Honorees must have been in business for over 25 years and are selected based on their sustained growth, commitment to excellence, and ability to shape the economic and professional landscape in Maryland.  

Additionally, The Daily Record considers the following: 

• Demonstrated success through growth in revenue or employees 

• Recognition as a best workplace because of employee support programs, showing a high level of employee morale 

• Strong and consistent community engagement 

These pillars have been the focus of our team and mainstays of our practice since day one.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Maryland Daily Record Legacy Business. For the past 30+ years, we have strived to serve the people of Baltimore and the region at large. We are excited about our continued growth to better serve our clients” —Managing Partner Steven D. Silverman   

Here at Silverman Thompson, we prioritize collaboration across practice groups, investing in professional development and work-life balance. This approach has helped us attract and retain top legal talent while delivering consistent results for clients, earning the firm 12 consecutive years of Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces honors. Over the past year alone, we have added 10 attorneys across all facets of our business and have grown our administrative and leadership teams.  

From office leadership to local law students, we are committed to cultivating talent from our Baltimore community. Our University of Baltimore School of Law Fellowship is designed to reward and retain top legal talent at the University of Baltimore (UB Law), the alma mater of nearly half of our firm.  Our fellows apply during their first year at UB Law and are awarded a two-year scholarship, a one-year fellowship stipend, and a position in the firm’s summer clerkship program. This summer, including our 2026 UB Law Fellow, we are excited to welcome seven law students to the firm as full-time clerks. 

On top of their robust legal practices, our attorneys are actively involved and hold leadership positions in local bar associations, nonprofit organizations, and are committed to the success of the greater Baltimore community. Learn more about our community involvement here. 

We pride ourselves on being committed to a high standard of integrity, obtaining meaningful results for our clients, and having a forward-looking mindset in a competitive legal landscape. We are honored to be included in this recognition and remain committed to building upon our legacy for years to come. 

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. 

Silverman Thompson is representing Google LLC in a high‑profile matter in the Circuit Court for Howard County involving the company’s motion to quash a series of keyword search warrants. Google challenges the warrants on constitutional and statutory grounds, arguing they are overbroad, lack probable cause, chill protected speech, endanger innocent Google users worldwide, and impose undue burdens on the company. Our firm serves as local counsel for Google in this case, with key attorneys including Andrew White and Ilona Shparaga appearing on Google’s behalf.

The firm’s business litigation group has served as local counsel to Shell Oil in climate change litigation filed by the cities of Annapolis and Baltimore, as well as Anne Arundel County. All three cases were previously dismissed on the pleadings. Last year, our appellate lawyers Chris Mincher and Todd Hesel, along with lawyers on behalf of all the defendants, convinced the Maryland Supreme Court to “bypass” argument at the Appellate Court and consolidate all three cases, which were argued in the fall. A decision is expected this spring.

Additionally, the team obtained summary judgment on behalf of client Whoop, Inc. in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in a matter in which the client was alleged to have participated in the fraudulent conveyance of shares, and NFM Lending in Los Angeles Superior Court in a matter involving fraudulent misrepresentations in connection with the sale of a home.

In 2025, our personal injury team recovered over $23 million for clients. Most notably, we’ve obtained $7.5 million for a severely injured motorcycle operator, $1.75 million for the family of a tragic construction site fatality, and $2.4 million for a young woman who was run over by a vehicle being driven by a driver who was later charged with driving under the influence.

Our appellate specialist, Todd Hesel, obtained a major victory for Silverman Thompson in July, where the Maryland Supreme Court, in a 6–1 decision, reversed the reckless endangerment conviction of a Baltimore City police officer who was prosecuted for failing to prevent a spontaneous assault by a third party while investigating a fight. The Court held that the State failed to prove the officer owed a legal duty to intervene in an unforeseeable attack, and that general police policy statements did not create an enforceable duty in these circumstances. This decision underscores limits on imposing criminal liability on officers for inaction in rapidly evolving public-safety scenarios.

Additionally, in May 2025, the Supreme Court of Maryland requested that Silverman Thompson serve as amicus curiae, in lieu of the unrepresented appellee, in Clarke v. Gibson, No. 1, September Term 2025, a case raising questions of procedural due process and credibility determinations in the issuance of protective orders. The Court subsequently appointed Christopher Mincher and Todd Hesel to defend the merits of the Appellate Court. Mr. Mincher and Mr. Hesel filed a responsive brief and advocated for the Appellate Court’s reasoning in September’s oral arguments.  

