Harry S. Johnson

Partner
blank image Harry S. Johnson

Harry S. Johnson

Partner
Baltimore T: 410.347.8743 F: 410.223.4163
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Harry S. Johnson

Harry S. Johnson

PARTNER
hjohnson@whitefordlaw.com
BALTIMORE
T: 410.347.8743
F: 410.223.4163
Biography
BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Johnson is a Litigation Partner at Whiteford, Taylor and Preston, LLP. His practice focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on product liability. For over 10 years he was one of the principal counsels for Baltimore City in Thompson v. HUD, a federal civil rights action concerning public housing. Mr. Johnson was named one of America’s Top Black Lawyers by Black Enterprise Magazine in 2003 and was recognized with The Daily Record’s ‘Leadership in Law’ award the same year.

Mr. Johnson has a long history with both the Maryland State Bar Association, where he served as the first African American president, as well as the American Bar Association. He also served as chair of the board of directors of GBMC Healthcare from 2011 to 2014, in addition to being a member of the Baltimore Community Foundation board and the Office of the Public Defender. Mr. Johnson is also a graduate of the GBC Leadership Program.

Recognitions

  • Benchmark Litigation, Maryland Commercial, Environmental, Product Liability and Recall "Local Litigation Star" (2010–Present)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2006–Present)
    • "Lawyer of the Year" - Baltimore Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants (2015), Baltimore Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2014)
  • Maryland Super Lawyers®, Class Action/Mass Torts (2007–Present)
  • The Daily Record, "Leadership in Law" Honoree (2003 & 2018)
  • AV Preeminent®: Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
  • University of Maryland, Black Law Students Association, Practitioner of the Year (2012)
  • Bar Association of Baltimore City, Charlie Dorsey Mentor Award (2009)
  • Black Enterprise Magazine, Top Black Lawyers in America (2003)
  • Monumental City Bar Association, Freedom's First Award (2000)
  • University of Maryland School of Law Black Law Students Association, Distinguished Alumni Award (1987)
  • Monumental City Bar Association, Founder's Award (1987)
 

Memberships & Activities

Professional Affiliations:

  • Member: Maryland State, Baltimore City, Monumental City, District of Columbia, National, and American Bar Associations; and Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference


Related Professional Experience:

  • Member: ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity (2012-present)
  • Member: ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary (2007-2010)
  • Member: ABA Standing Committee on Education (2004-2008)
  • Member: ABA House of Delegates
  • Past President: Maryland State Bar Association (2004-present)
  • President: Maryland State Bar Association (2003-2004)
  • President-Elect: Maryland State Bar Association (2002-2003)
  • Treasurer: Maryland State Bar Assoc. (1999-2002)
  • Member: Maryland State Bar Foundation Board of Directors (2003-present)
  • Member: Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, Court of Appeals of Maryland (1986-present)
  • Member: Attorney Grievance Commission Review Board (1993-1996)
  • Member: Inquiry Panel, Attorney Grievance Commission (1983-1993)
  • Member: Eighth Judicial Circuit Character Committee (1984-present)
  • General Counsel: MD NBA '95
  • Member: ABA Conference of Minority Partners in Majority Corporate Law Firms (Elected Advisory Board, 1993-1998)
  • Developed "ATLAS" Mentoring Program, University of Maryland School of Law 
  • MSBA: Board of Governors,  (1997-1999, 1991-1993, 1987-1989)
  • Executive Committee (1998-1999, 1991-1993, 1987-1988)
  • Mentor: Leadership Academy (1997-present)
  • Membership Committee: Budget and Finance Committee
  • Special Committee on Continuing Legal Education (1994-1996)
  • Special Committee on Governance (1993)
  • Co-Chair: Special Committee on Minorities in the Legal Profession (1990-1991)
  • Planning Committee (1986- 1990) (Chairman, 1988-89)
  • Lawyer Dispute Resolution Committee (1989- 1992)
  • Committee on Governance (1985-1986)
  • Eighth Circuit Representative, YLS (1982-1985)
  • YLS Special Committee on Board of Governors Guidelines (1986)
  • Participant, YLS Special Olympics (1985)
  • Member: Bar Association of Baltimore City, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee (1997-2005)
  • Member: Special Committee on Drug Crisis and Underfunding of the Court System in Baltimore City (1990-1992)
  • Chairman: Judiciary Committee (1988-1989)
  • Executive Committee:  Lawyers Committee for an Independent Judiciary (1989-1992)

Public Service:
 
