Addition will further strengthen firm's thriving estate planning and probate practice

ROCKVILLE, MD – February 23, 2010 – The law firm of Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., one of suburban Maryland's largest full service law firms, today announced that Steven A. Widdes has joined the firm as a Principal.

Co-Chair of the Firm’s Estate Planning & Probate Group, Mr. Widdes concentrates his practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration as well as tax and business planning and has leveraged his experience in these areas on behalf of clients for nearly 30 years.  “Steve’s ability to develop sound strategies for businesspeople and retirees with substantial estates is renowned,” stated David S. De Jong, Chair of the Firm’s Tax Group.  “We are thrilled that he has joined our team.”

A frequent lecturer and author, Mr. Widdes has led numerous programs sponsored by tax and estate planning groups, speaking on such topics as post-mortem estate planning, estate planning with IRA distributions, tax planning for the practitioner, new income tax laws and practical and important developments in estate planning and probate.  He has lectured before the Georgetown University/D.C. Bar Association Estate Planning Program and served as the program’s chair for five years.  Mr. Widdes also has lectured for Suburban Hospital on “Preparation for a Hospital Entrance,” “Vehicles to Fund Childrens’ and Grandchildrens’ Education” and “The Repeal of the Estate Tax in 2010.”

Honored as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and nationally accredited as an estate planner, Mr. Widdes has been frequently named as one of the Best Lawyers in America (2005-2009).  He also has been named by both Legal Times and Washingtonian (2002-2009) as a top trusts and estates attorney in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and has been recognized annually as a Super Lawyer in both the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia since 2005.

Stein Sperling’s Estate Planning and Probate Group provides a broad range of sophisticated legal services designed to meet clients’ needs. It is focused in the areas of organization and development of estate plans, assistance in the administration of trusts and estates and working with clients step by step through the probate process.   The group’s attorneys work as a team, combining their unique experience and knowledge of federal and state estate, trust, business and tax laws with practical considerations derived from their experience.

"Stein Sperling has a tremendous reputation," said Widdes, "and the firm's talent in estate planning and tax and business law seems like a natural fit for my experience in those areas."  Mr. Widdes also noted that he has enjoyed previous opportunities to collaborate with Stein Sperling attorneys and that he looks forward to bolstering the firm's capabilities in meeting the needs of current and future clients.

An active participant in many community and bar organizations, Mr. Widdes is a past co-chair of the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington’s Planned Giving Committee and currently serves as vice-chair of that facility’s Board of Governors.  He also serves on the Planned Giving Committee for Suburban Hospital.  “Not only is Steve an outstanding attorney, he is a very compassionate and generous person who is widely respected in the community,” said Millard S. Bennett, Stein Sperling’s managing principal.

Mr. Widdes received his B.A., with honors, from Drake University, his J.D. from Drake University Law School and his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center.  He is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) and formerly served as a member of the MSBA Estates and Trusts Section Council and as chair of that group’s Taxation Section.  He also belongs to the District of Columbia Bar and is a member of the American Bar Association (Section of Real Property and Probate) and the District of Columbia Estate Planning Council.

About Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C.:
Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C. is one of the largest law firms in Montgomery County, Maryland.  The Firm currently employs over 40 attorneys and offers legal services in multiple practice areas including:  business law, tax law, civil litigation, criminal law, employment law, estate planning and probate, family law, injury law, municipal law, and real estate and land use.  For more information, visit www.steinsperling.com or call (301) 340-2020.

This seminar covers the employment life cycle from recruiting to termination.  It provides an overview of current federal and state employment laws as well as practical legal advice for dealing with everyday employment law issues.  Topics include:

On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Stein Sperling attorney Brian Della Rocca spoke on the topic of estate and inheritance taxes at Leisure World of Maryland, a private, age-restricted community located in Montgomery County, Maryland.

The seminar focused on an easy to understand discussion of federal estate, state estate and state inheritance taxes and, more importantly, advised on how to minimize their impact in order to increase the amount that you pass to your heirs.

Located at Clubhouse I, The Baltimore Room at Leisure World, the seminar was attended by nearly 60 people.

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) has announced that Millard S. Bennett, Managing Principal of Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, PC., was unanimously appointed to serve on REDI’s  Board of Directors by the Rockville Mayor and Council.

