Semmes, Bowen & Semmes is one of the oldest and largest full service law firms in the State of Maryland. A diversified team of 70 attorneys serves our clients through offices in five locations: Baltimore, Hagerstown and Salisbury, Maryland and in Vienna, Virginia and Washington, D.C. These strategic locations enable us to accommodate our clients who live and operate their business in the greater Mid-Atlantic area and to support our widening markets. Our offices are linked by state of the art technology that fosters real time communication and document sharing, both among Semmes' offices and with our clients.

"Experience you expect, service you deserve...since 1887"

Founded in 1887, the professional character of the Firm is evident in its strong business and litigation practice, its history spanning more than a century, and its deep roots in the greater Mid Atlantic region. We represent the interests of our diverse clientele of businesses and individuals in the areas of Corporate & Business, Estate Planning, Labor & Employment, Litigation and Lobbying & Government Relations. The Firm is a leader in the practice of Maritime law with historical ties to the maritime industry of the Port of Baltimore. Having the largest private Workers' Compensation & Employers' Liability defense practice in the Mid-Atlantic region, our Firm represents employers, insurers, and self-insurers in the defense of workers' compensation claims before the Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission. Although our practice is regional in focus, many of our lawyers regularly undertake transactional and litigation matters that are national and international in scope.

Exclusive Maryland Member Of ALFA International

Semmes is a member of the ALFA International legal network. ALFA International is the oldest legal network of its kind and remains one of the largest. The organization is comprised of 125 member law firms with nearly 300 offices throughout the United States and around the World. The 85 American firms and 40 international members employ over 8,000 lawyers and 10,000 legal support staff. ALFA firms are consistently recognized for their outstanding trial work, but most members maintain broad general practices that can serve virtually all client needs. ALFA seeks to provide network clients with excellent legal services at reasonable rates, and the organization offers clients a wide range of educational programs (seminars, tele-seminars, legal compendia, etc.). As an ALFA member, Semmes is able to draw upon the vast resources of the network’s membership to better serve its clients. ALFA affiliation also facilitates and expedites the retention of skilled and experienced counsel in unfamiliar jurisdictions, another significant client benefit. More information about the ALFA legal network can be found at www.alfainternational.com.

Commitment to Diversity

Semmes recognizes that excellence and success is achieved through the recruitment and retention of attorneys and staff with diverse backgrounds and experience. We are committed to promoting and preserving respect for the individual at every level. We understand that through the collaborative efforts of a diverse workforce we advance our understanding, perspective and appreciation of the wider community and the cultures of the clients we serve. Diversity is a primary focus of our recruitment strategy to employ qualified men and women who, through their different backgrounds, experiences, personalities and perspectives, can contribute added value to our clients. Semmes' Diversity Committee actively promotes and monitors the diversity objectives of the Firm. The Firm participates in the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Minority Law Student Recruiting Job Fairs and Conferences, the Minority Clerkship Program, and local and regional bar association diversity recruitment and retention programs, including those offered by The Baltimore City and Maryland Bar Associations.

Serving The Community

In addition to their professional activities, our attorneys serve on the boards of cultural, educational and charitable community institutions throughout the area. The Firm is a proud supporter of the new Cristo Rey Model High School, opening in Baltimore in 2007, which will offer a college-prep curriculum for low-income students in Baltimore. Semmes participates in the Baltimore City Law Links Internship program providing paid summer employment for Baltimore City public high school students in law firms and law related agencies. Through our membership in ALA, the Firm is an active contributor and participant in ALA sponsored programs supporting local charities and non-profit agencies.