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Silverman Thompson’s position on two of the three questions, remanding the third question for the Appellate Court to “revisit the issue … in light of new arguments raised by the amicus party.” In its opinion, the Court noted Silverman Thompson’s work to support the Appellate Court’s decision, writing, “Mr. Mincher and Mr. Hesel have ably discharged that duty for which this Court is grateful.”

Read on to learn more about our client work, growing business, and community involvement.

Thank you for being an important part of the firm. We hope you have a great new year!

Steven D. Silverman, Managing Partner

Firm Happenings

We’re excited to announce we have created a new role of firm administrator, hiring Lisa Berman, J.D. to lead our staff and operations initiatives. Lisa brings to the firm almost 20 years of operations leadership, including at the Department of Justice.    

Since the start of the new year, we’ve proudly added attorneys to every facet of our business, and have expanded our practice into tax controversy litigation.  

Finally, we’re thrilled to share Mike Levin has been promoted to counsel in the business litigation group. He has been with the firm since 2019.  

See below for more awards and recognitions, from our 12th Baltimore Sun Top Workplaces award to our diverse team of Best Lawyers honorees.

Awards & Recognition

Silverman Thompson has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers, for the Baltimore area. This recognition is reserved for only the top 3.8% of law firms nationwide. Read more

For the 12th year in a row, The Baltimore Sun has recognized Silverman Thompson Slutkin & White as a Top Workplace for 2025! Read more

Business litigation chair Bill Sinclair appears on the 2026 Maryland Super Lawyers Top 100 list for the second year in a row. He is also featured on the inaugural Top 5 Business Litigation Attorneys in Maryland. Read more

Andy White and Ethan Nochumowitz have been named to the Maryland Daily Record’s Criminal Law and Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Power Lists, respectively. These recognitions honor top Maryland professionals in their fields. Read more

Steven D. Silverman was named Legacy Lawyer by Baltimore Magazine. He was recognized alongside 17 other Silverman Thompson attorneys in this inaugural list. Read more

In the Community

Explore Our Blogs

Professional License Suspensions in Maryland

As a licensed professional in Maryland, it is crucial to understand the grounds for suspension, the appeals process, and the potential consequences. Read the Blog

Read the Latest Family Law Newsletter

The family law team breaks down common questions and important legal updates, such as how the Big Beautiful Bill could impact your family. Read the Newsletter

Maryland DUI/DWI Frequently Asked Questions

Senior Partner Brian Thompson breaks down the most frequently asked questions about driving under the influence in Maryland. Read the Blog

More News at the Silverman Thompson

• We’re in Annapolis! Learn About Our Latest Office Opening
• Silverman Thompson Partners with Justin Batoff and Batoff Associates
• Firm Secures Multi-Million Dollar Settlements for Personal Injury Clients 

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

Additionally, we’re excited to announce we have created a new role of firm administrator and hired Lisa Berman, J.D. to lead our staff and operations initiatives. Lisa brings to the firm almost 20 years of operations leadership, including at the Department of Justice.  

“I am so proud of our team for a twelfth year of Top Workplaces recognition. Bringing Lisa Berman onto the team is another testament to our commitment to supporting our staff with strong resources and experienced leadership. We are excited for what the next year holds for our team as we continuously work to serve our clients.” -Managing Partner Steven D. Silverman   

We want to thank our incredible attorneys and staff for this award. We truly couldn’t ask for a better team. 

*Survey is administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. For more information or to nominate an organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.   

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

After years of leadership within the Bar Association of Baltimore City and dedication to the Baltimore community, her appointment marks the next step in her future of public service. 

Learn more about Kerri’s community initiatives at Silverman Thompson 

At Silverman Thompson, Kerri represents clients in complex commercial and residential real estate cases and has expertise in federal affordable housing programs. Beyond her thriving legal practice, Kerri has long been a visible and active leader in Baltimore’s legal community. 

She has held numerous roles with the Baltimore Bar Foundation since 2017, and her leadership journey reflects a deep commitment to the foundation’s mission: supporting nonprofit programs in Baltimore City and advancing the legal community. 

