Tag Archives: lawyer

Braden, Thompson and Poltrack, LLP

By Avra Sullivan

Nothing runs better than a well-oiled machine. That is obviously true of a mechanic shop, and even a more accurate representation of the law offices of Braden, Thompson and Poltrack located in Chester. Founding partners Donald Braden and Patrick Thompson have been practicing law in Queen Anne’s County for over 30 years. In 1993 they merged forces, and in November of 2012 E. Sean Poltrack became a partner in the firm, establishing Braden, Thompson and Poltrack, LLP.

Office manager Kimberly Ruth has been working with Mr. Thompson for 29 years. Most of the other lawyers also have been with the firm for a long time. “We all know each other so well, work so well together that we can almost finish each other’s sentences,” says Kim. This level of teamwork accentuates a high level of customer service. “Our main goal is to make the client comfortable and to feel at ease,” Kim says. While all of the lawyers with the firm are able to handle almost any case, Kim says it is important that they find the lawyer with whom the client feels most comfortable.

The associates also complement each other. “The experience from Mr. Braden and Mr. Thompson is invaluable to the younger associates. The associates, on the other hand, are more knowledgeable about the newest technology and social media,” Kim explains. One thing is clear, there are no egos. “Everyone pulls for each other, always jumping in to help wherever they can, and everyone genuinely loves the profession they have selected.”

While every case and every day can be vastly different, Kim says that giving the best service is of utmost importance. “Especially with estate cases, we may deal with families for an extended period of time. We want to get to know them and have them trust that we have their best interests at heart.”

The law offices of Braden, Thompson and Poltrack handle a full gamut of legal cases, from real estate, estate planning and family law to traffic violations, bankruptcy and criminal law. They also deal in corporate law, civil litigation and regulatory and government affairs.

On October 15th of last year, Braden, Thompson and Poltrack, LLP opened the doors to their new office on 101 Chester Station Lane, right off Route 50 at the Piney Creek Road exit. For more information including full bios of the lawyers, visit their website at www.bt-lawyer.com. You also can call the office at 410-643-4110.

A Mind for Law

By Avra Sullivan

Since middle school, John Mark McDonald knew he wanted to be lawyer. He was interested in the field and at 16 was invited to be an intern at the firm of a family friend. He’s been practicing law ever since.

Upon graduating law school, he served as the Assistant State’s Attorney in both Kent and Talbot counties and then as the Deputy States Attorney for Queen Anne’s County. After over 15 years as a prosecutor, Mr. McDonald has moved to the other side, opening his own firm in September of 2011. Whereas to some this may seem a dramatic switch, going from prosecuting to defending, Mr. McDonald says his years in the State’s Attorney office has benefited him in being able to help those who may need a litigation lawyer. “You have to know the law from both sides.”

While he’s dealt with many jury trials from misdemeanors to homicides, don’t compare him to TV lawyers too quickly! “Our lives are not really that exciting!” he says. The smaller local firms tend to be more laid back and being in a close-knot community gives him a better opportunity for a one on one relationship with clients.

Currently located at 114 C West Water Street in Centreville, he is in the process of re-locating to a larger facility (in the same area) which will provide a bigger space and possibility of bringing additional people into the firm over time.

Speaking with a lawyer can sometimes be a bit intimidating but Mr. McDonald’s welcoming and approachable personality put me at ease. While I am glad I currently don’t need a lawyer, I have to say I will keep his card in my back pocket…just in case!

He offers free consultations and can be reached at 410-758-2296 or on the web at www.johnmarkmcdonald.com. His firm can assist with criminal cases, DUI and other traffic issues and personal injury.

A Mind for Law

By Avra Sullivan

Since middle school, John Mark McDonald knew he wanted to be lawyer. He was interested in the field and at 16 was invited to be an intern at the firm of a family friend. He’s been practicing law ever since.

Upon graduating law school, he served as the Assistant State’s Attorney in both Kent and Talbot counties and then as the Deputy States Attorney for Queen Anne’s County. After over 15 years as a prosecutor, Mr. McDonald has moved to the other side, opening his own firm in September of 2011. Whereas to some this may seem a dramatic switch, going from prosecuting to defending, Mr. McDonald says his years in the State’s Attorney office has benefited him in being able to help those who may need a litigation lawyer. “You have to know the law from both sides.”

While he’s dealt with many jury trials from misdemeanors to homicides, don’t compare him to TV lawyers too quickly! “Our lives are not really that exciting!” he says. The smaller local firms tend to be more laid back and being in a close-knot community gives him a better opportunity for a one on one relationship with clients.

Currently located at 114 C West Water Street in Centreville, he is in the process of re-locating to a larger facility (in the same area) which will provide a bigger space and possibility of bringing additional people into the firm over time.

Speaking with a lawyer can sometimes be a bit intimidating but Mr. McDonald’s welcoming and approachable personality put me at ease. While I am glad I currently don’t need a lawyer, I have to say I will keep his card in my back pocket…just in case!

He offers free consultations and can be reached at 410-758-2296 or on the web at www.johnmarkmcdonald.com. His firm can assist with criminal cases, DUI and other traffic issues and personal injury.