State Years

Maryland - MD 50 years

Dist. of Columbia - DC 44 years
Licensed for 50 years

State MD

Acquired 1972

Status
Active
Licensed for 44 years

State DC

Acquired 1978

Status
Resigned Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 1991

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1991. See details

Jac E Knust

Family Attorney at Columbia, MD

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You will NOT find a better attorney then Jac Knust

Jac Knust is by far the best attorney you could ever have the pleasure of working with. He is fair, honest, and hardworking. Jac represented me in a custody case and did an excellent job. When the case got turbulent, I could sleep a little easier at night knowing that Jac was doing all he could do to ensure a good outcome for me. His firm offered good and sound advice each step of the way. During court appearances, Jac was always on time and prepared. His courtroom presentation was excellent and I was very comfortable knowing he was there with me. In closing, if you are looking for a great attorney that you can trust and will work hard for you, contact Jac Knust. You will not regret it.

THE BEST

About Jac

Learn Jac’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Family

55%

I am trained in collaborative law and mediation and attempt to utilize alternate dispute resolution and non litigation models whenever appropriate to resolve disputes.

51 years, 5,000 cases
Mediation

15%

I have mediated many types of case, including family law and divorce matters, business and real estate disputes, and estate matters.

29 years, 250 cases
Estate planning

10%

I have given over 100 estate planning seminars, volunteered at a local senior center, and prepared wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate plans for clients in all situations.

51 years, 5,000 cases
Probate

10%

I have practiced probate law for 45 years and have given many seminars on wills, probate, estate planning, and powers of attorney.

51 years, 500 cases
Criminal defense

5%

Former Assistant State's Attorney and former Assistant Public Defender for Howard County

51 years, 20,000 cases
Real estate

5%

I am a licensed Maryland real estate broker and trained real estate appraiser. I am familiar with residential and commercial real estate sales and purchases, real estate financing, mortgages, deeds of trust,foreclosures, and landlord/tenant law.
... Read more
51 years, 1,000 cases

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE, MEDIATION, & "COURTLESS" SETTLEMENT. WE SETTLE DIVORCES WITHOUT A NO WIN WAR

Lending you an ear. Giving you a voice.

Our team of experienced, sympathetic attorneys and mediators at The Collaborative Law Group in Columbia come to work each day, ready to help clear a smoother, more peaceful path for your family’s future. The “team” approach has already received glowing reviews and achieved lasting results with a growing number of couples we have represented in the Maryland area. We can help you too.

Collaborative Law stresses mutual respect, rational discussion, honesty and a shared commitment between all parties involved. We believe in pursuing what is best for you and your children in every area of your separation and divorce, whether custody, visitation or property division. Ours is a calm, unselfish means of blending the facts and emotions of your lives into a productive process for resolution.

Awards

Client's Choice

2014

Photos and videos

Contact Jac

The Collaborative Law Group

(410) 449-7244 Office

(410) 344-7485 Fax

(410) 449-7244 Mobile

5513 Twin Knolls Road

Suite 220

Columbia, MD, 21045-3264

thecollaborativelawgroup.com

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Mailing Address:

2107 Leroy Drive

Woodbine, MD, 21797

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

24 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2011

You will NOT find a better attorney then Jac Knust

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Posted by NANCY | February 13, 2011

THE BEST

MR KNUST TOOK CARE OF BOTH MY WILL AND A TRUST FOR MY SON AND I WAS VERY PLEASED HE ALSO HAS BEEN WILLING TO GIVE ME GOOD RECCOMENDATIONS FOR OTHER SERVICES. AND HAS ELIMINATED MY FEELING OF VULNERABILITY CONCERNING ALL THE ISSUES.

Posted by anonymous | September 21, 2023

Great!

Helped me with landlord/tenant issue. Does not support my county, but provided me with helpful advice!

Posted by anonymous | August 15, 2023

Great Experience

Good experience overall. First consultation with Jac Knust, he was on time for our Zoom meeting, easy to talk to and gave me very good and much needed legal advice. Definitely keeping him in my contacts for future use.

Posted by Briana | October 20, 2022

Helpful service

I had a consult with Jac from The Collaborative Law Group. I found that their office is responsive to calls, texts and emails. Scheduling was convenient and easy. I found the information from the consult to be very helpful and I could tell the lawyer was prepared and read over my case before meeting. Answered all of my questions and was personable / easy to talk to.