“Mr. Bennett’s extensive network in both the legal and business arenas in Rockville will make him an invaluable member of the Board of Directors.  His track record of success in assisting businesses and his reputation as a leader in the metropolitan area will be an asset to our organization,” said Sally Sternbach, executive director of REDI.

Mr. Bennett was appointed to serve a three-year term on REDI’s board. Rockville Economic Development, Inc. is a public-private partnership that is funded by the City of Rockville to assure the City’s future economic vitality.  

The mission of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is to strengthen and broaden the economic base of Rockville.  As part of that mission, REDI supports entrepreneurship, promotes Rockville as a great place to work and live; assists businesses looking to relocate or expand in Rockville; facilitates the site selection, permitting and licensing processes; serves as a liaison to the people and programs in other levels of government; and maintains and disseminates information on the community, workforce, and economic climate of Rockville, where we are "Known for the Companies We Keep."  REDI offers its resources to the community free-of-charge, and welcomes inquiries and referrals. www.rockvilleREDI.org.

Laura M. Gagliuso is a member of the Firm’s Civil Litigation Practice Group. With a focus on commercial litigation, her solid understanding of the court process and in-depth knowledge of Judges’ expectations enables her to help her clients navigate the challenging aspects of commercial litigation cases.

Ms. Gagliuso is a member of the Montgomery County, Maryland Inns of Court, an organization designed to improve the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar. In 2008, she was selected by the Head of the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section to judge a national moot court competition.

Prior joining Stein Sperling, Ms. Gagliuso served as a law clerk to a judge on the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Maryland. She received her B.A. degree cum laude from the University of Maryland and her J.D. degree from American University, Washington College of Law. While attending American University, she served on the Administrative Law Review, participated in the Civil Trial Practice Clinic, and was selected as a Fellow in the Marshal-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, a program which mobilizes law students to teach courses on constitutional law and juvenile justice in Maryland and Washington D.C. public high schools. She became a member of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Maryland.

In her spare time, the New Hampshire native serves as a volunteer assistant to the chefs at the L’Academie de Cuisine Culinary Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

Jamie Hertz is a member of Stein Sperling’s Civil Litigation practice group. With extensive experience litigating cases in the courts of Maryland and Virginia, Ms. Hertz prides herself on going the extra mile to build solid cases for her clients and is adept at working collaboratively with her clients to develop a strategy that meets their legal needs. Her professional approach is marked by keen responsiveness, attention to detail, and efficient workflow.

Prior to joining Stein Sperling, Ms. Hertz practiced at a Washington, D.C. firm concentrating in civil defense litigation. She received a B.A. degree in English from the University of Florida and a J.D. degree from the Washington College of Law at American University.

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., one of suburban Maryland's largest full service law firms, today announced that one of its Family Law attorneys, Stuart Greenfeig, has been named to Washingtonian Magazine’s 2009 Top Divorce Lawyers list. Published in the February issue, the list recognizes Mr. Greenfeig among 88 of the area’s leading divorce attorneys. 

Trained in Collaborative Law, Mr. Greenfeig is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has lectured on domestic relations and civil litigation topics. In 2007 and 2008, Mr. Greenfeig was named to the list of Best Lawyers in America for his work in Family Law and Collaborative Law. 

Other members of Stein Sperling’s Family Law practice include David Driscoll, Jr., Paul Stein, Monica Harms, Julie Christopher and Allison Case Weinberg.

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., one of suburban Maryland's largest full service law firms, today announced that one of its attorneys David S. De Jong has been named to Washingtonian Magazine’s list of the Washington D.C. area’s best estate planners. Announced in January 2009, Mr. De Jong is recognized as a leading estate attorney among 160 professionals hailed as “money experts” by the magazine.

Mr. De Jong is a certified public accountant and certified valuation analyst as well as an attorney. A nationally recognized speaker, he concentrates his practice in tax planning and controversy, estate planning, business transactions and valuations. In 2006, he was honored as one of the country’s 100 Top Attorneys by Worth Magazine and in 2008 he was listed as one of the Top 50 IRS Representation Practitioners in the United States by CPA Magazine.