  • Board of Trustees: Office of the Public Defender (2011-)
  • Member: U.S. Bankruptcy Court Merit Selection Panel (2004)
  • Member: Appellate Courts Nominating Commission (2002-2006)
  • Chairman: Baltimore County, Maryland Human Relations Commission (1998-2003)
  • Member: Trial Courts Nominating Commission (1995-1999)
  • Member: U.S. Magistrate Judge Review Panel (1994-1995)
  • Member: Governor's Commission on the Death Penalty (1993)
  • Treasurer: Committee to Retain the Sitting Judges (1991-1992)

Civic Activities:
 
  • Chair: Board of Directors, GBMC HealthCare (2011 to present)
  • Member: Board of Directors - University System of Maryland Foundation, Inc. (2014-)
  • Member: Board of Trustees - Greater Baltimore Medical Center (2002-present); Legislative Chair (2005-2006); Board Secretary (2006-2007); Vice-Chair (2007-2009); Chair Elect (2010-)
  • Member:  Board of Trustees - Center Stage (2002-2010)
  • Member: Board of Trustees - Baltimore Community Foundation (2006-2023)
  • Presenter: Litigation Section's Program MSBA Annual Meeting
  • Faculty: MICPEL Nine Day Trial Advocacy Program (1994, 1995, 1997)
  • Presenter: Maryland Trial Lawyers Association CLE Seminar (October 1993)
  • Faculty: Professionalism Course for New Admittees
  • Participant: "Trial by Jury" Program, Maryland State Fair
  • Member: Board of Trustees  Baltimore Educational Scholarship Trust, (1993-2008)
  • Member: Board of Directors, BDC Development Corporation (1991-1997)
  • Member: Economic Development Council, Greater Baltimore Committee (1990-1994)
  • Member: Executive Board, Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (1990-1995) (Chairman, Districts Fundraising Campaign 1991-1992)
  • Member: Board of Directors, The Chapman Funds (1989-1994)
  • Member: Board of Directors, Afro American Newspapers (1989-1998)
  • Member: Board of Trustees, Baltimore City Community College Foundation (former member, President and Chairman of the Board, Community College of Baltimore Foundation, 1989-1993) 

Products Liability, Toxic Exposure & Environmental Litigation

  • Advised national litigation counsel on defense strategies in complex litigation
  • Counsel to major manufacturers in cases involving exposure to various elements environmentally and occupationally
  • Represented various products manufacturers in personal injury litigation, ranging from medical devices to power tools and automotive components
  • Represented manufacturing group in product litigation involving welding combustibles
 

Mass Torts and Class Actions

  • Counsel for major manufacturer in products liability class action involving over 10,000 plaintiffs
  • Counsel to major manufacturer in over 350 breast implant cases filed in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia
 

Professional Liability and Medical Malpractice

  • Chairman of Board of Regional Health Care Organization
  • Retained as expert witness in professional liability claims against attorneys
  • Represented physicians and medical providers in medical negligence litigation
 

Appellate

  • Co-counsel in cases that changed punitive damage law in Maryland
  • Argued cases in Maryland Appellate Courts and the United States District Court for the Fourth Circuit
 

Electronically Stored Information (ESI)

  • Advised clients and litigants regarding duties with regard to ESI
  • Lectured to bar groups concerning ethical implications of ESI
  • Participated in professional organizations focused on ESI
 

Lead Paint

  • Represented property owners in suits concerning personal injury claims
  • Advised clients on legislative issues related to lead paint and other exposure claims
  • Prepared and developed expert witnesses on medical and legal issues arising in Lead Paint claims
 

Other Litigation

  • Represented testing laboratory in an HIV misdiagnosis case
  • Represented major university coach in NCAA investigation and hearing
  • Handled complex litigation on behalf of various insurers and their insureds
  • Represented Baltimore City Council in 2003 redistricting process
  • Represented Baltimore City in civil rights lawsuit concerning redevelopment of public housing
  • Represented plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases
  • Advisor to small and start up businesses
INSIGHTS

Contributor, “6-Minute Trial Skills Series," Maryland State Bar Association, February 2023

Panelist, “Collegiality in the Law," Maryland State Bar Association, June 2022

Presenter, “Six Minute Audio Skills," Maryland State Bar Association, May 2022

Presenter, Investiture of Magistrate Monise Brown on the Circuit Court for Charles County, February 2022

Panelist, Maryland State Bar Association Black History Month Coffee Chat, February 2020

