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Congratulations to our Leading Lawyers and Up and Coming Lawyers of 2023

What’s Up? Annapolis Magazine’s “Leading Lawyer” and “Up & Coming Lawyers” of 2023 have been published! HBD is proud to announce  our Annapolis attorneys that were recognized as 2023 “Leading Lawyers”, as well as our “Up and Coming Lawyers”: Sarah E Brown, Lauren A. Torggler, Carla M. Poole and Katie L. D’Entremont. Head on over to What’s Up Annapolis to read more about our accomplished Annapolis Attorneys!  HBD_LLP_523_Ann (6)

Sarah E. Brown Admitted as Partner

Hillman Brown & Darrow takes pleasure in announcing that Sarah E. Brown is now a partner in the firm. After graduating from American University Washington College of Law and passing the Maryland Bar, Sarah clerked for the Honorable Cathleen M. Vitale, at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court and immediately joined the firm in December 2016.

For the past six years, Sarah’s emphasis in her practice of law has been representing clients in family law matters, as well as divorce, custody and separation issues, adoptions, guardianships, landlord tenant disputes, civil litigation, and liquor licenses.

Sarah is an active member of the community and, as a lifelong Annapolitan, is very passionate about her city. She currently serves as the President of GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center providing free therapeutic and education programming for individuals with Down Syndrome and devotes additional time to volunteering with various local organizations.

When not in the courtroom or volunteering, Sarah enjoys paddleboarding with her dog Piper, mastering racket sports, cheering on UMD basketball, trying new local restaurants, and traveling.

Four Hillman, Brown & Darrow Attorneys Recognized by Maryland Super Lawyers

Maryland Super Lawyers has recognized four of our Annapolis attorneys as  2023 Maryland Super Lawyers. The Super Lawyers distinction is based on a peer balloting process involving attorneys from across Maryland. Nominees are then researched and evaluated using a complex, patented selection process. The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state.

M. Evelyn Spurgin and Jonathan E. Pasterick are HBD’s 2023 Super Lawyers. And  Lauren A. Torggler and Sarah E. Brown are our 2023 Rising Stars. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state and candidates must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.

HBD Leading Lawyers 2022-2023

Read more about our 2022-2023 Leading Lawyers here.

NAFLA Top Ten Ranking 2022

The Capital Gazette’s Readers Choose Hillman, Brown & Darrow as Best Attorneys, 2nd Year in a Row

Hillman, Brown & Darrow is honored to be named the Best Attorneys again for 2022! Thank you to all those who voted for us here. It is an honor serving you.

What’s Up Annapolis Recognizes Ten Hillman, Brown & Darrow Attorneys as 2022 Leading Lawyers

What’s Up? Annapolis Magazine’s “Leading Lawyer” survey results are in! HBD is proud to announce that ten of our Annapolis attorneys were distinguished as 2022 “Leading Lawyers” in their respective practice areas. Head on over to What’s Up Annapolis to read more.

HBD 2022 Maryland Super Lawyers

We are proud to announce our 2022 Maryland Super Lawyers. The Super Lawyers distinction is based on a peer balloting process involving attorneys from across Maryland. Nominees are then researched and evaluated using a complex, patented selection process. The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state. For the eighth consecutive year, M. Evelyn Spurgin was selected, as well as Jonathan E. Pasterick. For the third consecutive year,  Lauren A. Torggler was nominated as a Rising Star, as well as Sarah E. Brown. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state and candidates must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.

The Capital Gazette’s Readers Choose Hillman, Brown & Darrow as 2021 Best Attorneys

Read more here.

HBD Leading Lawyers 2021-2022

Read more about our Leading Lawyers here, as we reflect upon the last year and how we successfully adapted to a changing world.

Carla M. Poole and Sarah E. Brown Nominated as Up and Coming Lawyers by What’s Up Annapolis

HBD is honored to announce that Carla M. Poole and Sarah E. Brown have been recognized as Up and Coming Lawyers of 2021. Featured in What’s Up Annapolis, these aspiring young professionals were nominated for their achievements and diligence. Read more about them below.

Brian D. Lyman Admitted as Partner

Hillman Brown & Darrow takes pleasure in announcing that Brian D. Lyman has been made a partner in the firm. Mr. Lyman joined our law firm as a law clerk in 2000 while still attending The George Washington University Law School. After graduating law school and passing the Maryland Bar, Brian became an associate with the firm. Since joining the firm, he has been admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, before the United States District Court for Maryland, and United States Bankruptcy Court for Maryland.  He was also specially admitted to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Chicago) and United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Columbus) for complex litigations involving trade secrets, intellectual property, insurance, and financing contracts.

For the past 18 years, Brian’s emphasis in his practice of law has been representing clients to obtain liquor licenses and practicing in the collections, construction, real estate, commercial and corporate areas.

Mr. Lyman is an active member of the community. He currently serves as a board member of the Annapolis Waterfront and Sailing Center, served at various times as Treasurer, Commodore and Rear Commodore of Round Bay Sailing Association and serves on the Sherwood Forest Club’s Bylaws Committee.