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig , P.C., one of suburban Maryland's largest full-service law firms, is proud to announce that the Firm has been selected as a finalist for the 2008 Maryland Business Philanthropy Awards. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce and Baltimore Business Journal presented the awards in early November during the Annual Association of Fundraising Professionals - Maryland Chapter Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

The only law firm among all of the nominees and one of three finalists out of a dozen businesses in the Medium-Sized Employer category, Stein Sperling was recognized alongside Maryland-based companies whose philanthropic efforts have made the State a better place in which to live, work and do business. “The purpose of the Business Philanthropy Awards is to recognize the extraordinary businesses that are contributing an incredible amount of employee time and charitable contributions to their communities,” stated Maryland Chamber Chairperson Betty Buck, President of Buck Distributing Company, Inc.

Stein Sperling has supported the community through charitable giving since it was founded in 1978. To celebrate its 30^th anniversary in 2008, the Firm designed a year-long philanthropic initiative to give $30,000 to charity rather than spend it on the usual anniversary party. Hearts and Homes for Youth, the Storybook Project, Shelter Plus Care Program and the Playtime Project are among several deserving charities that received contributions from Stein Sperling. “We are honored to be recognized as a finalist and the sole law firm selected for the Maryland Business Philanthropy Awards,” stated Paul Stein, a founding principal of Stein Sperling. “Philanthropy has always been a part of Stein Sperling’s core values and we look forward to carrying on this tradition of giving back to the community.”

Diego Rojas was elected Secretary of the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association (MHBA) at its Annual Meeting on October 14, 2008. As Secretary, Diego is responsible for recording minutes from all MHBA meetings, maintaining the records of the Association and fulfilling any duties assigned by the President. He is also on the Communications Committee and a member of the MHBA Foundation.

Paul Stein was recently reappointed to the Committee for Teaching Trial and Appellate Advocacy of the American College of Trial Lawyers. The mission of the Committee is to promote and encourage the teaching of trial advocacy and the participation of the College and its Fellows in the teaching process.

Mr. Stein was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2003, a distinction which identifies him as part of the top five percent of all trial lawyers in the country.

SKIPPING THE PARTY TO PAY IT FORWARD

MD Law Firm Implements $30k Philanthropy Program
to Celebrate its 30th Anniversary

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, one of suburban Maryland's largest full-service law firms, is proud to announce that it is celebrating its 30th year by giving $30,000 back to the community rather than spending it on the typical anniversary party. With greater aspirations than its traditional holiday charitable giving program, Stein Sperling designed a year-long philanthropic initiative to provide financial support to deserving charities within the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Approaching its actual anniversary in October 2008, the Firm’s “30 for 30 Program” has finalized the first phase of direct gift projects largely focused on serving children in need.

Two projects involved helping underprivileged children maintain a sense of normalcy and afford them with the same opportunities as other children. Stein Sperling covered expenses for one year for The Storybook Project which provides incarcerated mothers with books, audio tapes and CDs to read and record stories for their children. The Firm also offered scholarships to send 10 disadvantaged students in The Round House Theatre’s summer program to camp. Maggie Horn, Corporate, Foundation and Government Grants Officer of Round House Theatre says, “What a wonderful way for Stein Sperling to celebrate its 30 years of service to the community! Thank you for including Round House Theatre.”

The Homeless Children's Playtime Project and Shelter Plus Care Program of the Capitol Hill Group Ministry were also part of the first phase of charitable projects. The Playtime Project, a program that supports families in four shelters and transitional housing across Washington D.C. was presented with a donation from Stein Sperling which was used to purchase backpacks filled with fun summer activities for children. Stein Sperling also contributed funds to enable the Shelter Plus Care Program to buy school uniforms for over 50 children.

Hearts and Homes for Youth, a Maryland agency focused on helping at-risk youth, required financial assistance for a recreation room in one of its therapeutic group homes. Beyond funding the project, several Stein Sperling staff members were instrumental in designing the space and furnishing the room with a variety of board games, movies and toys, foosball, air hockey and ping-pong tables, a television and DVD player, and new tables and chairs. “These kids have been through so much in their short lives,” states Paul Stein, a founding principal of Stein Sperling."We just wanted to give them some of their childhood back.”