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Posted by Tisdells | October 7, 2022

Jac E Knust is an effective, professional, and reliable attorney

We appreciate the excellent work Jac did as our attorney. Mr. Knust is extremely professional and caring. He consistently responded to our inquiries timely, and his attention to detail meant a lot to us. Jac's legal expertise and professionalism exceeded our expectations throughout our case. Jac was great to work with and made us feel comfortable by explaining our legal options clearly. He always exercised patience with us during our phone calls. Matt also was a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend Mr. Knust as an attorney.

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Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2022

Excellent

Jac is extremely experienced lawyer. He doesn't treat you as a case or buisness interaction. He listens to you and cares about you. He doesn't try to do unnecessary work thus keeping the cost at the lower end. Additionally, he is extremely generous with his knowledge and time. I was impressed by how much he cared about my financial situation. Absolutely I would recommend him!

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Posted by Elizabeth Anna Mathias | August 3, 2017

Custody Case

Jac is a very knowledgeable lawyer with much compassion for his clients... he was always available throughout my custody case. Everything that was done, he walked with me. I can honestly say you will not find a better lawyer and I would HIGHLY recommend Jac and his firm....

Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2017

my experience

He found my case in the court and filled important docs to have my record expunged

Posted by anonymous | June 5, 2017

Consultation

Mr. Knust gave me good consultation over the phone.

Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2015

Family advice session

Very informative and helpful. Even with my complex legal problem I was very pleased with his input and guidance. I plan on following through with his advice!! Thanks again!!!

Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2014

Criminal Defense advice session

Listened to what I had to say and gave clear feedback!

Posted by joan meighan | February 19, 2016

Excellent

I have used Jac for several different cases and each case he was always pleasant. Jac & his staff are very professional and easy to work with. They explained things to me so that I could understand what was going on with my case. I would highly recommend him and If I ever need a lawyer again, It will be Jac Knust.

Response from Jac Knust February 21, 2016

Joan is a great client, seeks a good legal response, and appreciates our input. She is a valued client.

Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2015

Used Jac for 15 minute phone session

I was basically freaking out about a potential case that could be brought against me and Jac very calmly told me all the facts and reassured me of the unlikely potential consequences. What made it even better was that he offered his services just in case things did go bad. Couldn't have asked for a better consult.

Posted by Mark | January 19, 2015

Great lawyer and a great team to match

I used the collaborative law firm after being sued by a plumber unjustly. Jac was able to quickly, fairly and justly handle the resolution with very little involvement from me. After discussing what he believed to be my best options, I was confident I had contacted the right person. I think what I liked the most was his ability to relate to me and not overwhelm me with legal jargon. The case was resolved very quickly and I was very happy with the outcome. I highly recommend Jac Knust and his wonderful staff to anyone that needs a great lawyer.

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Posted by Joan | January 6, 2015

Outstanding Lawyer

I have used Mr, Knust for my case. We went over my case and he was very knowledgeable and informing. He helped make my case go smoothly. I would highly recommend him as a lawyer. If I ever need a lawyer I will be contact Mr. Knust.

Posted by Anne | December 31, 2014

Top Notch Lawyer

Jac Knust is a great family law attorney who helped me to resolve a family law issue with a favorable outcome. Noteworthy is his ability to listen, caring manner, knowledge, hard work, trustworthiness, and professionalism. I will definitely call upon his services again should I ever need legal advice and counsel.

Posted by Patricia | December 31, 2014

Outstanding Legal Representation

The Collaborative Law Group has handled several legal matters for me over the years, including family matters, business matters, medical, and estate planning matters. Jac Knust, Ellen Stewart, and Sarah Karalevicz are experienced, knowledgeable, and highly competent attorneys who were supportive, compassionate, and attentive to my needs. They involved me in the decision-making process regarding the resolution of my legal issues and were prompt in providing feedback to any questions I might have. They were hard-working, efficient, dependable, well-prepared, honest and fair. I highly recommend their legal services.

Read less

Posted by Colleen | December 30, 2014

Attentive, compassionate, experienced, prompt, efficient and reliable legal services

I am extremely pleased with the representation and counsel Jac Knust and Ellen Stewart provided me in dealing with landlord/tenant issues and business matters. They were sensitive to my needs in helping me make the best decisions, were highly responsive, practical, honest and impressively informed. My recommendation is very high to seek them both out as legal representatives.

Read less

Posted by George | December 30, 2014

Jac is great!

Jac handled everything for me in my workman's comp case and I received the greatest award that the law allowed. He even took care of post settlement investments. He called me at every necessary turn of events.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1991.

Reciprocal - Suspension issued in DC, 1991
updated on 07/27/2022

This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in District of Columbia Bar.