When he is not in the courtroom, Mr. Lyman sails on the Severn River, golfs, and enjoys family activities with his wife and their 5 children.

Sarah E. Brown Nominated as a 2020 Leading Woman by The Daily Record

We are proud to announce our very own Sarah E. Brown as part of the 2020 group of Leading Women nominated by The Daily Record. The Leading Women awards honor women who are 40 or younger for the accomplishments made so far in their careers. “This year’s Leading Women are professionally accomplished, involved in their communities and committed to making a difference and inspiring change,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, group publisher of The Daily Record. “They are the next generation of leaders in Maryland, and The Daily Record is pleased to recognize their achievements.” Access the full publication here to see the many accomplishments of these young women.

Marietta B. Warren and Lauren A. Torggler Rated as Maryland Super Lawyers for 2nd Year 

Our 2020 and 2021 Rising Stars are Marietta B. Warren and Lauren A. Torggler! The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state and candidates must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less. Hillman, Brown & Darrow now proudly has five attorneys who have been recognized as Super Lawyers. The Super Lawyers distinction is based on a peer balloting process involving attorneys from across Maryland. Nominees are then researched and evaluated using a complex, patented selection process. The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state.

The Capital Gazette’s Readers Choose Hillman, Brown & Darrow Once Again for Favorite Attorneys

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HBD Leading Lawyers 2020-2021

Read more about our 2020-2021 Leading Lawyers here.

HBD Awarded Best Real Estate Lawyers 2020

Read more here.

HBD Attorneys Rated as Maryland Super Lawyers

Hillman, Brown & Darrow now proudly has five attorneys who have been recognized as Super Lawyers. The Super Lawyers distinction is based on a peer balloting process involving attorneys from across Maryland. Nominees are then researched and evaluated using a complex, patented selection process. The Super Lawyers list recognizes no more than 5 percent of attorneys in each state. Our 2020 Super Lawyer, for the sixth consecutive year, is M. Evelyn Spurgin and our 2020 Rising Stars are Marietta B. Warren and Lauren A. Torggler. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state and candidates must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less.

 

 

Crighton A. Chase and Marietta B. Warren Admitted as Partners

Hillman Brown & Darrow takes pleasure in announcing that Crighton A. Chase and Marietta B. Warren have been made partners in the firm effective January 1, 2019. Read full story.

HBD Leading Lawyers 2018-2019

 

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Read more about our 2018-2019 Leading Lawyers here.

Evelyn Spurgin Rated as Maryland Super Lawyer for 5th Year

The Super Lawyers distinction is based on a peer balloting process involving attorneys from across Maryland. Nominees are then systematically researched and evaluated using a complex, patented selection process. Hillman, Brown & Darrow now proudly has a third lawyer who has been recognized in recent years as one of the top 5% of attorneys in Maryland.

A crucial step to the selection process is a comprehensive research evaluation based on Super Lawyer’s “12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement”. Among these 12 indicators taken into consideration are: experience, client representation, verdicts and settlements and outstanding achievements as an attorney. With more than 30 years of experience, from clerking for the Honorable Elsbeth Bothe, to advocating for her clients as a fierce litigator, gaining her current reputation as a sought after appeals attorney in Annapolis, Evelyn’s list of qualifications reflect her commitment and dedication to excel in the courtroom.

Evelyn joined Hillman, Brown & Darrow in 1984, focusing on accidents, personal inury and workers’ compensation cases. Her compassion and ability to counsel her clients through difficult times helped her to broaden her focus area to family law. She is now a top family law and appeals attorney, taking on divorce cases as well as child custody and support cases. Celebrating 35 years with the firm next year, Evelyn still enjoys challenging work and meeting her clients’ needs with both a high knowledge of the law and compassion to counsel them through difficult periods in their lives.

The Brown Brothers Featured in What’s Up Annapolis for Historic Documents

On June 14, 2017 the Brown brothers celebrated the opening of The Hall of Presidents Before Washington exhibit. Read full story

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The Capital Gazette’s Readers Choose Hillman, Brown & Darrow

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What’s Up Annapolis Honors Hillman, Brown & Darrow’s Leading Lawyers

This year What’s Up? Annapolis magazine sent out over 1,500 Lawyer Peer Review surveys to lawyers practicing in Anne Arundel County and/or the Eastern Shore to nominate the top attorneys. Hillman, Brown and Darrow is proud to be represented by the following 2016 Leading Legal Professionals:

Leading Administrative Law/Liquor Law/Hearing Lawyers: Samuel J. Brown and Brian D. Lyman
Leading Appellate Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Business Lawyer: Daniel J. Mellin
Leading Construction Lawyer: Michael P. Darrow
Leading Criminal Lawyer: Crighton A. Chase
Leading Domestic Violence Lawyer: Samuel J. Brown and Crighton A. Chase
Leading Employment Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Family Lawyers: Samuel J. Brown and Marietta B. Warren
Leading General Practice Lawyer: Samuel J. Brown and Michael P. Darrow
Leading Juvenile Lawyer: Crighton A. Chase
Leading Litigation Lawyer: Samuel J. Brown and Michael P. Darrow
Leading Personal Injury Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Real Estate Lawyers: Daniel J. Mellin
Leading Trust & Estate/Wills & Probate Lawyers: Jonathan E. Pasterick
Leading Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Zoning, Planning and Land Use Lawyer: Daniel J. Mellin

