Verdict . News

Dec 10, 2025•4 min read

•Mary Ella Gephardt received 90-day suspension, stayed for one-year probation after admitting to professional conduct violations

Maryland Supreme Court Sanctions Attorney in Ethics Violations Case

The Supreme Court of Maryland approved a joint petition to suspend attorney Mary Ella Gephardt for 90 days, stayed in favor of one year of probation. Gephardt admitted to violating multiple professional conduct rules including competence, diligence, communication, and reasonable fees.

•Violations include Rules 1.1 (competence), 1.3 (diligence), 1.4 (communication), and 1.5(b) (reasonable fees)

Nov 25, 2025•4 min read

•Assignment of a contract containing an arbitration clause doesn't automatically assign that clause to related agreements

Maryland Supreme Court Limits Automatic Assignment of Arbitration Clauses

The Supreme Court of Maryland ruled in *Lyles v. Santander Consumer USA Inc.* that arbitration agreements in one contract don't automatically transfer when that contract is assigned, unless the assignment language specifically includes them. The decision clarifies the limited role of circuit courts in arbitration disputes and establishes new precedent for multi-contract arrangements.

•Circuit courts' role in arbitration petitions is limited to determining whether a valid arbitration agreement exists, without jury involvement

•Supreme Court of Maryland affirmed District Court jurisdiction for underinsured motorist claims under $30,000

Maryland Supreme Court Upholds District Court Jurisdiction in UIM Claims

The Supreme Court of Maryland ruled that District Courts have jurisdiction over underinsured motorist claims when damages sought are $30,000 or less. The decision in *Bowens v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company* clarifies jurisdictional boundaries for insurance contract disputes based on pleading amounts.

•Court applied section 4-401(1) of Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, focusing on amount demanded in pleadings

•Supreme Court dismissed appeal as moot after tenants vacated and landlord obtained required license

Maryland Supreme Court Dismisses Rent Escrow Case as Moot

The Supreme Court of Maryland dismissed an appeal in Wilson v. Tanglewood Venture, LP, finding no live controversy remained after tenants vacated their units and the landlord obtained proper licensing. The case raised important questions about whether tenants must pay rent into escrow when rental properties lack required local licenses.

•Case involved rent escrow statute and whether tenants must pay into escrow for unlicensed properties

•Court ruled respondent failed to preserve appellate issue regarding timing requirements for protective order hearings

Maryland Supreme Court Clarifies Protective Order Due Process Standards

The Supreme Court of Maryland issued a comprehensive ruling in Clarke v. Gibson addressing key procedural requirements in domestic violence protective order cases. The court established new standards for appellate preservation, due process service requirements, and evidence sufficiency for final protective orders.

•Supreme Court held that service of temporary protective order alone satisfies constitutional due process requirements

•Maryland Supreme Court rules sentences not legally 'imposed' until entire sentencing proceeding concludes

Maryland High Court: Sentences Not 'Imposed' Until Hearing Ends

The Supreme Court of Maryland ruled in *Reyes v. State* that criminal sentences are not legally imposed under Maryland Rule 4-345 until the entire sentencing proceeding concludes. The decision allows trial courts to modify sentences during hearings without triggering double jeopardy protections or violating state sentencing rules.

•Trial courts can modify sentences during hearings without violating Maryland Rule 4-345 or double jeopardy protections

Nov 21, 2025•4 min read

•Maryland Supreme Court rejected joint recommendation for four-month reciprocal discipline

Maryland High Court Imposes Stricter Discipline Than Federal Suspension

The Maryland Supreme Court rejected a joint recommendation for reciprocal discipline and imposed stricter sanctions on attorney Tristan Wade Gillespie than the four-month federal suspension he received. The court determined that corresponding discipline requires indefinite suspension due to differences in reinstatement standards between state and federal courts.

•Court found federal suspension insufficient due to different reinstatement requirements

Nov 6, 2025•4 min read

•Indefinite suspension ordered by Maryland Supreme Court effective 60 days after Nov. 6, 2025

Maryland Attorney Indefinitely Suspended for Professional Conduct Violations

The Supreme Court of Maryland ordered the indefinite suspension of attorney Cendoria Yvonne Dean from practicing law in the state, effective 60 days after the Nov. 6, 2025 order. Dean was sanctioned for violations of multiple professional conduct rules governing attorney competence, client funds, and professional behavior.

•Multiple rule violations including competence, client funds safekeeping, and professional conduct standards