About
Ben was born in Massachusetts, moved to Virginia as a teenager, and then returned to Massachusetts to attend Brandeis University for undergraduate work. After earning a B.A. in American Studies and Philosophy, Ben moved across the country to attend the law school at the University of San Diego School of Law, where he earned both his J.D. (Juris Doctor) and LL.M. (Master of Laws) in tax law.
He returned to the East Coast and became licensed to practice law in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. While his initial focus was on tax law and trusts and estates, relatively early in his career as a lawyer, Ben began working in family law as well. Families' legal needs, of course, tend to require many different aspects of all different types of law. Ben recognizes that families come in all shapes and sizes and he offers his services to all families in need.
From a young age, Ben has been focused on volunteering. It began with his work in the Cub and Boy Scouts, where he finished by earning his Eagle Scout Award. Since than, he has worked with various pro bono organizations, including the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (for which he received the Outstanding Service Award and the Wiley B. Manuel Award from the California State Bar), Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service, the Montgomery County Bar Association, and as Victory Counsel for the Obama and Clinton campaigns. He has also worked with the National Coalition of Sexual Freedom in revising their Poly Parenting Guide.
Memberships and Publications
American Bar Association
National LGBT Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar
Estates, Trusts, and Probate Law Community
Family Law Community
Taxation Community
DC LGBT Bar Association
Member, Board of Directors
Maryland LGBT Bar Association
“Estate Planning Considerations in Divorce”, November 2012, Practical Tax Lawyer.
“A History of Divorce in Maryland: Where It Started and Where It Should Go”, November/December 2016, Maryland Bar Journal.
“Legal Custody and Decision-Making”, Spring 2021, Family Advocate
Ben's Approach
Ben's appr.oach is client-focused, which generally means family focused. Litigation might be an option, but negotiation, mediation, and collaboration are also potential avenues to resolve any disputes.
Consider some of Ben's practice areas: family planning, estate planning, tax planning. With careful preparation, many conflicts can be avoided.
There are times when conflict cannot be avoided. In those circumstances, Ben will provide zealous and informed representation.
Pricing
Ben is aware that costs can be substantial when hiring an attorney. That is why he is willing to work with you, whether it be on a sliding scale, payments plans, or deferred payments.