Kerri’s service extends far beyond her work with the Baltimore Bar Foundation. She has served as Chair of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Bar Association of Baltimore City and Chair of the Young Lawyers Section of the Maryland State Bar Association, where she carried out several community service initiatives such as an inaugural Pro Bono Small Business Clinic, expansion of a Middle School Mock Trial Program with Baltimore City Public Schools, and a charity event benefitting Athletes Serving Athletes that raised over $15,000 for the organization.  

Additionally, Kerri is currently the co-chair of the Bar Association of Baltimore City’s National Adoption Day Committee, which is part of a national effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families; a volunteer with the Human Trafficking Prevention Project in conjunction with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service; and serves on the board of trustees for the Office of the Public Defender.  

Reflecting on her path, Kerri notes that the most meaningful contributions often start small. “Supporting public service doesn’t have to mean a huge time commitment,” she shared in her Baltimore Barrister profile. “It can begin with taking on a pro bono case, mentoring a law student or young lawyer […] or volunteering at one of the service projects organized by the Bar Association of Baltimore City.” 

“But, most importantly, don’t underestimate the impact of showing up consistently.”

Now, as president of the Baltimore Bar Foundation, Kerri looks forward to deepening the Foundation’s impact through grants and partnerships that empower nonprofits across the city. Drawing on her years of experience and strong community relationships, she is poised to continue building bridges between the legal profession and the people it serves. 

Congratulations to Kerri Smith on this well-deserved honor and for continuing to exemplify Silverman Thompson’s commitment to leadership and service for both her clients and the greater community.  

At Silverman Thompson, Kerri leads the firm’s community service initiatives and our Women’s Legal Network. Learn more about both programs below: 

Please reach out to Kerri Smith at ksmith@silvermanthompson.com with any questions about her real estate practice or community involvement. 

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 

The officer, only six months out of field training, responded to a call about two men fighting. When he arrived on the scene, he found one individual lying on the ground incapacitated and another individual sitting in his truck nearby. As the officer investigated, the individual in the truck walked over to the individual on the ground and kicked him in the head. Although an internal police investigation found that the officer had done nothing wrong, the State prosecuted him for reckless endangerment on the theory that he had a duty to prevent the kick. The trial court found the officer guilty, and the Appellate Court of Maryland affirmed. 

Silverman Thompson appellate specialist Todd Hesel petitioned the Supreme Court of Maryland to take the case, arguing that the officer had no legal duty to prevent the unexpected assault and that the State failed to prove the officer’s inaction was a “gross departure” from what a reasonable, similarly situated police officer would have done.

The Supreme Court granted the petition and reversed. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Booth, agreed with the Silverman Thompson appellate team that the officer had no legal duty to prevent the kick. 

First, the court concluded that a duty to prevent a spontaneous and unforeseeable assault by one member of the public on another was not among the common law duties traditionally imposed upon law enforcement officers. 

Next, the court found that the police department policy statements relied upon by the prosecution reflected only general goals and did not impose a specific duty to act in the circumstances presented.

Finally, there was no “special relationship” giving rise to duty to protect, as the State argued, because the incapacitated individual was not in the officer’s custody at the time of the kick.

Read the Supreme Court of Maryland’s opinion here:  https://www.mdcourts.gov/data/opinions/coa/2025/13a24.pdf

Contact Our Appellate Specialist

If you need assistance with an appellate matter, Todd Hesel can be reached at thesel@silvermanthompson.com or 443-895-4195.

Our client was tried by jury in September 2022 with murder and other charges related to an alleged shooting.  After several days of deliberations, the jury told the court that it was unanimous on one count but unable to agree on others.  The court, at the State’s request, accepted the partial verdict.

Background on the Initial Trial

In open court, the foreperson announced a verdict of not guilty on second-degree murder, which was then confirmed by all twelve jurors in a poll.  The State then argued that the verdict was inconsistent with the directions on the verdict sheet and asked that the jury be sent back to resume deliberations.  The trial court agreed to the request, and after further deliberations failed to yield any verdict, the court granted the State’s request for a mistrial on all counts.

