Best Lawyers in Maryland, United States for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Practice Area Overview
Employment litigation in Maryland can pose serious financial and reputational risks for employers. When disputes arise with current or former employees—whether over wages, discrimination or wrongful termination—having the right legal counsel is essential.
This page highlights experienced employment attorneys in Maryland who have earned peer recognition through Best Lawyers. If you're navigating complex labor issues, scroll below to explore lawyers who focus on defending employers in workplace disputes.
What Do Employment Litigation Attorneys Do?
Employment attorneys in Maryland represent employers in a range of legal disputes. These include wrongful termination lawsuits, wage and hour claims and workplace discrimination cases involving race, gender, age or disability. When an employee files a complaint with the EEOC or the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, these lawyers guide employers through the investigation and response process.
Employment litigation attorneys also defend against:
- Retaliation claims tied to whistleblowing or complaints
- Allegations of a hostile work environment
- Class action suits involving wage violations or systemic bias
- Disputes over noncompete clauses and severance terms
Many of these disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation, but some require skilled trial advocacy in Maryland’s Circuit Courts or the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. Whether settling or litigating, effective employment defense lawyers deliver clear strategy and legal protection.
When Should an Employer Hire a Litigation Employment Attorney?
Employers in Maryland should consult a labor and employment lawyer as soon as a legal issue surfaces. This may include receiving a complaint, charge or lawsuit—or even before that point. Proactive counsel can reduce liability when:
- Investigating or responding to an EEOC or MCCR charge
- Conducting disciplinary action or terminating an employee
- Updating workplace policies or compensation practices
- Handling internal harassment or retaliation allegations
- Preparing for workforce reductions or restructuring
Engaging an employment litigation attorney early ensures that employer decisions align with both Maryland and federal law, limiting future risk.
Employment Law Considerations Specific to Maryland
Maryland employment law operates alongside federal statutes, adding unique responsibilities for employers. The Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law governs when and how final paychecks must be issued, while the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act mandates paid sick leave for many employees. The Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act mirrors federal anti-discrimination law but offers broader protection in some cases.
Employers may also interact with:
- The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), which investigates discrimination claims
- The local Baltimore EEOC office, which handles federal charges State courts, such as the Circuit Courts in Montgomery County or Baltimore, for wrongful discharge claims
- The U.S. District Court for federal employment lawsuits
Understanding these overlapping systems is critical for any employer responding to an employee dispute in Maryland.
Legal Trends and Common Employer Concerns in Maryland
Several employment law issues are increasingly common among Maryland businesses:
- Remote and hybrid work disputes: Legal exposure from multistate employment, off-the-clock work or accommodation requests
- Medical marijuana and drug testing: Evolving cannabis laws conflict with employer drug-free policies
- Independent contractor misclassification: Especially relevant for tech, logistics and creative industries
- Noncompete enforcement: Maryland law restricts the use of noncompete clauses for low-wage workers
- Prevailing wage laws: Government contractors must comply with specific compensation rules on public projects
With Maryland's dynamic labor landscape, employment defense attorneys provide not just litigation support but forward-looking compliance strategies.
Key Traits of an Effective Maryland Employment Litigation Lawyer
Not all lawyers are equipped to defend employers in high-stakes employment disputes. When reviewing employment attorneys in Maryland, employers should look for:
- Trial experience and strong litigation background: Especially in handling jury trials and defending class actions
- Familiarity with both state and federal law: Including recent rulings from the MCCR and EEOC
- Industry-specific knowledge: Particularly for healthcare, higher education, government contracting and technology
- Responsiveness and risk-based guidance: Legal counsel should offer timely, strategic advice, not just legalese
- Value-added services: Many firms also offer compliance training, policy audits and HR advisory to prevent future litigation
The attorneys listed on this page have been recognized by their peers for excellence in employment litigation defense.
How to Use This Page
Scroll below to browse recognized employment attorneys in Maryland. You can filter by city—such as Baltimore, Silver Spring, Rockville, Annapolis or Frederick—or use the search bar to narrow your options.
Click into individual lawyer profiles to view their bios, firm affiliations and experience. From solo practitioners to large firms, you’ll find attorneys with the litigation skillsets needed to defend Maryland employers against complex workplace claims.
Employment Law Legal Guide 2025
View Legal GuideOur Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.