Attorneys

Biography

Lydia Lawless has an outstanding and well-earned reputation for handling high-profile cases in both the trial and appellate courts. She counsels lawyers and law firms in a range of matters and transactions, including compliance with professional responsibility and legal ethics, and risk management including legal malpractice, partnership and corporate structuring, merger transactions and separations, law firm management, fee disputes, conflicts and disqualification issues, confidentiality, and privilege. Lydia also serves as an expert witness and represents lawyers, law firms and other professionals in the defense of professional liability claims.

With extensive experience conducting sensitive investigations involving a variety of subjects and transactions, Lydia represents commercial clients in corporate investigations and high-stakes business disputes.

Before joining the firm, Lydia served as Maryland Bar Counsel. She was the youngest person and the first woman to be appointed to the role. During her tenure with the Attorney Grievance Commission, she earned a reputation as one of Maryland's finest trial and appellate lawyers. As the AGC's chief investigator and administrative prosecutor, Lydia has worked on numerous high-profile cases and argued more than 35 cases before the Supreme Court of Maryland.

Lydia is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law where she teaches Legal Profession and serves on the Board of Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. Lydia also served as a leader of the Equity and Ethics transition team for Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. She is a frequent lecturer for state and local bar associations and government agencies.

In 2017, Lydia was recognized by the American Bar Association with the prestigious Rosner and Rosner Young Lawyers Professionalism Award for her commitment to legal and judicial ethics, lawyer professionalism, and client protection.

Recognition

Recognized in Best Lawyers: Commercial Litigation, since 2024

The Daily Record, Power 30 Law List, 2021

The Daily Record, Influential Marylanders Award, 2018

American Bar Association, Rosner & Rosner Young Lawyers Professionalism Award, 2017

Service

University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Adjunct Professor

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, Adjunct Professor

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, Board Member

Casey Cares Foundation, Advisory Board

Steering Committee Transition Team for Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, Member and Co-Team Lead of the Equity and Ethics Team

American University Washington College of Law, Public Interest Alumni Advisory Board, Member

Memberships

American Bar Association, Center for Professional Responsibility

American Bar Foundation, Fellow

Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers, Member

The Cole-Davidson American Inn of Court, Barrister

Federal Bar Association, Maryland Chapter, Member

Maryland State Bar Association, Ethics Committee Member, Litigation Section Council, Former Member; Leadership Academy, Executive Committee

Maryland State Bar Foundation, Fellow

Montgomery County Bar Foundation, Bar Leader

Montgomery County Inn of Court, Bencher; Executive Committee 2016-2024

National Organization of Bar Counsel, Board of Directors & American Bar Association Delegate, 2021-2023

The Riveters Law Club, Founding Member, Treasurer

Events

Presenter, Ethics Update, Criminal Justice Act Panel Training Program, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 2024

Presenter, Lawyer as a Witness (Rule 3.7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct), Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit & Annual Meeting, 2024

Presenter, "Ethics Update: What Every Criminal Practitioner Needs to Know," MSBA Legal Excellence Week, Criminal Law Section, 2023

Presenter, "Conflicts Refresher," Montgomery County Bar Association, Family Law Section, 2023

Presenter, "Ethical Considerations of Responding to Negative Reviews Online," Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit & Annual Meeting, 2023

Presenter, " Effective Representation of Clients with Disabilities and Assuring Court Access," Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit & Annual Meeting, 2023