HBD Named The Capital Gazette’s Readers Choice for Best Attorneys

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The Capital Gazette’s Readers Choose Hillman, Brown & Darrow

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HBD Named Among Leading Lawyers for 5th Consecutive Year

Each year What’s Up? Annapolis magazine sends out over 800 Lawyer Peer Review surveys to lawyers practicing in Anne Arundel County to nominate the top attorneys in the county. Hillman, Brown and Darrow is proud to be represented by the following 2014 Leading Legal Professionals:

Leading Administrative Law/Liquor Law/Hearing Lawyers: Samuel J. Brown, Brian D. Lyman and Daniel J. Mellin
Leading Appellate Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Construction Lawyer: Michael P. Darrow
Leading Criminal Lawyer: Crighton A. Chase
Leading Family Lawyers: Samuel J. Brown and Marietta B. Warren
Leading Litigation Lawyer: Samuel J. Brown
Leading Personal Injury Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Real Estate Lawyers: Daniel J. Mellin and Jonathan E. Pasterick
Leading Trust & Estate/Wills & Probate Lawyers: Jonathan E. Pasterick
Leading Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: M. Evelyn Spurgin
Leading Zoning, Planning and Land Use Lawyer: Daniel J. Mellin

Read full story

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Jonathan E. Pasterick Admitted as Partner

Hillman Brown & Darrow takes pleasure in announcing that Jonathan E. Pasterick has been made a partner in the firm. Do not miss the Capital Gazette’s announcement in their Business section this Sunday. Read full story

Evelyn Spurgin Rated as Maryland Super Lawyer

Partner, M. Evelyn Spurgin has been featured as a top rated family law attorney in Maryland Super Lawyers 2014 magazine publication.

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Helping Youth Navigate Their Futures

Hillman, Brown & Darrow’s senior partner and co-founder, Michael P. Darrow, was recently invited to speak at The Mastery Charter School’s Career Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mike sat on a panel with public safety personnel, government officials and other attorneys. Each year the school recruits a diverse group of distinguished business professionals to educate and provide their high school students with extensive background about different careers that they might wish to pursue. Read full story

Samuel J. Brown Recognized by SmartCEO, Power Players Awards in D.C.

On November 18th, Washington SmartCEO acknowledged the top business elite in the area who symbolize leadership, innovation and philanthropy as “Power Players” at their Inaugural Smart CEO Power Players Awards Ceremony. According to SmartCeo, the few chosen professionals have made an outstanding impact amongst their professional industries and local communities. As stated by Jaime Nespor, the regional president of SmartCEO, “They represent the best of what the region has to offer and are committed to fostering the region’s success, now and in the future. We are proud to recognize them for their dedication and passion.”
Read full story

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Brown Brothers’ Historic Documents

Traditionally, our grade school history text books teach us that George Washington was the first president of the United States. However, what most Americans do not realize is that he was the first president under the Second or “New” Constitution. A very important group of men came before George Washington and actually accepted his resignation from the army (in Annapolis’ Old Senate Chamber of the State House), paving the way for lasting civilian rule. These 14 men served our country from 1774-1784 under the United States Constitution; they are the “14 Forgotten Presidents of Congress”. Read full story

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Samuel J. Brown Completes LAA Executive Leadership Series

Founding partner Sam Brown recently graduated from the 2013 Leadership Anne Arundel Executive Leadership Series. The Executive Leadership Series is a program designed to enhance community leaders’ awareness and knowledge of issues impacting the region.
Read full story

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Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A. Receives Legacy Business Award

Hillman, Brown and Darrow, P.A was recently nominated and awarded a Legacy Business Award at the 2012 MainStreet Annapolis Partnership Business Legacy Awards Ceremony. We were one of just 25 businesses that have been operating in the traditional neighborhood commercial districts of Annapolis for over 50 years! The businesses honored on May 31st represented hundreds of years of experience, commitment, passion, trials and tribulations but more than anything else a dedication to family and community.

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Annapolis Leading Lawyer

What’s Up? Annapolis magazine recently reviewed the regional lawyers in their 2013 Leading Lawyer issue. Here is what they had to say:

“The work product, representation and level of detail that I receive from each of the people that I work with at Hillman, Brown & Darrow are impeccable. It is refreshing to work with first-rate attorneys who understand the needs of their client on personal and business matters.’ These are the words of one client of Hillman, Brown & Darrow, but are echoed by many. As the world becomes more complicated, fine print gets finer, details requiring attention multiply, scales of economies affect everyone, and consequences gain significance; securing proper legal representation has never been more important.” Read Full Article

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Readers Choice Best Attorney in Annapolis

The Attorneys at Hillman, Brown & Darrow, P.A. have been named “Best Attorney” in Annapolis:
Michael P. Darrow “Best Attorney” Winner, 2011
Samuel J. Brown “Best Attorney” Finalist, 2010 and 2013

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Annapolis Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers