Paul Mark Sandler

Paul Mark Sandler is a trial lawyer who has developed a national reputation for successfully representing notable clients in trial and appellate courts. A partner in the firm of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler, he is known for his thorough representation of clients, as evidenced by his remarkable courtroom victories. Paul Mark Sandler also achieves successful out-of-court resolution of disputes and has extensive experience in mediation, arbitration, and mini-trials. He works closely with clients to achieve results in a cost-efficient manner using state-of-the-art courtroom technology.  

His trial practice ranges from representation of defendants in criminal cases to plaintiffs in civil lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits, as well as unusual constitutional law cases. Mr. Sandler has also successfully defended major corporations in cases involving allegations of antitrust violations, wrongful discharge, race and sex discrimination, breach of contract, trademark infringement, and other matters.

The 2013 edition of Chambers USA, a leading guide to the legal industry, reports that "Paul Sandler is often sought for his substantial experience in trial and appellate court, and he also maintains a fine track record in mediation and arbitration." The guide quotes one source as saying, "Mr. Sandler is a truly gifted trial lawyer with deep experience in all areas of civil litigation and criminal defense work. His understanding of all aspects of courtroom presentation is extraordinary."

Mr. Sandler, recently featured on the cover of Maryland Super Lawyers magazine, is credited with setting a precedent for punitive damage awards in the state of Maryland. His trial advocacy has been complimented by judges and jurors alike, and he has obtained many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients. According to the Los Angeles Daily Journal, "Sandler exhibits a no-nonsense streak, especially when grilling the other side's witnesses." 

He is a well known force in legal scholarship and publishing. He has published works covering a variety of topics including pleadings, trials, appeals, and argument and persuasion. From 2003 through June 2007, he authored a regular column on trial advocacy for The Daily Record and other Dolan Media newspapers around the country. For many years, he also published a blog called "The Art of Advocacy," as a resource for other trial attorneys and their clients. A section of his writings is available here. 

Mr. Sandler has lectured at numerous law schools throughout the United States and often speaks to local bar groups on trials and appeals. In the summer of 2000 for the American Bar Association Litigation Section, he organized a trial training program in Oxford, England. The bar associations in Chicago, Portland, ME, Cleveland, Providence, and Dallas have invited him to present programs to their members.

Founder and first chair of the Maryland State Bar Association Litigation Section, Mr. Sandler continues to be active in bar associations. He is a leader of the J. Dudley Digges Inn of Court and former Secretary of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association. Additionally, he has served on the Maryland State Bar Association Board of Governors.

A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Mr. Sandler is also listed in Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA. He has been granted Martindale-Hubbell's AV Peer Review Rating, the highest rating possible. In 2003, he was presented with a Leadership in Law Award by The Daily Record of Maryland. He has appeared on numerous television programs including:

• Larry King Live
• The Today Show
• CNN Crossfire
• Geraldo Rivera Live
• MSNBC’s InterNight
• Maryland Public Television

A native of Baltimore, Mr. Sandler contributes time to many Maryland organizations. He has served on the Board of the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland. He is past president of the Foundation Board for Maryland Public Television and a member of the Foundation Board of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation.

Books

• Anatomy of a Trial: A Handbook for Young Lawyers, 2nd Ed., ABA, 2014
• Appellate Practice for the Maryland Lawyer, 4th Ed., MSBA, 2014
• Pleading Causes of Action in Maryland, 5th Ed., MSBA, 2013
• Discovery Problems and Their Solutions, 3nd Ed, ABA, 2013
• Model Witness Examinations, 3rd Ed., ABA, 2010
• The 12 Secrets of Persuasive Argument, ABA, 2009
• Pattern Examinations of Witnesses, 4th Ed., MSBA, 2006
• Raising the Bar, MSBA, 2006