Jacqueline Dean Byrd

Jackie joined her husband Toby as Partner in the firm in 1999 and immediately launched the firm’s Elder Law practice. This was the start of a “second” career for Jackie, who before she entered the University of Baltimore School of Law, completed twenty-five years of service at the United States House of Representatives, holding several management positions. As an Elder Law attorney, Jackie immediately became a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

Shortly after joining the firm, Jackie started writing the weekly column called Senior Moments for the Bowie Blade-News and other local newspapers. The column continues to be a way for Jackie to combine her passions – writing and educating about elder law issues. Based on the columns, Jackie has published two books: Senior Moments: A book for Seniors and Those Who Love Them, and Senior Moments 2: Help for Seniors and Those Who Love Them.

Jackie has been recognized for her commitment to Elder Law as the recipient of numerous awards including: Outstanding Chapter Member for NAELA’s Maryland/DC Chapter, the “President’s Award” from the Prince George’s County Bar Association for outstanding contributions to the Bar and to the community, and she has four times been named in Washingtonian magazine’s list of Top Washington Elder Law Attorneys.

As the firm’s Elder Law practice has grown to include two additional Elder Law attorneys, Jackie’s focus now is turned towards advocacy and service to the community. Recently, Jackie was appointed by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, and confirmed by the County Council, to the Advisory Commission on Aging, a 24-member board that advises the Executive and the Council on issues related to aging. Jackie also serves on the Bowie Health Center’s Institutional Board of Directors, and on the Board of Directors for the Prince George’s County Senior Providers Network. Jackie continues to serve local organizations as a guest speaker on a range of topics related to aging.

Jackie’s undergraduate work was done at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas where she received a BA in Speech and Drama, and earned membership in the honorary forensic fraternity, Phi Kappa Delta. A graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, Jackie received an alumna Dean’s Citation as Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Administration newsletter, “The Official Reporter.” While in law school, she was a Teaching Assistant for two years in the Legal Analysis, Research and Writing program.

Jackie has been married to Toby for over 40 years; they have two children and seven grandchildren.