Over the years, Stein Sperling has been actively involved in the ongoing support of such charities as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children’s Hospital, Project Access, and the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. The Firm will continue its philanthropy efforts throughout 2008 with upcoming projects centered on community outreach partnerships.

"Since 1978, community service has always been a part of Stein Sperling’s core values, but this year we wanted our involvement to have an even greater impact,” adds Stein. “The decision to give $30,000 back to the community has been significantly more rewarding than throwing a lavish anniversary party. There is no better way to celebrate a wonderful 30 years in business.”

Stein Sperling is proud to announce that Ivonne Corsino Lindley was selected on July 27, 2008 as a Commissioner for the Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW). In 1972, the CFW was established by law to advocate for the equal rights of women. Each Commissioner serves the advocacy role, providing advice to the the County Council, the public and agencies of the county, state and federal government on issues of concern to the women of Montgomery County. The CFW’s 15-member advisory board fulfills a three-year term without compensation.

Ms. Lindley was nominated for the position by the Montgomery County Women's Bar Association after the Honorable Marielsa Bernard of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County recommended her. “I know Ivonne will be an asset to the Montgomery County Commission for Women,” stated Judge Bernard. “She will do an incredible job.”

Stein Sperling is proud to announce that Jason M.A. Twining has become associated with the Firm.

Mr. Twining is a member of the Firm's Civil Litigation practice group. He impacts his clients by cultivating close communication throughout the legal process and by developing and implementing effective strategies tailored to each client’s goals. Charged with making a real difference in his clients’ lives, Mr. Twining particularly takes pride in his pro bono achievements—such as helping to win asylum for a young man who escaped political persecution in his native Cameroon.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Twining served as a law clerk to a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. In addition, he practiced at the Washington, DC offices of two international law firms, where he counseled clients from numerous industries on an array of complex commercial matters.

Mr. Twining received his A.B. degree in Political Economy from Princeton University and a J.D. degree with honors from The George Washington University Law School. As a law student, he was a member of The George Washington Law Review and was named to the school’s Moot Court Board for his strong performance in the Van Vleck Constitutional Law competition.

On Tuesday, July 22, youth residing at the Redl House, a Therapeutic Group Home in Rockville, Maryland will enjoy a new environment, complete with a therapeutic recreation room made possible by Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., one of Montgomery County’s largest full service law firms.

In conjunction with its 30^th anniversary, Stein Sperling desired to make a contribution to a deserving charity and valued the mission of Hearts & Homes for Youth, the Maryland non profit serving troubled and at-risk youth. With the donation, Stein Sperling created a much needed recreation room complete with a variety of board games, movies and toys, foosball, air hockey and ping-pong tables, a television and DVD player, and new tables and chairs.

“We are so thankful for Stein Sperling’s donation,” said Rex Smith, President and CEO of Hearts & Homes for Youth. “With this donation, the firm has given a group of young boys a much needed place to just be kids, where they can play a game of ping-pong, watch movies, or try out new board games. This space will make an exceptional difference to our boys- both today and for the future.”

The Redl House Therapeutic Group Home is located in a community setting in Rockville, Maryland. It houses young men, ages 6-12, who have been abused or neglected, and is often the first step in normalizing their lives. Highly trained staff members provide 24-hour supervision and intensive case management to these young men.

“Stein Sperling appreciates the work that Hearts and Homes for Youth is doing for at-risk youth,” said Paul Stein, Principal at Stein, Sperling, et al. “We are committed to giving back to the community and are proud to play a role in enhancing the Redl House and impacting the lives of today’s young men.”

The space will be formally dedicated on July 22 in a ceremony featuring Rex Smith and attorneys from Stein Sperling.  Connie Morella, a leading advocate for children’s issues and longtime supporter of Hearts & Homes, is also expected to be in attendance.

The short ceremony will be followed by a light breakfast at the home.  Media interested in attending the dedication should contact Carrie Fox at 301-754-3614 to receive the Home address and driving directions.