Johnson, Harry S., Video, Celebration Video Series by Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) as 2020 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award Recipient, GBMC Vimeo Channel, January 2020

Johnson, Harry S. and Stone, Dwight W., "Effective Use of the Video Deposition: the Basics and Some Finer Points", The Practical Litigator, July 1999

Contributor, ALI-ABA's Practice Checklist Manual on Trial Preparation, January 4, 1999

Johnson, Harry S. and Stone, Dwight W., "Batson Challenges:  How To Be Better Prepared Than Your Opponent", The Practical Litigator, November, 1996

Johnson, H.S.;  Duvall. G.M., and Halstad, L.S., "Staying The Judgment and Supersedeas Bonds", Appellate Practice For The Maryland Lawyer: State and Federal 1994

ARTICLES

January 18, 2023

Client Alert: Major Win for Montgomery County: Whiteford Successfully Defends County Against Religious Burden Claim

On January 9, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal claiming that Montgomery County illegally enforced a land use regulation that prevented a Christian group from constructing a 2000-seat religious facility in Burtonsville, Maryland. The case, Canaan Christian Church, et al. v. Montgomery County, Md, et al., was originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in November 2016 by Canaan Christian Church and a group of four property owners who complained that the County refused to extend public sewer and water service to their properties, thus imposing an improper substantial burden on religious exercise under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (known as “RLUIPA”).
April 27, 2020

Client Alert: COVID-19 Class Action

COVID-19’s widespread health and economic crisis is tailor made for class action litigation.  We’re already seeing numerous class actions filed only two months after widely dispersed disease was first seen around the U.S.  Not only are class actions proliferating, but they include subjects which vary widely from the typical consumer and shareholder matters we typically see.
February 20, 2017

DC Bar Profiles Career of Harry Johnson

Baltimore Partner Harry Johnson is featured in a new feature spotlighting members of the DC Bar.  From the lead-in:  “Baltimore attorney and D.C. Bar member Harry S. Johnson is comfortable being on the front lines in the legal field.  First African American president of the Maryland State Bar Association.  First African American partner at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston.  Taking on what were sometimes unpopular sides in high-profile litigation cases.  Johnson, 62, chatted with the D.C. Bar about his life, his career, and his deep connections to Baltimore.”
August 8, 2016

Harry Johnson at ABA

This photograph was taken 8/5 at the ABA meeting in San Francisco.  Pictured, from left to right, are Karol Corbin Walker, Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, and a former President of the New Jersey Bar; Harry S. Johnson, Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education, and a former President of the Maryland State Bar Association; and Paulette Brown, who is completing her year as the first African American female President of the ABA.

April 25, 2002

Maryland Ethics Law Update

The Maryland General Assembly enacted significant reforms to the Maryland Public Ethics Law effective November 1, 2001. Although the new laws affect primarily lobbyists, they will have an impact on the legislative efforts of individuals, businesses and all associations, including non-profit organizations.

December 15, 2023 - Honors & Awards

36 Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that thirty-six of its attorneys are listed among the 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
October 5, 2023 - Honors & Awards

13 Whiteford Lawyers Recognized by Benchmark Litigation in 2024

Benchmark Litigation, the widely respected guide to leading litigation firms and lawyers, has announced that thirteen Whiteford attorneys have been named 2024 “Litigation Stars,” “Future Stars,” “Labor and Employment Stars,” and “40 & Under” in DC, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (*new recognition in 2024).
August 17, 2023 - Honors & Awards

A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”

87 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 (copyright 2023 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). New practice areas of recognition include CleanTech Law and Entertainment and Sports Law. The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the Best Lawyers website, at bestlawfirms.com.
October 4, 2022 - Honors & Awards

16 Whiteford Lawyers Recognized by Benchmark Litigation in 2023

Benchmark Litigation, the widely respected guide to leading litigation firms and lawyers, has announced that sixteen Whiteford attorneys have been named 2023 “Litigation Stars,” “Future Stars,” “Labor and Employment Stars,” and “40 & Under Hotlist” in DC, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
August 18, 2022 - Honors & Awards

73 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2023, Six Selected as “Lawyer of the Year”

73 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 (copyright 2022 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, D.C. offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.
December 17, 2021 - Honors & Awards

43 Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that forty-three of its attorneys are listed among the 2022 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in D.C., Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
October 12, 2021 - Honors & Awards