When the State sought to re-prosecute Silverman Thompson’s client, trial counsel Creston Smith moved to dismiss the murder charges as barred by double jeopardy, arguing that the jury had returned a valid acquittal on second-degree murder and that the verdict further required an acquittal on first-degree murder.  The trial court denied the motion, leading Mr. Smith’s team to file an interlocutory appeal.

Appealing the Mistrial

On appeal, Mr. Smith teamed with his colleague Todd Hesel, an appellate specialist, to argue that the foreperson’s announcement of an acquittal on second-degree murder, coupled with the confirmation of that verdict by polling all 12 jurors, constituted a final verdict that the trial judge had no discretion to reject. Thus, there was no valid basis for the trial court to declare a mistrial on the second-degree murder charge. 

Additionally, because the jury could not have acquitted our client of second-degree murder without necessarily finding that he was not guilty of first-degree murder, our client could not be retried on that charge either. 

The Appellate Court agreed in full with Creston Smith and Todd Hesel’s arguments and held that the Fifth Amendment’s Double Jeopardy Clause barred their client from being retried for first- or second-degree murder.

Read the opinion here: https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/unreported-opinions/1689s23.pdf 

Contact Our Appeals and Criminal Defense Teams

For assistance with an appellate matter, contact Todd Hesel at thesel@silvermanthompson.com or 443-895-4195

For assistance with a criminal matter, contact Creston Smith at csmith@silvermanthompson.com or 410-385-9100

It has been a busy quarter for the firm since our last update. The firm has been active in state and federal trial courts throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic.

Some highlights include:

Partners Kurt Nachtman and Chris Mincher were busy successfully representing Hall of Famer David “Big Papi” Ortiz in trial in a commercial business dispute in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Partners Andrew Slutkin and Todd Hesel recently filed suit on behalf of the family of a deaf man strangled to death in a Baltimore jail in 2022 in a lawsuit accusing Maryland corrections officials of negligence. They emphasize Javarick Gantt’s disability left him unable to signal for help, and that he was wrongly placed with a volatile, violent cellmate awaiting trial for a separate murder. The family seeks over $50 million in damages. Read the national coverage here.

Our criminal defense team has won acquittals in jury trials in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and Baltimore County and has not lost a jury trial in recent memory. Learn more about our state and federal criminal defense practice areas.

Partner Ramsay Whitworth, co-leader of the firm’s business law department, has been officially appointed as the city attorney for the City of Westminster, Maryland. Ramsay will work to support the City of Westminster while maintaining his robust business litigation practice at Silverman Thompson, where he serves clients across civil matters.

Please reach out to our team if you have any questions about the cases featured in this newsletter. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Steven D. Silverman, Managing Partner

Welcoming Our Newest Team Members

This spring, we had the exciting opportunity to bring on a group of new attorneys, staff members, and law clerks, and we can’t wait to introduce some of them to you.

We’re proud to announce the expansion of Monica Scherer’s family law practice with the addition of two experienced attorneys, Nathan Volke and Rian Wieser. This exciting development reinforces the firm’s continued commitment to providing exceptional representation to individuals and families navigating sensitive and complex legal matters. Read More Here

We’re excited to share that Christopher Mincher has returned to Silverman Thompson as a partner, bringing with him more than six years in the Office of Legal Counsel for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, most recently leading the office as chief legal counsel. Read More Here

Justin A. Batoff of Batoff Associates, P.A. has become affiliated with our firm, bringing deep experience advising startups, emerging companies, and established private and family-owned businesses on a broad range of transactional and corporate matters. This addition marks Silverman Thompson’s expansion into transactional and corporate law services, complementing its established litigation practice. Learn More About Our Partnership

Each year, Silverman Thompson honors one first-year student from the University of Baltimore School of Law to cultivate local talent from the Baltimore community and retain top talent at the firm.

We’re thrilled to introduce our 2025 UB Law Fellow, Tyler Konigsberg. Join us in welcoming Tyler and our cohort of six UB Law summer clerks. Learn More About the Fellowship and Our Summer Clerkship Program

A Look into Our Civil Litigation Practice

• Silverman Thompson’s business litigation team recently secured a significant and highly unusual sanction in a complex real estate investment fraud case pending in circuit court. The court granted our request to prohibit the defendant—an individual at the center of an extensive real estate fraud scheme—from introducing any testimony or evidence at trial. This extraordinary remedy is rarely granted and underscores the seriousness of the defendant’s discovery misconduct. Read more about the case here.