Originally known as the Boys’ Home of Montgomery County, Hearts & Homes for Youth began its long history of helping youth in need in February, 1964. Since that time, Hearts & Homes for Youth has served over 30,000 boys and girls throughout Maryland who are neglected, abused, abandoned, homeless or otherwise at risk. Our services include the only shelter in Montgomery County specifically for kids, seven group homes, therapeutic foster care, independent living and a unique foster care program for pregnant and parenting teens. For more information, please visit www.heartsandhomes.org

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., one of suburban Maryland's largest full service law firms, today announced the launch of a new program designed to help ease the financial impact of increasing commuting costs on its employees. Effective June 1^st, Stein Sperling has decided to compensate its non-attorney staff members with a supplemental gas reimbursement payment each month. Stein Sperling is part of a growing list of companies which have implemented programs to help employees cope with commuting expenses resulting from escalating gasoline costs.

One Stein Sperling employee who travels 104 miles round trip each day, was very appreciative of the new workplace program. “I have been commuting for nearly eight years and the continuous hike in gas prices has left me in a financial bind,” stated Jill Tyler. “I was extremely thankful when Stein Sperling announced that it would be giving its employees a monthly increase to help out with commuting expenses.”

“Many of our non-attorney employees travel long distances everyday by car, train and bus to get to our offices,” stated Millard S. Bennett, Managing Principal, Stein, Sperling, et al. “This says a lot about our support staff and the commitment they bring to their positions at the Firm.  While we can’t solve the problems our staff may be facing due to the rise in costs, we felt that we should do something to help alleviate at least some of the sting of the increase.”

Stein Sperling is proud to announce that Nindiya G. Ramchandani has become associated with the Firm.

Ms. Ramchandani is a member of the Firm’s Personal Injury Law practice group. With a personal and professional commitment to public service, she is dedicated to offering unparalleled legal representation to her clients who cover a diverse cross section of the community.

Prior to joining Stein Sperling, Ms. Ramchandani served as a judicial intern to the Chief Justice of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas and as an instructor with Street Law, Inc., an organization which teaches high school students about practical law used in everyday life. She received a B.S. degree from Virginia Tech and a J. D. degree cum laude from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. While at TSU, she was awarded the Dean’s scholarship to study abroad in Beijing, China as part of the school’s Chinese Law Summer Program. She is multi-lingual, with fluencies in Spanish, Hindi and Sindhi.

Ronald Bolt spoke at the Maryland Municipal League’s Annual Convention on the impact of “mansionization.”  The presentation was given on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at the Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.  His workshop was entitled “Mansionization: Is It Happening in Your Neighborhood?”

Click here to view the presentation.

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C. is proud to announce that Diego J. Rojas was selected on May 12, 2008 as a Fellow in the 2009 Maryland State Bar Association Leadership Academy. Since 1997, this prestigious 12-month program has helped to develop young lawyers into better leaders while offering opportunities for future leadership roles with the MBSA. During their term, the Fellows attend MSBA events, develop and implement a public service project, and attend special programs on public speaking, media relations, interviewing skills, meeting planning, budgeting, and other related areas. Many of the Leadership Academy's past fellows have become officers in the MSBA.

Mr. Rojas was selected as one of 15 fellows out of 48 applicants throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. and one of four from Montgomery County. Following Stein Sperling's strong commitment to giving back to the profession and community, Mr. Rojas looks forward to developing a public service project that will make a difference in the community.

His demonstrated leadership potential had garnered endorsements from the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association and the Honorable Marielsa Bernard of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. "Diego was a very impressive law clerk and is clearly leadership material," stated Judge Bernard. "I know his selection into the Maryland State Bar Association Leadership Academy is one of many accomplishments to come."

Mr. Rojas joined Stein Sperling in April 2007. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in 2001 and a J.D. degree from the Catholic University of American Columbus School of Law in 2004. Prior to entering private practice, he served as a law clerk for the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland.

Click here to view the press release in PDF format.

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C. is proud to announce that 
David S. De Jong has been named one of CPA Magazine's Top 50 IRS Representation Practitioners.

Announced in its April/May issue, the listing features honorees who were nominated by their peers and evaluated on their depth of industry experience and past accomplishments. "It is now one year since we began extensive editorial coverage of IRS audit representation issues," stated CPA Magazine. "The landscape is vast. The need is great. ... If IRS representation is not an expertise of yours, contact one of the Top 50."

