maryland Bar Foundation’s annual meeting.

A consistent recipient of legal and community-based awards and recognition, Ms. Smith was notably named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by the Daily Record in 2021, which recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service, and mentoring. Additionally, in 2023, she was named one of the Top 40 Young Lawyers in the nation by the American Bar Association, recognizing young lawyers who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal and community service.

Ms. Smith graduated magna cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012.

We’re proud to see Managing Partner Steve Silverman on the cover of Maryland Super Lawyers 2024.

Steve Silverman, the Firm’s founder and managing partner, is renowned for his extensive litigation expertise in both civil and criminal cases. With a career spanning over three decades, Silverman has tackled high-profile cases involving police corruption, political scandals, and major sports litigation, such as concussion lawsuits against the NHL and NFL. His strategic acumen and commitment to justice have earned him accolades from clients and peers alike. Under his leadership, our Firm has grown to over 40 attorneys, solidifying our reputation as a premier legal institution in Maryland.

“Clients, peers and judges say he’s a straight shooter who puts people first and has a knack for trial work. In fact, Silverman hasn’t lost a criminal jury trial since 1994. But even after decades on the job, he’s still hungry for the challenge of finding the right strategy for each new case.

‘I’ve been a lawyer for 32 years,’ he says, ‘and I’ve still got a lot of game left. But I’m shocked that I still see things every day that I’ve never seen before. And that’s what kind of keeps you going.’”

Read the full article here: The Wolf of Smalltimore