• Mark Edelson, Pierce Murphy, and Mike Levin represented a former NFL player in defense of garnishment actions in Georgia and Virginia that froze a significant amount of our client’s assets.

• Silverman Thompson secured summary judgment for Whoop Connect, Inc. in a case alleging the company received funds tied to improper kickbacks. The court found no evidence that Whoop knew or should have known the funds were improperly obtained, rejecting claims of fraudulent conveyance and unjust enrichment. Bill Sinclair argued the motion for Whoop.

Judgments in Commercial Litigation

So far in 2025, the firm has recovered:

• $7.5 million – Settled on behalf of the injured party in a motorcycle collision – Read More Here

• $3 million – Defeated motions to vacate confessed judgments by two companies and an individual in Virginia state court

• $3 million – Obtained judgment against parent company of multiple travel businesses in Virginia state court

• $1.7 million – Settled on the behalf of the parents of the deceased in a construction accident – Read More Here

• $1 million – Resolved Baltimore County car crash with extensive injuries to an elderly woman

• $1 million – Obtained judgment against publicly traded company and three affiliates in Virginia state court
• $100k– Obtained judgment in favor of equipment finance company and against business and four individuals in Virginia federal court

• Confidential six-figure settlement – Obtained settlement for an international creditor of local property management companies and owners in Maryland state court

• Confidential amount – obtained order in bankruptcy court, allowing full payment to secured creditor of real estate portfolio following several years’ litigation

Explore Our Legal Blogs

Professional License Suspensions in Maryland

If you are a licensed professional in Maryland, it is crucial to understand the grounds for suspension, the appeals process, and the potential consequences. Read the Blog

Popular Topics in Family Law

The family law team breaks down common questions and important legal updates on our divorce lawyer blog. Read the Blog

Maryland DUI/DWI Frequently Asked Questions

Senior Partner Brian Thompson analyzes the most frequently asked questions about driving under the influence in Maryland. Read the Blog

More News at the Firm

• We’re in Annapolis! Learn About Our Latest Office Opening
• Silverman Thompson Partners with Justin Batoff and Batoff Associates
• Firm Secures Multi-Million Dollar Settlements for Personal Injury Clients 

$7.5 Million Settlement in Catastrophic Motorcycle Collision 

In June 2025, Silverman Thompson successfully resolved a catastrophic motorcycle collision case for $7,500,000. 

The case involved a motorcyclist who suffered life-altering injuries after being struck by a vehicle. The magnitude of the settlement reflects the severity of the client’s condition and the need for lifelong care, services, and equipment. The resolution ensures that the client will have access to the support and care he needs to manage the devastating aftermath of the collision. 

$1.75 Million Settlement in Tragic Construction Site Fatality 

Silverman Thompson also obtained justice for the grieving family of a 22-year-old construction worker who was tragically killed on the job. 

On July 12, 2023, the worker was part of a paving crew on Falls Road in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore City. While placing a temporary line on a newly paved portion of the roadway, he was run over by a 9,000-pound compacting asphalt roller. The heavy equipment, operated by an untrained and unqualified coworker, backed over him starting at his feet and continuing until his skull was crushed. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Following a detailed investigation, Silverman Thompson discovered multiple safety violations. The roller lacked a functioning backup alarm, horn, visual strobe, and an owner’s manual. The equipment had been rented to the victim’s employer, who failed to follow basic safety standards. 

The case was filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and litigated for over a year. On behalf of the victim’s parents, the firm brought claims for wrongful death and a survival action based on the young man’s conscious pain and suffering. The matter was resolved during private mediation three months before trial for $1,750,000: a fantastic result given Maryland’s unfair cap on non-economic damages. 

News coverage of the incident: 

• WBAL 
• WMAR2 News 
• The Baltimore Banner 
• Fox Baltimore 
• WBAL-TV

About Our Personal Injury Team 

Silverman Thompson’s personal injury team is known for handling the most serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic. Our attorneys bring decades of litigation experience, an aggressive approach to discovery and trial, and a compassionate dedication to helping families rebuild after tragedy. 