An Attorney-CPA and principal of Stein Sperling, Mr. De Jong has litigated cases in all federal tax forums. Among many professional affiliations, he is a former President of the American Association of Attorney-CPA's, a former President of the Estate Planning Council of Suburban Maryland and current President of the Maryland, DC Chapter of the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts. A frequent writer, lecturer and expert witness, Mr. De Jong has received many accolades including being named to Worth Magazine's Top 100 List and being recognized as an Honorary Life Bar Leader with the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Stein Sperling is proud to announce that Louis M. Leibowitz has become associated with the Firm.

Louis M. Leibowitz is a member of the Firm's Civil Litigation practice group.  His impressive litigation background includes having represented thousands of clients in both bench and jury trials. He previously worked as an Assistant Public Defender with the Office of Public Defender of Montgomery County, Maryland where he was recognized as Public Defender of the Year in 2007 and Outstanding Assistant Public Defender in 2003.   He also served as law clerk to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.  Mr. Leibowitz graduated cum laude with a J.D. degree from the Washington College of Law of the American University where he received the Student Service Award for his contributions to the university. He also graduated cum laude with a B.A. degree from Tufts University.

Mr. Leibowitz volunteers his time tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth with LINK: Linking Communities for Educational Success where he was recognized for his outstanding service in 2003 with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Stein Sperling is proud to announce that Adam J. Cohen has become associated with the Firm.

Mr. Cohen is a member of the Firm's Business Law Group concentrating in municipal law, land use, zoning and corporate law. He has significant experience providing legal analysis and counsel to elected officials at the local and federal levels, as well as to clients with interests before administrative agencies. He is adept at assessing his clients' matters both legally and politically and working with those clients to develop strategies that best fit their organizational and legislative goals.

Prior to joining Stein Sperling, Mr. Cohen served as a law clerk with the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and the Federal Trade Commission. He also worked as an Assistant Finance Director for the City of Philadelphia. He graduated cum laude with a J.D. degree from the Washington College of Law of the American University where he received the Award for Outstanding Service to the University Community and the American Law Institute-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. degree from the University of Maryland where he was recognized as a top ten leader with his induction into the Maryland Medallion Society. In addition, he holds a Masters degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government.

Mr. Cohen remains active with his alma maters presently as a member of the Washington College of Law of the American University alumni committee and as a former regional chairman for the University of Maryland Alumni Association.

Stein Sperling is proud to announce that Alison Case Weinberg has become associated with the Firm.

Alison "Casey" Weinberg is a member of the Firm's Family Law practice group. She works diligently to guide her clients through a myriad of legal matters including divorce, custody, domestic violence, property distribution, child support and alimony. Ms. Weinberg is focused on protecting the best interests of her clients and their children.

Ms. Weinberg's prior experience includes serving as a law clerk to the Montgomery County Circuit Court and as a legal intern at the Finex House Battered Women's Shelter. She received her J.D. degree from Boston University School of Law where she was a Moot Court competitor and participated with the Civil Litigation Clinic. She also worked as a teaching assistant for the First Year Legal Writing Seminar.

Stein Sperling announces that Andrew L. Schwartz has become associated with the Firm.

Mr. Schwartz is a member of the Firm's Business Law practice group and works with clients on matters involving business organization, entity selection, commercial transactions, joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions. He brings a passion for excellence to his work and dedicates himself to providing superior client service.

His impressive background includes serving as a law clerk to the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office.  Mr. Schwartz received his J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law, where he participated in Moot Court trials and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society.  Mr. Schwartz has been active in community service, having volunteered his time with the Big Brother mentoring program coaching young people on how to develop life skills. 

Stein Sperling announces that Solomon M. Sterenberg has become associated with the Firm.

Mr. Sterenberg concentrates his practice in personal injury litigation. He has over 15 years of jury trial experience attaining successful verdicts in both district and circuit courts in multiple jurisdictions. He has handled many cases involving complex insurance coverage and catastrophic loss claims. Mr. Sterenberg prides himself in being responsive and committed to his clients’ needs.

 WOMEN GAINING SPEED IN LEGAL PROFESSION

Women Comprise Almost 50% of Principals at Rockville Law Firm

Rockville, MD:  With the recent announcement of three new female principals, Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C., is a law firm ahead of the curve.  According to the “Commission on Women in the Profession” a report conducted by the American Bar Association, just 17% of principals at law firms are women.  At Stein Sperling 47% are women.  New principals include:

MONICA G. HARMS is a Principal in the Family Law practice group.  She focuses primarily on

complex family law, including divorce, contested custody, child support and domestic violence.  Ms. Harms is a frequent speaker on domestic violence and is actively involved in the Women’s Bar Association and the Montgomery County Bar Association. 

DARLA J. MCCLURE is a Principal in the Business and Employment Law practice groups.  She concentrates her practice in the areas of business issues including organization, entity selection, commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions and business disputes.  She is a frequent speaker on employment law, business governance, shareholder and operating agreements.  Ms. McClure is also the Managing Principal of the firm’s Frederick, Maryland, office.

KAREN N. SHAPIRO is a Principal in the Business and Employment Law practice groups.  She advises business clients on a wide range of issues confronting business owners on a day to day basis ranging from entity organization to disputes among owners.  She handles complex commercial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.  She further concentrates her practice on working with companies to develop proactive employment practices and policies, as well as defending claims asserted by employees. 

Other female principals include: Alexia Kent Bourgerie (Co-Chair of Civil Litigation practice), Jolie S. Deutschman (Co-Chair of Personal Injury practice), Ann G. Jakabcin (Chair of Estate Planning practice) and Darcy A. Shoop (Co-Chair of Family Law practice).

Stuart S. Greenfeig has been named to the 2008 list of Best Lawyers in America, a leading referral guide to the legal profession in the United States. Mr. Greenfeig  was recognized as a Best Lawyer in the areas of Collaborative Law and Family Law.

The 2008 list of the Washington D.C. area’s Best Lawyers (excerpted from the full 2008 national list), was published in the September 30, 2007 issue of Washington Post Magazine.  Best Lawyers in America, published since 1983, is compiled annually through a survey in which 2 million of the nation’s top lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.  Voting lawyers are urged to evaluate nominees using only the highest standards and to base their evaluations solely on the nominee’s individual merits. Since lawyers are not allowed to pay a fee for inclusion, Best Lawyers in America is known as one of the most objective and unbiased legal referral sources in the nation.

About Stuart S. Greenfeig

For over 30 years, Stuart S. Greenfeig, a principal of Stein Sperling, has dedicated himself to serving his clients on a range of sensitive issues including divorce, custody, property resolution, and pre and post-nuptial agreements. He is a founding member of the Collaborative Divorce Association, Inc. and a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Mr. Greenfeig received a B.A. degree from Rutgers University and a J.D. degree from the Washington College of Law of the American University. Before entering private practice, he served as law clerk to the chief judge of the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and served four years as an attorney with the Public Defender's Service for the District of Columbia. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Montgomery County Bar Association, as a member of the Circuit Court Bench Bar Committee and on the Human Rights Commission for the City of Rockville. He lectures frequently on domestic relations and civil litigation topics with an emphasis on custody evaluations. Mr. Greenfeig is AV Rated in Martindale-Hubbell.

On May 25, 2007, Stein Sperling converted its Rockville office to 100% wind-generated power for electricity.  According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership Program, Stein Sperling is the first law firm in the state of Maryland to convert to 100% wind power.

The wind power was purchased with the aid of Clean Currents, LLC, a Washington D.C. area clean energy broker.  Wind power produces electricity with zero greenhouse gas emissions and is an excellent alternative to conventional power generation.  The switch will have Stein Sperling using approximately 400,000 kilowatt-hours of wind power a year which is equivalent to taking approximately 42 cars off the road for a year.

"It was an easy decision", said Millard S. Bennett, co-founder and managing principal of Stein Sperling.  " We take very seriously the protection of our community and environment.  The opportunity to become an environmental leader was a no-brainer.  We encourage others to follow our lead."

Stein, Sperling, Bennett, De Jong, Driscoll & Greenfeig, P.C. is one of the largest law firms in Montgomery County, Maryland.  The firm currently employs 35 attorneys and offers legal services in multiple practice areas including business and tax law, civil litigation, construction law, criminal law, employment law, estate planning and probate, family law, injury law and real estate & commercial leasing.

For more information about Stein Sperling, please call 301-340-2020, or visit our website at www.steinsperling.com.

 For further information about wind-generated electricity please contact Clean Currents at 240-514-0189 or visit www.cleancurrents.com