16 Whiteford Lawyers Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

Benchmark Litigation, the widely respected guide to leading litigation firms and lawyers has announced that sixteen Whiteford attorneys have been named 2022 “Litigation Stars,” “Future Stars,” “Labor and Employment Stars,” and “40 & Under Hotlist” in DC, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
August 19, 2021 - Honors & Awards

75 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2022, Eight Named “Ones to Watch”

A record 75 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 (copyright 2021 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.
December 15, 2020 - Honors & Awards

48 Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that forty-eight of its attorneys are listed among the 2021 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in D.C., Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia
October 2, 2020 - Honors & Awards

10 Whiteford Lawyers Recognized as Benchmark Litigation Stars

Benchmark Litigation, the widely respected guide to leading litigation firms and lawyers has announced that ten Whiteford attorneys have been named 2021 “Litigation Stars” and “Future Stars” in Maryland and Virginia.
August 20, 2020 - Honors & Awards

71 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2021, Six Named “Lawyer of the Year”

A record 71 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021 (copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.
September 26, 2019 - Honors & Awards

A Record 11 Whiteford Lawyers Recognized as Benchmark Litigation Stars

Earlier this year, Benchmark Litigation named Whiteford, Taylor & Preston its 2019 “Maryland Law Firm of the Year.” Today, the widely respected guide to leading litigation firms and lawyers has announced that a record eleven Whiteford attorneys have been named 2020 “Litigation Stars” and “Future Stars” in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
 
August 15, 2018 - Honors & Awards

57 WTP Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2019, Four Named "Lawyer of the Year"

57 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019 (copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site.
March 29, 2018 - News

The Daily Record Announces 2018 Leadership in Law Awards - Harry Johnson Selected

The Daily Record selected Harry S. Johnson, Partner, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP to receive the 2018 Leadership in Law Award. 

May 16, 2018 update – click here to read The Daily Record's special profile on Harry S. Johnson.

Leadership in Law Awards recognize Maryland’s legal professionals – lawyers and judges – whose dedication to their occupation and to their communities is outstanding.

August 15, 2017 - Honors & Awards

59 WTP Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2018, Two Named "Lawyer of the Year"

59 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018 (copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.

In addition, two lawyers were selected as “Lawyer of the Year” for their particular areas of practice.

August 15, 2016 - Honors & Awards

59 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2017, Eight Named as "Lawyers of the Year"

Fifty-nine lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017 (copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.

In addition, eight lawyers were selected as “Lawyers of the Year” for their particular areas of practice. 

November 13, 2015 - News

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Hosts ABA President, Paulette Brown

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston was pleased to host American Bar Association President Paulette Brown for a reception in our offices on November 10, 2015. Ms. Brown was joined by Judge Pamila J. Brown, President of the Maryland State Bar Association. Both women are the first African American female presidents of their respective organizations.

September 22, 2015 - Honors & Awards

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized in 2016 Benchmark Litigation

The 2016 edition of Benchmark Litigation has ranked Whiteford, Taylor & Preston as “Highly Recommended” in Maryland.  The ranking is the publication’s top rating and identifies those firms it deems “dominant” in the state.

In addition, Benchmark Litigation named eight lawyers from the firm as Maryland “Local litigation Stars.”   The selected lawyers represent the broad diversity of the firm’s litigation experience, from sophisticated business litigation to bankruptcy to products liability.

July 7, 2015 - News

Harry Johnson To Chair ABA Standing Committee on Public Education

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Harry S. Johnson, a senior litigation partner in the firm, has been appointed by American Bar Association President-Elect Paulette Brown to Chair the ABA’s Standing Committee on Public Education.  The one year appointment begins at the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting in August.  The mission of the ABA Division for Public Education is to promote public understanding of law and its role in society.

August 20, 2014 - Honors & Awards

63 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Four Named as "Lawyers of the Year"

Sixty-three lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2015 (copyright 2014 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.

In addition, four lawyers were selected as “Lawyers of the Year” in the Baltimore region for their particular areas of practice.

February 11, 2014 - Honors & Awards

Fifty-Four Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 54 of its Maryland-based attorneys are listed among the 2014 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

The firm is particularly proud of the young lawyers who are recognized as “Rising Stars” and the three partners who received special recognition -- Edward Buxbaum and Dwight Stone in the Top 100, and Mary Claire Chesshire in the Top 50 Women.

January 28, 2014 - Honors & Awards

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized in 2014 Benchmark Litigation and Benchmark Plaintiff

The 2014 editions of Benchmark Litigation and Benchmark Plaintiffs have ranked Whiteford, Taylor & Preston in the top tier of litigation firms in Maryland.

