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Happy New Year from Silverman Thompson
2025 was a great year at Silverman Thompson and for our thousands of clients throughout the region.
In the last year, we’ve added nine attorneys to our team across all practice areas, expanded our staff, and opened an Annapolis office. From tens of millions in plaintiff’s recoveries, to appellate victories, and high-profile business representation, we’re excited to share with you all we’ve accomplished on behalf of our clients and what’s to come in the next year.
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