Four Stein Sperling attorneys named to inaugural MD500 list

Stein Sperling said four of its lawyers were named to The Daily Record’s first MD500, a statewide list of influential Maryland leaders. The recognition spans business, employment, family and personal injury law and underscores the firm’s reach across the region.

Why it matters: - The MD500 spotlights leaders whose work shapes Maryland’s business, legal, government, nonprofit, healthcare and higher-education sectors. - Four honorees from one firm signals depth across multiple practice areas. - The recognition adds visibility for Stein Sperling in Maryland and the Washington region.

What happened: - Stein Sperling announced that four attorneys were named to The Daily Record’s inaugural MD500. - The honorees are Jeff Schwaber, Darla McClure, Julie Christopher and Jamie Alvarado-Taylor. - The list is a statewide recognition compiled by The Daily Record’s editorial team. - Selection was based on independent editorial research.

The details: - Jeff Schwaber, Stein Sperling’s managing partner, was recognized in Business Law. - Schwaber has more than three decades of experience handling complex commercial litigation and corporate disputes. - Schwaber also founded Home Court, a charitable initiative that has raised more than $16 million for the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. - Darla McClure, chair of the firm’s Employment Law Practice Group, was recognized in Employment Law. - McClure advises employers on workplace compliance, employment litigation, executive compensation and corporate governance. - Best Lawyers named McClure the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for Business Organizations, including LLCs and Partnerships, in Washington, D.C. - Julie Christopher was recognized in Family Law. - Christopher handles complex divorce, custody, support and marital property matters. - Jamie Alvarado-Taylor was recognized in Personal Injury Law. - Alvarado-Taylor represents individuals and families harmed by serious injuries or wrongful death cases tied to negligence. - Alvarado-Taylor is fluent in English and Spanish. - Stein Sperling said the four recognitions reflect the firm’s depth of legal talent and its commitment to clients across Maryland and the Washington metropolitan region. - Tara Mobley, Stein Sperling’s CEO, called the recognition an incredible honor and said the four attorneys stand out for legal counsel, professional excellence and community service. - Stein Sperling was founded in 1978. - The firm serves individuals, families and businesses throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and beyond. - The firm said it has received a National Tier 1 ranking in Litigation and Controversy – Tax and National Tier 3 rankings in four practice areas in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®. - Stein Sperling also reported 19 regional Best Law Firms rankings in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. - The firm said 23 attorneys are recognized by Best Lawyers® across 22 practice groups. - The firm said 11 attorneys are recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®. - The firm said 28 attorneys are named to Super Lawyers® and 14 are recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Stars®. - Stein Sperling said those honors reflect its commitment to legal counsel and client service. - More information is available on Stein Sperling’s website.

Between the lines: - The mix of honorees shows the firm has visibility across both business-facing and family-focused legal work. - The MD500 nod also reinforces the firm’s community-oriented branding, especially through Schwaber’s nonprofit work. - The release leans on outside recognition to frame Stein Sperling as a regional heavyweight.

What’s next: - Stein Sperling is likely to continue using the MD500 recognition in its broader client and recruiting messaging. - The firm’s existing awards list suggests it will keep emphasizing third-party rankings as a measure of credibility.

The bottom line: - Four lawyers, four practice areas, one message: Stein Sperling wants to be seen as a broad-based legal leader in Maryland.