Eight lawyers from the firm were named as Maryland “Local litigation Stars” in Benchmark Litigation, and three of them were also named in Benchmark Plaintiffs. In addition, Daniel Griffith, the head of the firm’s Wilmington office, continued to be listed as a “Future Star” in the rankings for Delaware.

September 23, 2013 - Honors & Awards

Harry S. Johnson Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America

Harry S. Johnson has been named a 2014 “Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants” in Baltimore by The Best Lawyers in America® 2014 (copyright 2013 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.).

He joins the eight other firm lawyers who were selected as “Lawyers of the Year” in their jurisdictions and areas of practice.

August 15, 2013 - Honors & Awards

61 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America; Nine Named as "Lawyers of the Year"

Sixty-one lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2014 (copyright 2013 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices, including the firm's new Roanoke office.

In addition, nine lawyers were selected as “Lawyers of the Year” in their jurisdictions and areas of practice.

June 19, 2013 - News

Whiteford Taylor Receives "Trailblazer Award" from the Equal Justice Council

Whiteford Taylor & Preston was very honored to receive a Trailblazers Award from the Equal Justice Council of Maryland Legal Aid on June 18, 2013.

The Council noted that Trailblazer Awards are given to firms that have "continuously demonstrated their commitment to ensuring equal access to justice and support of Maryland Legal Aid…"

May 20, 2013 - News

Associated Black Charities Announces 2013 Honorees

Diane Bell-McKoy, President/CEO of Associated Black Charities (ABC) and Rev. Bowyer G. Freeman, Chairman of the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the 2013 Honorees to be recognized at the ABC 2013 Gala to be held on Saturday, June 8 at Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD from 7 pm – 1 am.

December 31, 2012 - Honors & Awards

Sixty-Four Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 64 of its attorneys are listed among the 2013 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in three states.

The firm is particularly proud of the young lawyers who are recognized as “Rising Stars”; the four partners who are listed in the Top 100 in Maryland – Edward Buxbaum, Edwin Fee, William Ryan, and Dwight Stone; and the 16 who are named for the first time this year.

October 17, 2012 - Honors & Awards

60 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America Five Named as "Lawyers of the Year"

Sixty lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 (copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.).

This represents an increase of seven over last year.  The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.

In addition, five lawyers were selected as “Lawyers of the Year” in their jurisdictions and areas of practice.

December 20, 2011 - Honors & Awards

Forty-Six Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland; Five in Maryland Listed in “Top 100”

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 46 of its attorneys are listed among the 2012 Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

The firm is particularly proud of the five who are listed in the Top 100 in Maryland – Edward Buxbaum, Edwin Fee, Paul Nussbaum, William Ryan, and Dwight Stone. Selection of the Top 100 lawyers in a jurisdiction is strictly based on the highest scores in the Super Lawyer judging process, and Whiteford is one of the two firms with the most names on the list.
October 10, 2011 - Honors & Awards

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and 11 Attorneys Listed in Benchmark Litigation 2012

The 2012 edition of Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to America’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys has once again ranked Whiteford, Taylor & Preston in the top tier of litigation firms in Maryland, with more ranked lawyers than any other firm on the list.

Ten lawyers from the firm were named as “Local litigation stars” and one as a “Future Star.”

Only seven firms in Maryland received the highest ranking of “Highly recommended,” which indicates those firms deemed “dominant” in the state.

October 6, 2009 - Honors & Awards

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and 12 Attorneys Listed in Benchmark Litigation 2010

Ten lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston in Maryland and two in Delaware have been selected by Euromoney's Legal Media Group as "leading litigation attorneys." Their names appeared in the 2010 edition of the guide Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys. This is an increase of six over last year. In Maryland, the firm has substantially more ranked lawyers than any other firm on the list.

November 11, 2008 - News

Harry S. Johnson, Prominent WTP Litigator and Former President of the MSBA, to Receive Charles H. Dorsey Award

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is delighted to announce that Harry S. Johnson, chair of the firm's Specialty Litigation section, will be this year's recipient of the Charles H. Dorsey, Jr. Award at the Bar Association of Baltimore City's Awards Banquet on November 24, 2008.  The Charles H. Dorsey, Jr. Award recognizes distinguished members of the Bar whose careers reflect a commitment to the legal profession and service to the disadvantaged. 

