Attorney Bio

Although I’ve handled many different types of cases throughout the years, I have a passion for family law. Each phase of my career path has helped me become a well rounded family law practitioner who is not afraid to go to court when necessary. As an Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore County, I tried hundreds of court trials and dozens of jury trials, including several murders. Upon entering private practice, I initially represented members of the Maryland State Teachers Association in civil and criminal matters, many of whom had been falsely accused of child abuse. As a partner in the law firm of Bodie, Nagle, Dolina, Smith & Hobbs, I represented corporations in multimillion dollar product and premises liability cases, and although I continued gaining litigation experience, I learned the art of negotiation.

While at Bodie, I transitioned to family law because I wanted to focus my practice on helping people through the often traumatic experience of divorce. My philosophy in family law matters is simple: a divorcing couple should make every effort to decide what is in the best interest of their child and how to equitably distribute their property. I understand the emotional and financial impact that protracted litigation (especially divorce litigation) can have on a client. Thus, I always try to negotiate a fair and amicable resolution of family law matters. I understand that the parties and their lawyers in a divorce or custody case must focus on the big picture and negotiate in good faith to reach a compromise. Although I always adopt this approach, if the opposing party or attorney is unreasonable, I rely upon my vast courtroom experience to zealously advocate for my clients.

I am a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law and Frostburg State University, where I served in the Student Government Association, was President of the Rugby Club and was Social Chairman of the Kappa Zeta Chi athletic fraternity. I am a member of the Maryland State Bar Association (Family & Juvenile Law Section), the Baltimore County Bar Association and the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. In addition to my professional career, I’m also active in several community organizations, including the Church of the Immaculate Conception, where I presently serve on the Board for the Parish school. I have previously served as a board member of the Martin J. Smith Foundation, which awards scholarships to local high school students; the Carroll Manor Recreation Council, where I have coached and served as Commissioner of the soccer and basketball programs and have been on the baseball Board of Directors; and the Greater Jacksonville Association.