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. 

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 

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.

His arrival strengthens an already formidable legal team and reaffirms the firm’s commitment to offering clients strategic, high-level representation across a wide range of complex legal issues. 

Chris rejoins Silverman Thompson after more than six years in the Office of Legal Counsel for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, most recently leading the office as chief legal counsel. In that role, he advised on the powers of the executive branch, oversaw litigation involving state agencies, analyzed legislative action, and assisted with judicial appointments. 

Before his time in public service, Chris spent three years as an associate at Silverman Thompson. Reflecting on his early years at the firm, Chris credits that formative experience with setting the foundation for his subsequent leadership in state government. 

“One great thing about coming here was everyone is encouraged to be exposed to a lot of different types of law,” he said. “You could really sample the field and get a sense for what you were good at, what you liked, where you thought you could add value.” 

That broad exposure and fast-paced environment helped prepare him for the demands of advising the Governor of Maryland, with legal questions as varied as they were urgent. 

“I think what helped prepare me to go into the governor’s office was dealing with a wide variety of subjects with pressing deadlines and large consequences,” Chris explained. “You were constantly fielding legal questions about things that you didn’t have exposure to. You had to immediately learn, understand the issues, and advise and educate those around you. Coming from a rapid-fire, fast-moving firm with a lot of different subject areas really helped me pick up those skills.” 

Managing Partner Steve Silverman spoke highly of Chris’s return. “As an associate with the firm, Chris demonstrated legal acumen beyond his years,” he said. “We encouraged him to take advantage of the opportunity with Governor Hogan’s General Counsel’s office, and we weren’t surprised when he was elevated to Chief Counsel. We’re thrilled that he has come home and is going to provide our clients with top-shelf representation.” 

Since rejoining Silverman Thompson in the spring, Chris has quickly become involved in several of the firm’s most significant matters. He brings to each case not only his litigation expertise but also a keen understanding of government operations, policy development, and regulatory frameworks: experience that is especially valuable in today’s complex legal and political landscape. 

“Well, when you come from more than six years of being at the top of state government, you learn all the little nuances about how things operationally work,” Chris said. “You understand where issues end up, who the decision-makers are, what sometimes obscure but very powerful boards and commissions do, and who the personnel on those things are.” 

Chris now draws on this knowledge to help clients navigate legal challenges involving both public and private entities. Whether it’s about regulatory compliance, administrative hearings, or high-stakes appeals, his understanding of how government institutions function allows him to find practical and nuanced solutions. 

He also sees an opportunity to expand the firm’s footprint in regulatory and administrative matters: “At least when I was here as an associate, I don’t recall a large regulatory focus on many of the cases I handled. I’m excited to stay sharp in that area and help clients engage with government agencies to resolve problems.” 

Chris’s return marks not just the homecoming of a talented lawyer but also the continued evolution of Silverman Thompson as one of the region’s premier litigation firms. His combination of private practice and high-level government experience ensures that clients—whether businesses, individuals, or public officials—receive comprehensive, strategic legal counsel. 

We are excited to welcome Chris Mincher back to Silverman Thompson and look forward to the insight and leadership he brings to the firm. 

For more information or to contact Chris directly, please reach out to him directly at cmincher@silvermanthompson.com or 410.385.2225.  

As a result of Silverman Thompson’s motions practice, the court found that the at-issue arbitration provision “clearly and unmistakably” requires arbitration for these claims. Ultimately, the court granted the motion, enforced the arbitration provision, and dismissed the case, securing a significant victory for our client.

Silverman Thompson Compels Arbitration of Putative Class Action Filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

In Wood v. NFM, Inc., Civil No. GJR-24-02207, Chief Judge Russell of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland recently granted Silverman Thompson’s client NFM, Inc.’s motion to compel arbitration.  A copy of the opinion can be found here.

Plaintiff William Wood sought to bring a collective action, or in the alternative, a class action, suit against NFM under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), claiming that he and other non-exempt, hourly employees who had worked for NFM as loan originators, loan officers, or loan officer assistances, had not properly been paid overtime, amongst other purported federal wage and hour violations. The action revolved around employment agreements that contained a binding arbitration provision that required disputes between the parties to be brought in arbitration.

At the outset of the case, Silverman Thompson moved to compel arbitration and dismiss for improper venue arguing that the plaintiff’s claims were subject to the agreement’s binding arbitration provision, including its fee shifting provision that would allow NFM to recover its fees for having to compel arbitration, should it prove successful on its motion. Plaintiff amended his complaint in the hope of being able to avoid arbitration, limiting his claims to those arising out of an earlier agreement he executed with NFM that purportedly contained a one-sided arbitration provision that would have allowed NFM to litigate any dispute with him in federal or state court but would have required him to proceed through arbitration only.    

Silverman Thompson again filed a motion to compel, arguing that a later-signed employment agreement controlled.  That motion was briefed in full (as is custom, the Court did not hold a hearing on the motion).  After carefully considering the briefing, the Court sided with NFM, finding that the later-signed agreement did control and that the binding arbitration provision at issue “clearly and unmistakably” requires arbitration for the plaintiff’s claims.

