Cecelia Gans

Ted brings more than 30 years of experience in employee benefits, ERISA and employment law and litigation to the firm. He represents private and nonprofit employers and their plans on numerous employee benefit matters. He advises employers on designing and improving qualified and non-qualified pension and deferred compensation plans. This includes drafting documents for 401(k) plans and deferred equity and non-qualified deferred compensation programs for executives, including advice on compli...

Gregg Viola is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants. Gregg, who practices law in Hanover, Maryland, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregg is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

J. Michael McGuire is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. J. Michael, who practices law in Baltimore, Maryland, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which J. Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian S. Brown, one of the firm’s founding partners and its Managing Member, has over 40 years of experience as a trial lawyer and focuses his practice on nursing home abuse and medical malpractice cases. Brian has tried well over 100 tort cases and obtained multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts. Over his career, he has recovered more than $200 million for his clients through both trial and settlement. In addition to his trial experience, Brian has extensive appellate experience, having...

Jill S. Distler is an associate in the Baltimore, Maryland, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice concentrates on representing management in employment litigation in state and federal court, in arbitration, and before the EEOC and state and local administrative agencies. Jill handles employment discrimination claims, including race, sex, age and disability discrimination, as well as harassment, retaliatory discharge, wage and hour, and non-compete/restrictive covenant issues. She also adv...

Richard M. Karceski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and DUI / DWI Defense. Richard M., who practices law in Baltimore, Maryland, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elliott D. Petty is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Elliott D., who practices law in Towson, Maryland, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elliott D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric Harlan is a dedicated attorney at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC, focusing on Litigation in Towson, Maryland. With his comprehensive understanding of RESPA and Kickback Schemes, and Mortgage and Financial Services Fraud, Eric is a valuable asset to clients seeking legal support in these areas. He has received recognition from his peers for his professional contributions since 2017. Eric joined Smith, Gildea & Schmidt LLC in 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of trial and appellate exper...

Edward Parent is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Edward, who practices law in Baltimore, Maryland, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jason Wasserman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Jason, who practices law in Baltimore, Maryland, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jason is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.