Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  Ellen received her undergraduate degree in Law & Society and a Minor in Business Administration from DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, where she received a scholarship to sing for the choir throughout college, studied abroad in London, United Kingdom, at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, worked as a writing tutor, interned for a criminal law attorney, and presented her thesis before the Pennsylvania Political Science Association, while also participating in numerous leadership programs on campus.
• Wrongful Death
  Brett has extensive experience representing insurance companies and their insureds, including professionals and businesses in all matters of litigation. This includes representing realtors, settlement agents, title abstractors, attorneys, mortgage and title companies, and insurance agents against claims of professional negligence and deceptive trade practices. He also defends individuals and business against wrongful death and serious bodily injuries claims, including claims arising out of premises liability, automobile accidents, and products liability.
• Fraud
• Arson
  For half a century, Niles Barton has provided legal counsel and advice to insurance companies, brokers and businesses regarding property insurance, insurance claims, coverage, and defense. Our insurance attorneys have substantial experience investigating and litigating various coverage issues, including arson, fraud and business interruption. We also counsel clients on how to resolve claims in accordance with the insurance policy, contract provisions, and the law.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  Our corporate litigation team takes pride in how we support our business clients. Commercial litigation and arbitration can be complex, so our attorneys make sure we know all aspects – legal, business and personal – of each case. With a thorough understanding of the big picture, we negotiate, mediate and litigate to protect the rights and interests of our clients.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Business Disputes
  Elliott Gardner is a JD Candidate at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Elliott is a Staff Editor for the Maryland Journal of Health Care Law & Policy. He is also a Peer Advisor, assisting incoming students during orientation and throughout their first year of law school. Additionally, Elliott is a member of the Business Law Society and is taking a course load following the business law track.
• Business Transactions
  Additionally, we are excited that Brian Peter “Pete” Cosby will be joining the firm’s Ocean City office as Of Counsel. Pete has practiced law in Worcester County for over 41 years in real estate and business transactions, condominium and homeowners association law, commercial litigation, and liquor licensing. Pete has been a member of the Town of Berlin Planning Commission for over 25 years and is past Chairman. He is also a member of the board of Directors and Executive Board of United Needs and Abilities, a non-profit corporation that provides independent housing and support services for the developmentally disabled.
• Trade Secrets
• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Wrongful Termination
  Businesses are also challenged with creating a safe and rewarding environment for employees. They must also comply with employment laws and regulations. Our employment attorneys counsel employers on compliance issues and legislative requirements. We assist clients in the development of standards and policies that are constantly changing with regard to discrimination, sexual and other forms of harassment, wrongful discharge, medical and family leave, disability and substance abuse. Our attorneys also work closely with human resource professionals on matters involving personnel records, compensation, hiring and firing, employee handbooks, and job performance issues.
• Employment Discrimination
  In addition, Brett represents businesses in various types of commercial and employment litigation, including employment discrimination claims, non-competition and trade secret disputes, and commercial contract disputes.
• Employment Litigation

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
• Premises Liability
  Cole Baker concentrates his practice in general insurance coverage litigation, construction defects, premises liability cases, related first party insurance matters and commercial litigation.
• Construction Litigation
  "Niles, Barton & Wilmer, LLP is a respected insurer-side practice, assisting clients with coverage and defense litigation and advising on compliance issues and engagement with regulatory authority investigations. Particularly active in the construction defect and property insurance spheres, as well as handling litigation concerning insurance fraud and professional liability. Equipped to advise on both first and third-party matters."

Health Law

• Personal Injury

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  In this unpredictable world, thinking about estate planning can be confusing and unsettling, especially when considering all the important issues that can affect your loved ones after you are gone. How will your assets be distributed? Who will care for your children? Who should make medical and financial decisions for you when you are incapable of doing so? What is the difference between a “will” and a “trust,” and which one is right for you?
• Trusts
  Susan B. Austin has over thirty-five years of experience counseling clients on estate planning and estate and trust administration.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Tax Law
• Debt Collection
  In addition to his extensive private practice experience, Brett served as an in-house litigation counsel at a leading national personal installment lender, defending the company against claims arising under federal and state consumer protection, fair lending, debt collection, and Bankruptcy laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”), and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”). During this time, Brett worked extensively with outside counsel, gaining an invaluable perspective from the “client’s view” relating to the importance of effective communication and collaboration between business and its counsel throughout the litigation experience.