Ultimately, the court granted the motion, enforced the binding arbitration provision, dismissed the case, and gave NFM an opportunity to seek its fees and costs for having to file the motion in the first place, securing a significant victory for Silverman Thompson’s client.

The Importance of Arbitration in Resolving Business Disputes

Binding arbitration provisions serve as a crucial tool for businesses and individuals to efficiently resolve disputes while avoiding the costs and uncertainties of prolonged litigation and, oftentimes, a jury being the ultimate decision-maker rather than a judge or lawyer, trained in the law. Courts consistently recognize and enforce arbitration agreements when properly drafted, reinforcing the principle that parties must honor their contractual commitments.

By securing a dismissal in this case, Silverman Thompson reaffirmed the strength of arbitration clauses and the protection they offer against forum shopping and unnecessary litigation. This outcome underscores the importance of well-structured employment agreements and demonstrates Silverman Thompson’s commitment to and experience with drafting sound employment agreement and defending businesses and individuals against unwarranted legal claims.

Contact Silverman Thompson’s Business Counseling, Litigation & Transactions Team

The business and civil lawyers at Silverman Thompson are well versed in defending putative wage and hour class actions in both federal and state court, here in Maryland and elsewhere. 

Please contact Bill Sinclair, department head, at bsinclair@silvermanthompson.com or at (410) 385-2225 to discuss this case or how Silverman Thompson may be able to help you.

Mr. Nachtman, a highly respected trial attorney with nearly two decades of legal experience, will bolster the firm’s capabilities in personal injury, civil litigation, and white-collar criminal defense.

At Silverman Thompson, Mr. Nachtman will practice across the personal injury, criminal defense, and business litigation practice groups, where he will continue to provide sophisticated and results-driven advocacy for the firm’s clients. His unique blend of experience, skill, and client-centered focus make him a valuable asset to the team.

“Kurt is an exceptional trial lawyer with an impeccable reputation among both the bench and the bar,” says Managing Partner Steve Silverman. “His skills and experience make him a valuable addition to our firm, and we are confident that he will greatly benefit our clients. We’re excited to have him as a colleague!”

Mr. Nachtman joins the firm following a successful tenure as the founder and managing partner at Eldridge, Nachtman and Crandell, LLC, where he built a diverse practice focused on civil and criminal litigation. His trial acumen and strategic thinking have been demonstrated in numerous high-profile cases across disciplines.

“I’m excited to join such a skilled group of litigators and passionate advocates,” says Mr. Nachtman. “Silverman Thompson is a great mix of skill, advocacy, and people who deeply care for their clients.”

Read more about Kurt E. Nachtman’s career here.

Mr. Nachtman’s legal career is marked by both leadership and results. A 2006 graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, he earned his Juris Doctor degree cum laude and distinguished himself as a member of the National Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Team. While at law school, he served as President of the Criminal Law Association and held various leadership roles in student organizations.

Since then, Mr. Nachtman has earned accolades for his outstanding work. He has been recognized by Maryland Super Lawyers for the last decade. His accomplishments have earned him a perfect Avvo rating, reflecting his commitment to providing top-tier representation and client service.

Mr. Nachtman has frequently shared his expertise as a lecturer on legal ethics for the National Business Institute and as a commentator on major media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, and the Baltimore Sun. His leadership and insight have made him a sought-after voice in the legal community and beyond. He is also the co-host of the podcast Lawyers on the Rocks.

July 1, 2024 – On Friday, June 21, 2024, Under Armour announced that, subject to court approval, it had settled a pending securities class action in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The settlement closes a case originally filed in February 2017, which had twice been dismissed with prejudice before finding new life after it was reported in the fall of 2019 that the Securities & Exchange Commission and United States Department of Justice had fined Under Armour for the conduct alleged here. That announcement proved the tipping point in the case, as thereafter, Judge Richard Bennett allowed the case to return from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (where the dismissal had been on appeal), reversed himself on the dismissal, and ultimately certified a class and denied summary judgment and Under Armour’s motions in limine. The case was scheduled to begin a two-plus-week jury trial on July 15, 2024.  

Read the Baltimore Banner’s reporting on the matter here. 

            At its heart, this case was about the defendants’ actions in 2015 and 2016.  Through the third quarter of 2016, Under Armour had experienced 26 consecutive quarters of growth, a point that Under Armour founder, Kevin Plank, proudly reiterated as often as he could to investors. Indeed, according to Plank, that feat was shared by only one other company in the S&P 500 and he touted it to instill confidence that, notwithstanding the critical pressure that Under Armour faced from competitors like Nike and Adidas, it was all but assured of continued growth. 

            In reality, Under Armour began to experience a severe decline in its apparel business in or around 2015, as customer demand for the company’s core products began to wane and Under Armour failed to keep up with then-current “athleisure” trends. Faced with these and other issues, the Company abandoned its fundamental sales philosophy of competing on brand strength over price and resorted to lowering sales prices, offering promotions, and liquidating excess inventory at steep discounts.  All of this occurred at a time when its chief rival, Nike, was steadily increasing average sales prices. 