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious injury due to another’s negligence, visit our personal injury practice page or contact us today for a confidential consultation. 

This addition marks Silverman Thompson’s expansion into transactional and corporate law services, complementing its established litigation practice.

Read the Baltimore Business Journal’s reporting here.

Founded in1990, Batoff Associates has earned a strong reputation for its dedication to personalized, sophisticated counsel for a broad spectrum of the business community, including major Maryland entities. The firm’s legacy is built on helping business and individuals navigate sensitive legal issues with care and precision: areas that complement Silverman Thompson’s robust litigation practices.

“This relationship with Justin and Batoff Associates greatly expands the range of services we can offer our clients,” said Managing Partner Steve Silverman. “Justin’s exceptional transactional experience fills a critical need for our clients, complementing our litigation strength to deliver practical, ironclad solutions at every stage of a business’s life cycle. This partnership strengthens the full-service approach that sets Silverman Thompson apart.”

“Joining forces with Silverman Thompson allows me to offer my clients the deep resources and bench strength of one of the region’s premier firms, while maintaining the personalized service they expect,” Justin Batoff shared. “I’m excited to collaborate with their team and look forward to helping our clients achieve their goals with comprehensive legal support.”

We are excited for the opportunities this relationship will create for our clients, now and in the years to come.

Justin Batoff can be reached at jbatoff@silvermanthompson.com or 410.864.6212.

With the recent additions of attorney Christopher Mincher, former chief legal counsel to Governor Larry Hogan, and family law attorney Nathan Volke, expanding to a brick-and-mortar presence in the state capital was a natural next step. 

The firm already maintains a substantial presence in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County and is proud to deepen its commitment to the region. This new Annapolis office complements Silverman Thompson’s existing locations in Baltimore, Towson, and Washington, D.C. 

“Opening our doors in Annapolis allows us to better serve our clients where they live and work,” said Managing Partner Steven D. Silverman. “We are dedicated to making our services as accessible and responsive as possible for the communities we proudly represent.” 

Chris Mincher Anchors New Office

Partner Christopher Mincher is now based in our Annapolis office. A trusted advisor with deep roots in the city, Chris served as chief legal counsel to Governor Larry Hogan and has spent his career advising government officials and private clients on matters involving regulatory compliance, administrative law, and litigation. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and an active member of the local community, Chris brings unmatched insight and connections within Maryland’s legal and governmental landscape. 

“Annapolis is not just my hometown – it’s an obvious place to expand Silverman Thompson’s strong ties to Maryland politics, deep experience with government issues, and growing presence in the Anne Arundel courthouse and legal scene,” said Chris Mincher. 

 “The office will be a hub for serving clients with State matters and statewide concerns, as well as local clients looking for top-notch, high-level representation conveniently located right here where they are.” 

Nathan Volke Expands Regional Reach

Counsel Nathan Volke will also work from the Annapolis office as needed to serve his Anne Arundel County clients. In addition to his thriving law practice, Nathan is a dedicated public servant and a current member of the Anne Arundel County Council. He is well known for his work in local government, community engagement, and his experience navigating complex family law matters in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. His presence further strengthens the firm’s ties to the region. 

“Having spent most of my career in Annapolis, both as an attorney and an elected official, I am thrilled to be a part of the Silverman Thompson team’s growth into our State’s Capital,” said Nathan Volke.  

Visit Silverman Thompson in Annapolis

We hope this new office provides our clients with peace of mind and ease of access, offering an alternative to traveling downtown. All our attorneys are available to meet with clients in this welcoming space, conveniently located in the heart of Annapolis. 

You can find us at our other locations here. 

For more information, please contact us. 

To reach Chris Mincher directly regarding services in the Annapolis area, please visit his profile. 

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.

Born and raised in Maryland, Tyler joins the Silverman Thompson as a rising 2L after graduating from Babson College magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration. 

Each year, Silverman Thompson honors one first-year student from UB Law to cultivate local talent from the Baltimore community and retain top talent at the firm. At the end of their first year, fellows are awarded a two-year scholarship, a one-year fellowship stipend, and a position in the firm’s summer associate and law clerk programs.  

“Tyler is an extremely intelligent person who has proven that he, academically, is in the top tier of all students. I expect he will perform at a level beyond his years in education,” says program founder and Managing Partner Steve Silverman.   

