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Joanne L Suder
About Joanne
Biography
Joanne Suder was ranked this year (2018) by The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as The Top 10 Best Attorneys in Maryland. She is consistently featured in the media including: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX Networks, Larry King Live, Court TV Pros and Cons, The Early Show with Bryant Gumble, Catherine Crier, EXTRA, Inside Edition and Newsfront.
In the early 1980's, Joanne was among the first to recommend to a sentencing judge that pedophiles and sexual predators be chemically castrated if placed on probation or when released from prison.
Joanne’s career took off in the mid 90’s when she handled the largest-scale case filed against the Archdiocese, involving more than a dozen students. The case was filed against John Joseph Merzbacher in 1994 resulting on an 84-count indictment. This resulted in $350 Million in Lawsuits filed against the archdiocese.
Then Joanne represented all three victims in the scandalous, high-profile 1994 sexual abuse case against former Maryland state health secretary, nationally syndicated health columnist and author, Dr. Neil Solomon. This resulted in $150 Million in Lawsuits filed by The Suder Law Firm.
In 2003, Joanne Suder testified at the State House and State Senate proceedings to extend the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse which reesulted in a three-year extension.
Another high profile case included the representation of the victims of Catholic priest Maurice Blackwell in a sexual abuse case that captured national headlines.
Since 2003 Joanne Suder has obtained countless settlements against the Archdioceses.
From 2004-2007, Joanne Suder received national headlines for settling cases against The Polygamist Church The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah. Joanne Suder worked hand and hand with Utah’s AG’s office. The leader Warren Jeffs was sentenced to life plus 20 years. Her case helped inspire the creation of the HBO series Big Love.
As of 2018, Joanne Suder is the nation's leading authority on pedophile and sexual abuse cases as she is hailed as a legal warrior who champions the rights of children and adults exploited by people entrusted with their well-being.
Her legal areas of expertise include the following: Medical Malpractice, Brain Injury, Birth Injury, Wrongful Death, Anesthesia Errors, Personal Injury, Car Accident, Construction Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Lead Paint, Misdiagnosis, Nursing Home Negligence, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents
Joanne Suder and her law firm are AV rated by Martindale & Hubbell
(highest rating for litigation attorneys)
Member of the bar in Washington D.C. and Maryland
Past President of the Women's Bar Association
Former Master Examiner in the Circuit Court of Baltimore City
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 45 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 48 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1977
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 38 years
State: California
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Location
The Suder Law Firm Pa
210 E Lexington St Ste 100, Baltimore, MD, 21202-3534
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Joanne L Suder's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
12 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews
Posted by Michelle | July 29, 2022 | Lawsuits & Disputes
ABOVE and BEYOND
I have been helpless and hopeless and hanging by a thread with regard to trying to figure out if I have a case or not. THIS LADY stepped in and threw me a lifeline. She has given me guidance.....and for that, I am eternally grateful to her!
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2019
Hysterectomy confusion
Joanne listened intensely to my case. I felt she expressed compassion for me. She asked significant questions and offered a unique perspective to me case. Thank you so very much.
Posted by Paul | September 23, 2019
My Angel Lawyer
Joanne reached out to me when I was beginning to think all hope was lost I told her my wife's story about several issues that happened & she was very knowledgeable on all that I spoke with her about, I hope to be hiring her in the near future. I totally believe that she is one of the best not only in...
Posted by Thomas | August 31, 2019 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very caring and informative
Joanne advised me on a possible case, she showed great interest and empathy towards my situation and was ready to go into action should the case require her to put together a team. Joanne gave great advice going forward and had impressive knowledge on my particular situation. When and if that time ar...
Posted by Shyla | June 27, 2019
Caring and sensitive.
Joanne L Suder responded very quickly to my request. She has been thoughtful and caring regarding the matter. She asked pertinent questions in order to get the relevant information. I am impressed with Joanne's knowledge and obvious legal expertise.
Joanne L Suder's Lawyer Endorsements
"Ms. Suder has been known to me for years. She has the ability and compassion to understand the needs of her clients and to communicate effectively for her clients throughout the State of Maryland, getting them the results they deserve. Beyond that, she has been entrusted with the duty of serving as a Standing Examiner with the Baltimore City Circuit Court, deciding smaller domestic cases that were ripe for testimony. Joanne is worthy of her clients' trust and is an example to be followed by all attorneys."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a colleague of Joanne Suder, I can personally attest to her superb skills as an Attorney. Joanne heads The Suder Law Firm, which holds an AV rating by Martindale & Hubbell. Joanne's knowledge of pedophile and sexual abuse cases is unsurpassable. Among Joanne's many successful cases is the 1994 John Joseph Merzbacher case which is the largest case filed against the Archdioceses of Baltimore. This case involved over a dozen students and led to an 84 count indictment as well as over $350 million in lawsuits for her clients. She continues to fight for both children and adult survivors of sexual abuse. Joanne currently is working to get the Statute of Limitations (SOL) in Maryland extended further and revised to benefit victims of sexual abuse. Joanne is a valuable asset to the field of Law."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is one of the best in her field. Always prepared and well versed in the law. I can't think of anyone better in her area of the law. She has my 100% support."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Suder has a remarkably deep and broad knowledge of medical practice. She keenly spots issues, and has a most respectful and pleasant manner. She is cordial, professional and respectful with clients, families, cocounsel and opposing counsel. Her easy manner belies a tenacious work ethic to represent her client. She has no fears when pursuing worthy claims for clients. It has been a joy to work with her. I believe the above compliments carry over to her dedicated representation of sexual abuse victims."
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Experience
Honors
2018
10 Best Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
2017
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1990 - 1993
Professor, University Of Maryland School Of Law
1987 - 2008
Master Examiner, Baltimore City
1987 - 1989
Professor, University Of Baltimore Law School
1981 - 1983
Public Defender, Maryland Public Defender's Office
Associations
1981 - Present
Women's Bar Association of MarylandPast President
1981 - 1991
Maryland State Bar Association, Judicial Appointments CommitteeChairperson
1979 - 1981
Women's Bar Association of MarylandPresident
Education
1977
University of Baltimore School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
University of Baltimore
Speaking Engagements
1993
Johns Hopkins MBA/CLE
Ethics of the Legal Environment
1989
University of Maryland Law Clinic
University of Maryland Law Clinic
1989
Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education Of Lawyers
Violation of Privacy
1988
Maryland Trial Lawyers CLE
Depositions and the use of video
1987
Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education Of Lawyers
Violation of Privacy
1980
Maryland Court of Appeals
Swearing in of new lawyers
Publications
1979
The University of Baltimore Law Forum
Editor
Languages
English
German
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have contacted several attorneys to review my mother's case on a wrongful death situation
23 Mar 2026
Q&A
How can I get an investigation reopened for suspicious death?
22 Mar 2026
Q&A
Would like to know if I could file a negligent security lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit
02 Mar 2026