Attorney in the Land Acquisition and Bankruptcy Section. Advise District agencies on real property, regulatory, and tax matters. Act as trial counsel for real property matters, including eminent domain and real property tax foreclosure actions. Notable accomplishments include:-Led an investigation into abuse of affordable housing agreements and filed suit on behalf of the District against non-compliant property owners. Responsible for all facets of litigation, including drafting of pleadings, conducting discovery, and negotiating settlements. The successful litigation ensured that the properties were used as contemplated by law and helped preserve the District’s affordable housing stock.-Created a vacant building receivership program for the Department of Housing and Community Development. Developed the legal justification for the program and drafted a regulatory plan to place troubled rental properties into receivership where they could be rehabilitated under the supervision of the District. -Drafted and revised the Department of Housing and Community Development’s guidelines for the condemnation of blighted properties. The guidelines are used prior to the initiation of eminent domain actions and ensure that the Department complies with all applicable constitutional and statutory requirements. -Successfully defended a challenge to the notice requirements in the District’s real property tax sale statute. The defendants alleged the statute failed to comport with due process requirements, specifically whether a tax sale purchaser plaintiff was required to open an estate for a defendant who died without a personal representative. The court held that the statute was constitutionally valid and that tax sale actions could be maintained against the heirs of a property owner. As a result of this decision, the District could maintain actions against some of the most blighted properties in the city and return them to productive use.

Litigated a wide variety of civil actions, including real property, tort, and insurance actions. Lead counsel for Maryland District and Circuit Court trials, with sole responsibility for case management. Represented a large state-wide utility in both affirmative and defensive litigation. Conducted discovery, drafted pleadings, argued motions, consulted with clients, and prepared witnesses for trial. Successfully negotiated settlements and tried cases to verdict.Advised local business owners on regulatory matters, including licensing and tax issues. Researched state and municipal regulations, drafted agreements, and negotiated with local governments.

Researched legal issues regarding pending bills for both civil and criminal law. Wrote memoranda for chairman and committee members and drafted legislation.