“I’m looking forward to getting as much hands-on opportunity as I can,” said Tyler, who is interested in pursuing a career in business and civil litigation. 

“Silverman Thompson has represented NFL and NHL players, the mayor, and everything in between. It seems like a really good fit because I want to have the opportunity to put my business background and my law background together,” he continued. 

Silverman Thompson and UB Law have a long-standing relationship, with many Silverman Thompson attorneys having graduated from the school and established their legal careers in Baltimore. The application process for the fellowship is rigorous, and Silverman Thompson is proud to award this opportunity to the top-performing applicant each year. Through the fellowship, firm leadership continuously fosters the next generation of legal talent in Baltimore through both financial support and mentorship. 

“I’ve heard time and time again that students who go to [UB Law] want to practice in Baltimore,” Tyler continued. Through this fellowship and his upcoming summer clerkship, he looks forward to the opportunities for mentorship from notable UB Law alumni like senior leadership Steve Silverman, Brian Thompson, and Monica Scherer.  

Tyler joins our 2025 summer associate program alongside 2024 fellow William Cellitto.

Any University of Baltimore 1L students interested in the fellowship should inquire with the Law Career Development Office or contact Andrew Slutkin at aslutkin@silvermanthompson.com.

Led by Senior Partner Monica Scherer, our family law department has earned a reputation for excellence across Maryland. Known for her pragmatic approach, deep legal acumen, and compassionate advocacy, Monica has long been recognized as one of the most respected family law attorneys in the state. 

“Monica Scherer is one of the most talented family lawyers in Maryland,” said Managing Partner Steve Silverman. “She’s extremely pragmatic, reasonable, and effective—so much so that she regretfully must turn away individuals seeking her assistance. Expanding her department allows us to serve more clients while maintaining the high standard of excellence that Monica has established.” 

Silverman Thompson’s family law team handles a wide array of matters, including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, property division, prenuptial agreements, and other related issues. The team works tirelessly to help clients move forward with stability, fairness, and dignity. With the addition of Nathan Volke and Rian Wieser, the department now has more capacity to offer skilled, tailored representation to more clients across the region. 

Welcoming Nathan Volke 

Nathan Volke joins the firm with over a decade of experience advocating for families across Maryland. He brings with him a deep well of legal knowledge, extensive trial experience, and a strong connection to the communities he serves. 

“Prior to Nathan joining Silverman Thompson, I had only known him as a formidable opponent,” said Monica Scherer. “I feel extremely lucky to now have Nathan’s talents on our team. He’s spent nearly 15 years helping families through tough times with a mix of skill, heart, and determination. His experience in the courtroom along with his community involvement make him an asset to our team and to the clients we serve.” 

In addition to his family law practice, Nathan has served on the Anne Arundel County Council, where he focused on policies affecting families and public safety. His combination of litigation skills and public service provides a unique and valuable perspective that benefits both clients and colleagues. 

Introducing Rian Wieser 

Also joining the team is attorney Rian Wieser, whose impressive background includes a commitment to justice for underserved populations. Before entering private practice, Rian was an attorney at the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), where she advocated for survivors and developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed legal services. 

“I am thrilled to have Rian join our team,” said Monica Scherer. “Her depth in family law is matched by her compassion and commitment to justice, particularly through her experience with some of the most vulnerable clients during her time at MCASA. Rian brings not only strong courtroom advocacy and writing skills, but also a trauma-informed approach that makes her an invaluable advocate for clients navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.” 

Rian’s approach ensures that clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process. 

A Robust Family Law Practice

Nathan and Rian join Monica and Associate Erin Brooks to form the largest family law team in Silverman Thompson’s history.  

“With the addition of Rian and Nathan, we are not just expanding our team—we are strengthening our ability to serve our clients with greater depth, broaden our scope of specialized services, and increase responsiveness,” said Monica Scherer. “As our team expands, so does our commitment to delivering exceptional legal support to our clients as they navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions.” 

At Silverman Thompson, we understand that family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally charged. With an expanded team that combines legal strength, compassion, and a client-first mentality, we are more equipped than ever to guide families through these difficult periods with skill, integrity, and care. 

The family law team can be reached toll-free at 800.385.2243.