Semmes, Bowen & Semmes

Semmes?is pleased to welcome attorney?Brandy Gray as counsel in our Workers’ Compensation & Employers’ Liability Practice Group.? ? Brandy?has proven success in managing end-to-end operations for workers’ compensation claims. She has 18 years of litigation experience representing clients in federal and state courts across a wide range of practice areas, including personal injury and wrongful death claims, employment law, civil rights law, and insurance claims. Prior to joining Semmes, Brandy was with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General in a variety of roles spanning from 2008 to 2024. These positions included Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Department of Health, the Maryland Insurance Administration, and the Maryland Uninsured Employers’ Fund. She is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law and received her undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky. Learn more about?Brandy?here: https://lnkd.in/g7Z39Cdx ? #Baltimore?#LawFirm?#NewHire?#Lawyers?#WorkersComp

???The season of giving is here!?Semmes is proud to partner with the Maryland chapter of the Association for Legal Administrators (ALA) for our Annual Holiday Giving Drive, supporting three impactful organizations that make a difference in our communities. Here’s how you can help: Now through?December 5th, attorneys, staff, and friends of the firm can bring donations to our Baltimore office (18th floor) or deliver them directly to the benefiting organizations. Virtual donations to the Maryland Food Bank are also welcome! ???Below is more information about the organizations we are supporting along with links so that you can learn more and consider donating as well. ???Paul's Place, Inc.:?Paul’s Place is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Southwest Baltimore. It provides essential support services such as healthcare access, education programs, and workforce development. This holiday season, they are accepting?new or gently used coats?to help keep their community warm. Learn more here:?www.paulsplace.org ???The National Center for Children and Families: NCCF empowers children, youth, and families to reach their full potential. Their work includes foster care, housing programs, and educational support. This year, they are seeking?new unwrapped toys?to bring joy to children in need. Learn more here:?www.nccf-cares.org ???Maryland Food Bank:?The Maryland Food Bank works tirelessly to combat food insecurity across the state. While they accept physical donations, they are always in need of?virtual donations, which ensure funds are directed toward the greatest need. Learn more here:?www.mdfoodbank.org ????All donations brought to the Baltimore office will be delivered to these charities on your behalf. Let’s work together to make this holiday season brighter for those in need! #GivingBack #HolidayGiving #CommunitySupport #Maryland #Baltimore

??♂???♀??At Semmes, we value endurance, determination, and going the extra mile—qualities our attorneys demonstrate both in and out of the office. This year, two of our team members brought that same drive to the Baltimore Running Festival. Workers’ Compensation associate Colin Smith, Esq. participated in this year’s half marathon. Colin began running marathons during his second year of law school and has since competed in the Baltimore Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. “The one thing I've learned from running is that, just like law, it all comes down to being the most prepared person in the room,” Colin says. Litigation paralegal Allie Eckert ran the Baltimore Marathon for the second consecutive year. Her passion for long-distance running began in 2021 when she joined a local running group. “Marathon training can be grueling, but running after a long day at the office is the best stress reliever. It’s also fun to see how much progress can be made during each training cycle, regardless of the race distance you’re training for. I’m proud to add ‘Marathoner’ to my title!” Allie says. ???We’re proud of our team members who inspire us with their dedication. Congratulations to Colin and Allie on their incredible achievements! And good luck to Allie as she prepares for the Rehoboth Beach Marathon in December! #Baltimore #Marathon #BaltimoreMarathon #Runners

On October 24, Semmes attorney and president of the Association of Compensation Insurance Attorneys,?Jillian Petrella, testified at a public hearing on the Parity in Workers’ Compensation Recovery Act of 2023, hosted by the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Executive Administration and Labor. Drawing from?her extensive experience in workers’ compensation law,?Jillian highlighted potential issues with the proposed amendment, noting that increased jurisdictional complexities could lead to prolonged litigation, potentially compromising the system’s goal of delivering timely benefits to injured workers. ???Read?Jillian’s full testimony to learn?more about this important issue: https://lnkd.in/gambiJs6 #WorkersCompensation #WorkersComp #DCLaw

Semmes is pleased to announce the firm has been included in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms?. The firm earned three metropolitan Tier 1 rankings for the Baltimore area, including: ???Admiralty and Maritime Law ???Banking and Finance Law ???Insurance Law Best Law Firms rankings are based on reference evaluations, peer reviews from leading attorneys, interviews with industry leaders, and firm submissions. Firms are recognized by practice areas, with rankings presented in tiers on a national and/or metropolitan scale.

???At Semmes, we believe in inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. Recently, associate?John?Trainor?visited Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, Maryland, to speak with a legal studies class about his career journey and path to becoming an attorney. During the session,?John?engaged students with hypothetical scenarios in areas like criminal law, personal injury/workers’ compensation, and family law. The interactive format allowed students to step into the shoes of an attorney, understand client responsibilities, and experience real-world problem-solving. John’s involvement with the school reflects Semmes’ commitment to giving back to the community and nurturing future legal minds. We’re proud of our role in supporting local education. #LegalEducation #FutureLawyers #MarylandLaw #CommunityEngagement

Is your estate plan ready for the 2026 sunset of the Federal Estate Tax Exemption? In our latest article, Trusts & Estates attorneys Carl Eastwick and Elizabeth Fitch break down what the exemption’s reversion means, how it may affect your estate, and the proactive strategies you can take to minimize tax burdens on your heirs.? If you have questions about how the sunset could affect your estate, now is the time to act. Contact Carl or Elizabeth to discuss a personalized approach to safeguard your assets. ???Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gjYS7i2t #EstatePlanning #TaxLaw #FederalEstateTax #WealthManagement #EstateLaw

Want to be a part of history?? ? Semmes is?hiring?for several attorney positions in Maryland and Virginia. Come join one of the largest private workers’ compensation defense practices in the Mid-Atlantic region. With a legacy of over 100 years, we’re proud to be a firm where tradition meets innovation, and your career growth is a priority.? ? Learn more about the available roles and apply today:?https://lnkd.in/dq8-X8dU ? #LegalCareers #MarylandLaw #VirginiaLaw #AttorneyJobs #JoinOurTeam

On October 17, Semmes had the privilege of hosting law students and staff from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law for our Fourth Annual Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program reception.??? It was an inspiring evening dedicated to supporting and celebrating the next generation of diverse legal talent. Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to champion a more diverse and inclusive future in law.????? A special thank you to litigation associate Simone Fair, Esq., for coordinating. #DiversityInLaw #InclusionMatters #FutureLeaders #LegalEducation

We’re happy to support this important program and enjoyed meeting the newest cohort of 1L D&I Scholars!