Lawrence E Schmidt

A principal of the firm, Lawrence E. Schmidt has been a practicing attorney and a member of the Bar for 35 years. His practice primarily focuses on land use matters, including zoning, development, historic preservation and environmental issues and related litigation. He has appeared in various courts through the state, including the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland. Mr. Schmidt also has significant experience in representing clients before State and local administrative agencies and tribunals.

Prior to joining Smith, Gildea & Schmidt, LLC, Mr. Schmidt served as Zoning Commissioner (Hearing Officer) of Baltimore County, Maryland. His tenure as Zoning Commissioner for over 13 years (1991-2004) represents the longest period of service of any individual ever in that position. Mr. Schmidt also served on the Baltimore County Board of Appeals for 5 years during the 1980s. All told, he has personally adjudicated over 3,000 cases involving complex land use issues.

Mr. Schmidt is a 1975 graduate of Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). He received his J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore. He has extensively lectured regarding land use issues and has authored published articles regarding historic preservation in Maryland and administrative practice. He is also a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and Baltimore County Bar Association, and previously served as a member of the MSBA's Board of Governors.

In addition to his legal endeavors, Mr. Schmidt has participated in numerous volunteer activities. He is currently a member of the Board of Education for Baltimore County, and served as its President from 2011 through 2014. Mr. Schmidt has also served as President of the Greater Towson Committee and was also an active member of the Lutherville – Timonium Recreation Council. He is also a board member of the Baltimore County Chapter of the Maryland Building Industry Association (formerly known as the Home Builders Association of Maryland), and has lent his expertise to many other advisory groups and organizations including serving as President of the Greater Towson Committee, Builders for the Bay and similar organizations.