November 7, 2008 - Honors & Awards

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and Litigators Among Highly Recommended Firms and Litigation Stars in Benchmark Litigation 2009

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (WTP) is pleased to announce that the firm, having one of the largest litigation departments in Maryland, has been "highly recommended" in the Benchmark Litigation 2009 listing of Maryland litigation firms. WTP attorneys Harry S. Johnson (Products Liability), Paul M. Nussbaum (Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring), William F. Ryan, Jr. (Commercial), and Steven E. Tiller (Technology and Intellectual Property) were listed as "local litigation stars," and Alexander W.

April 15, 2008 - News

Harry S. Johnson to Participate in University of Maryland and CenterStage Event, "An Evening of Law and Theater"

Harry S. Johnson, a partner at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, will participate in a panel discussion during An Evening of Law and Theater presented by the University of Maryland School of Law and CenterStage on Thursday, April 24, 2008, at CenterStage. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with "Women's Work," a pre-theater bistro dinner and discussion and concludes with an 8:00 p.m. world premiere performance of "These Shining Lives," a play set in the Roaring Twenties about a group of working women who unite to fight against corporate deceit and criminal cowardice. (For tickets, please contact University of Maryland's Office of Institutional Advancement at 410.706.2070 or contact CENTERSTAGE if you already have tickets to the performance.)
September 11, 2007 - Honors & Awards

26 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Named Best Lawyers in America

Twenty-six lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2008 (Copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) This represents an increase of 13% from prior listings.

August 23, 2007 - News

Harry Johnson Appointed to ABA' s Judiciary Committee

Harry S. Johnson, Esq., partner in Whiteford, Taylor & Preston's (WTP) Litigation department and a past president of the Maryland State Bar Association, has been appointed as a member of the American Bar Association's (ABA) Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary.  His appointment took effect at the ABA's annual meeting earlier this month in San Francisco.  With more than 413,000 members, the ABA is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.

February 6, 2007 - News

Harry S. Johnson Elected Secretary of GBMC's Board of Directors

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (WTP) is pleased to announce that Harry S. Johnson has been elected Secretary of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s (GBMC) Healthcare Board of Directors.  Johnson, who has been a member of the board since 2002, will succeed Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.  

October 17, 2006 - Honors & Awards

36 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Named Maryland Super Lawyers

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (WTP) is pleased to announce that 36 WTP attorneys have been named in Maryland Super Lawyers publication. Maryland Super Lawyers will appear in a special advertising section in the January 2007 issue of Baltimore Magazine and in the Maryland Super Lawyers magazine.

December 10, 2003 - News

Harry S. Johnson Selected As One of America's Leading Lawyers by Black Enterprise Magazine

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P is pleased to announce that Harry S. Johnson has been selected as one of America's Top Black Lawyers by Black Enterprise Magazine. The business and investment magazine geared toward African-Americans ranked 90 of the nation's top lawyers in its November 2003 issue. This was the magazine's first ever listing of leading black attorneys and was based on research with prominent attorneys, legal scholars, law schools and legal organizations. Mr. Johnson was the only Maryland attorney selected.
November 10, 2003 - News

Harry S. Johnson Receives 2003 Leadership in Law Award

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that our partner, Harry S. Johnson, received The Daily Record's 2003 Leadership in Law award. Mr. Johnson is one of 24 Maryland attorneys selected for the award. A panel of judges selected winners based on three criteria: success at improving the legal profession; commitment to the communities where they live and work; and mentoring.

The awards will be presented on November 14, 2003, at the Baltimore Wyndham Hotel.

September 18, 2003 - News

Harry Johnson Elected to Board of Center Stage

Center Stage is one of the region's premiere forums for the dramatic arts. Harry Johnson is a partner in the firm's litigation group with a concentration on product's liability and complex litigation.
July 2, 2003 - News

Harry Johnson Installed As MSBA President

Harry S. Johnson was installed as President of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA) on June 14, 2003, during the MSBA Annual Meeting in Ocean City, Maryland. Johnson’s installation marks a significant milestone for MSBA as he is the first African-American to serve as President of this professional, volunteer association of 20,500 members. Johnson, a partner in the Baltimore law firm Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, will lead MSBA for the next twelve months.
March 17, 2003 - News

Harry Johnson to Receive "Distinguished Black Marylander" Award from Towson University

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased announce that Harry S. Johnson has been selected to receive the Distinguished Black Marylanders Award sponsored by The Office of Diversity Resources at Towson University. This award recognizes professional achievement and significant contributions to the African American community.

A committee composed of Towson University faculty, administrators and students selected the recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on February 16, 2003.