Work Experience

Mediator
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
2002 - Present

Mediator
Circuit Court For Howard County, Maryland
2000 - Present

Attorney at Law/ Mediator
The Collaborative Law Group
1972 - Present

Special Magistrate
Circuit Court For Howard County, Maryland
2014 - 2018

Assistant Public Defender
Public Defender for Howard County
1979 - 1984

Assistant State's Attorney
State's Attorney for Howard County
1973 - 1973

Instructor
Catonsville Community College
1973 - 1976

Captain
United States Army Reserves
1971 - 1974

View all work experience

Education

Catonsville Community College
Certificate of Business Accounting
1977

University of Baltimore School of Law
JD
1973

Clemson University
BS
1969

Friends School
High School Diploma
1966

View all education

Legal Cases

Cary v. Rosenbauer(unreported)-2013
Case remanded to Circuit Court for determination of appropriate amount of attorneys fees.

Murphy v. BGE, 290MD186(1981)
Court held that a real property owner owes no duty to a trespasser.

Thomas v. State, 277MD314 (1976)
The Court of Appeals reversed the conviction and found Mr. Thomas not guilty, finding that the State failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he had driven the vehicle.

Associations

Collaborative Professionals of Baltimore
Attorney Member
2013 - Present

Howard County Collaborative Professionals, Inc.
President, Treasurer, Founding Board Member
2010 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Attorney Member
2007 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association, Inc.
Attorney Member
1972 - Present

Howard County Bar Association, Inc.
Attorney Member
1972 - Present

Howard County Women's Bar Association
Attorney Member
2014 - 2022

Coalition to Protect Maryland Burial Sites, Inc.
Member
2010 - 2024

Maryland Collaborative Practice Council, Inc.
Treasurer, Board Member, President
2009 - 2018

Carroll County Collaborative Practice Group
Attorney Member
2007 - 2009

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

BV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

BV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

BV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2013

BV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2012

Athletic Hall of Fame
Friends School of Baltimore
2012

BV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2011

Heuisler Honor Society
University of Baltimore School of Law
1973

View all awards

Publications

Self Published
The Collaborative Road Map
2014

Speaking Engagements

Collaborative Professionals of Baltimore
Practicing Collaborative Law Efficiently
2015

60 Plus Estate Planning Seminars
Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Directives
2012

Pre-Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
1974

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)

Given (41)

Endorse Jac

Julie Landau

Family Attorney | May 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jac is smart, compassionate and dedicated to helping resolve matters peacefully. I endorse him without reservation."

Fred Silverstein

Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jac for almost 40 years. As each year goes by, he becomes a wiser and more seasoned veteran in the practice of law."

Stephanie Quigley

Family Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jac is a passionate attorney who is efficient and knowledgeable in the law."

Robert Wittmann

Family Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Jac is a brilliant, passionate and committed family-law attorney. I've seen him work miracles for his clients and I recommend him without any hesitation whatsoever."

Sarah Karalevicz

Family Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ellen Stewart

Family Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Knust is very knowledgeable in all areas of the law. I think Mr. Knust's mediation and collaborative law training allows him to brainstorm solutions that others might not consider."

John Byrley

Family Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jac for a number of years, and frequently refer him cases that are outside my practice area. I believe him to be highly competent, ethical, and energetic, as well as a credit to our legal community."

Beth Rogers

Mediation Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred my litigation clients to Mr. Knust for mediation and they have been very happy with his services. He is very knowledgeable and professional."

Steven Scheinin

General practice Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Jac for many years. I endorse this lawyer."

Sheryl Snee

Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen McDonough

Family Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Other

"I first met Jac at a conference, and discovered we had a lot in common. We spent time discussing divorce and family law, including collaborative divorce. I found Jac to be knowledgable, experienced, and clearly committed to his clients and solving their legal issues in a thoughtful manner. Since we met, I had the opportunity to refer Jac and would recommend him again without hesitation."

Jonathan Smith

Family Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jac as a fellow attorney in Howard County for many years. He is exceptionally dedicated to his clients, and has earned high regard from the legal community. Jac also has been on the cutting edge of Collaborative Law."

Colby Hall

Family Attorney | Dec 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jac and I have served together on the board of Howard County Collaborative Professionals (HCCP), and I have worked directly with him while representing a client in a family law matter in which he served as mediator. His passion for alternative approaches to litigation coupled with broad legal experience makes Jac someone I am pleased to endorse."

Matthew Abatemarco

Family Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Other

"Jac Knust is a consummate professional who is dedicated to achieving results which are in the best interests of his clients. I highly recommend his services."

Margaret Oliver

Mediation Attorney | Jul 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Jac has a very good way of working with folks in difficult situations to help them find common ground and come to an agreement. I am pleased to refer folks to him."

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Sheryl Snee

Guardianship