            To preserve Under Armour’s carefully cultivated image of a fast-growing, cutting-edge sports brand on par with the Nikes of the world, it is alleged that Under Armour made false representations to the market about the strength of its growth and customer demand while downplaying or concealing the company’s ballooning inventory, liquidations, and gross margin compression. Coupled with suspicious stock sales by Plank himself and the resignation of its chief financial officer only 13 months after he took the job, the market finally began to take notice in 2017 of what had been occurring, at which time, Robbins Geller and Silverman Thompson filed their initial complaint in this matter.     

            A hearing on preliminary approval of the settlement will occur on July 22, 2024.  If the court grants preliminary approval, it is expected that a 120 day period will follow during which objections, if any, could be lodged to the settlement.  It is further expected that Judge Bennett will hold a final conference in November regarding settlement approval.  If approved, this may be the first case in American history to have been dismissed twice with prejudice only to later settle for close to half a billion dollars. 

            Silverman Thompson was engaged by Robbins Geller to serve as local counsel in this matter. Silverman Thompson lawyers have prosecuted and defended class actions in Maryland’s state and federal courts and across the country.  To learn more about Silverman Thompson generally, or its class action practice specifically, please contact Bill Sinclair, who served as the primary Silverman Thompson lawyer handling this matter. He can be reached directly at 410.385.9116.

The plaintiff argued that contract provision should be voided because it was procedurally and substantively unconscionable, but the Court agreed with NFM that it was a “run of the mill” arbitration provision and that, to the extent it had a few potentially offending provisions, they could be blue penciled out. In addition to compelling arbitration, the Court stayed plaintiff’s PAGA claim pending the outcome of the arbitration.

Silverman Thompson’s lawyers routinely handle labor and employment matters in federal and state courts in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. For more information about this case or how Silverman Thompson may be able to assist you, please contact Bill Sinclair or Todd Hesel who handled the case for NFM.

The case involved a complicated land dispute related to a barn built by plaintiffs that significantly encroached on property purchased by Firm client. In their lawsuit filed in 2022, plaintiffs alleged over $100,000 in alleged damages, dated back to 2016, and requested that the Court declare plaintiffs the legal owners of the barn.

The plaintiffs filed suit against the Firm’s client under seven counts, specifically: (1) temporary restraining order and preliminary injunctive relief, (2) declaratory judgment, (3) trespass to possessory interest, (4) trespass to chattels, (5) quiet title, (6) possession of property, and (7) conversion. Bill Sinclair, Avery Strachan, Kerri Smith, and Erin Brooks handled the case for the Firm, filing a Motion to Dismiss all claims alleged by plaintiffs.

On November 2, 2023, Kerri Smith argued the Firm’s Motion to Dismiss in front of the Honorable Judge Mary Kramer in the Circuit Court for Howard County. After the matter was held sub curia, Judge Kramer ruled in favor of the Firm’s argument that the three-year statute of limitations articulated in Section 5-101 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article barred all seven of plaintiffs’ claims, and dismissed plaintiffs’ entire First Amended Verified Complaint with prejudice. A copy of the opinion is here.

The Silverman Thompson real estate litigation department is well-versed in land disputes and defending claims for injunctive, declaratory, and compensatory relief. To find out more about how we might be able to help you, please click on the hyperlinks above to see the attorneys who handled this matter.

Michael Levin handled the case for the firm and filed a concise 5 page brief arguing that the Complaint should be dismissed because: (1) It was untimely under Maryland’s 3-year statute of limitations; and (2) The plaintiff failed to allege sufficient facts that, even if true, stated a legal claim for negligent hiring under controlling decisions of the Supreme Court of Maryland. The Court dismissed the case with prejudice, which means that the plaintiff cannot amend or refile the case.

The firm’s business litigation department is experienced in defending all variety of civil lawsuits. To find out more about how we might be able to help you, please contact Michael Levin directly or call Silverman Thompson toll-free at 800.385.2243.

The case involved race and religious discrimination claims brought under federal law by a group of plaintiffs against a dining establishment in Anne Arundel County. Bill Sinclair, Kate Sinclair, and Emma Mulford handled the case for the firm, and they successfully saw many of the claims dismissed on a motion to dismiss. After dozens of depositions during discovery, the firm filed summary judgment on the remaining claims. Chief Magistrate Judge Beth Gesner (the parties consented to proceed before a magistrate) adopted the arguments the Firm presented – namely, that the plaintiffs had lodged most of their claims against the wrong corporate defendant, and that any remaining claims failed to present sufficient factual evidence of race or religious discrimination to withstand summary judgment. A copy of the opinion is here.

The Firm’s business litigation department is well-versed in defending claims of race and religious discrimination. To find out more about how we might be able to help you, please click on any of the hyperlinks above to the attorneys who handled this matter.