Joe Suntum joined the firm in 1988 after 4 years in the Public Defenders Office where he earned his reputation as a exemplary trial attorney. He became a partner in the firm in 1994 and served the firm as Managing Partner from 1998 to 2006.

Mr. Suntum is a rare trial lawyer who has successfully tried both murder cases and multi‑million dollar civil actions. He has also successfully argued numerous appeals before the Maryland courts of appeal. And his trial skills were publicly acknowledged by the court as it granted Mr. Suntum’s motion, on behalf of his clients, for reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in the successful prosecution of a complex derivative shareholder complaint, which resulted in a $6,326,250 judgment in favor of his clients.

Mr. Suntum now focuses his trial practice on real estate disputes, most particularly eminent domain and condemnation. The trial of condemnation actions requires full knowledge of the substantive issues concerning land valuation, as well as the unique procedural rules applicable to such matters. Mr. Suntum’s knowledge in this area permits him to work effectively with experts such as appraisers, land planners, brokers, developers and others to maximize the compensation paid to his clients for property taken by governmental agencies.