On Monday, January 27, 2025, the Supreme Court of Maryland temporarily suspended attorney Stephen Lawrence Snyder from practicing law in the state. This decision followed a petition filed by the Attorney Grievance Commission, which sought disciplinary action against Snyder and requested his immediate suspension.
The case is entitled “Attorney Grievance Commission v. Stephen Lawrence Snyder,” with case no. 25.
The suspension is rooted in allegations raised in the commission’s petition, which suggests serious concerns regarding Snyder’s conduct as a practicing attorney. Under Rule 19-738, the court has the authority to impose temporary suspensions when an attorney does not comply with legal obligations or when their actions pose a risk to clients or the integrity of the legal profession.
In accordance with Rule 19-737(d), the Supreme Court ordered that Snyder’s name be temporarily removed from the register of attorneys. This action will remain in effect until further notice from the court. The Clerk of the Court has been directed to inform the Trustees of the Client Protection Fund of the Bar of Maryland, as well as all clerks of judicial tribunals across the state, about this suspension.
Snyder has been an established figure in the Maryland legal community, particularly known for his work in medical malpractice law. His reputation has been built over decades, during which he secured numerous significant settlements and jury verdicts. However, recent developments in his career have raised serious questions about his professional practices.
Snyder was previously convicted of attempted extortion last year. This conviction stemmed from allegations that he proposed a consulting arrangement worth $25 million with the University of Maryland Medical System. Prosecutors argued that this proposal was an extortion scheme designed to prevent Snyder from making negative statements about the hospital’s transplant program, thereby creating a conflict of interest that would hinder his ability to represent future medical malpractice clients.
During his trial, Snyder defended himself and claimed that he had been misled by the medical system, asserting that he was entrapped. He maintained that he intended to act in a consulting capacity to help prevent future tragedies linked to the hospital’s practices. Despite his arguments, he was found guilty of the charges.
Snyder’s trial was marked by his struggles to adhere to courtroom procedures, which often resulted in confrontations with the presiding Judge Deborah Boardman. The judge noted multiple infractions related to Snyder’s examination techniques and warned him against presenting arguments that the court had previously barred.
As a result of his conviction, Snyder faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the attempted extortion charge, along with potential additional time for violations of the federal Travel Act.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Snyder is a litigation attorney in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended the University of Baltimore School of Law. He acquired his law license in Maryland in 1970.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
