Barbara Jorgenson

Of Counsel

“It’s important to know the difference between being tough and being aggressive. I strongly advocate for my clients and also wisely counsel them about what’s the best path to meet their goals. Litigation is not always the way.”

Barbara Jorgenson joined JGL in 1985 as the first associate to practice family law. Ultimately, she became the first woman to be made a full equity partner.

Barbara’s primary area of law is family law, specializing in large complex cases, requiring assets to be traced, or the valuation of closely held corporations and professional service providers like lawyers, accountants, doctors, and dentists. Once, while representing one of her late husband’s law partners, Barbara succeeded in having their nationally known law firm valued at almost zero – a kudo for her client.)

She has several published appellate cases – look for her under Gorinson and Jorgenson, her former and current names. Barbara was appellant’s counsel in the landmark case Pleasant v. Pleasant, 97 Md. App. 711, 632 A.2d 202 (1993), which established that Maryland courts can award a survivor benefit annuity to a spouse when dividing a pension.

Barbara has moved her practice to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and no longer does litigation. She continues to assist estate planning and probate clients, and consults with other lawyers on complex financial cases. She continues her long-time dedication to pro bono work through a pro bono family law clinic for an Eastern Shore circuit court. Barbara is often appointed as a Best Interest Attorney(BIA) on the Eastern Shore.

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • US District Court for the District of Maryland
  • US Supreme Court

  • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, JD, 1984
  • University of Florida, BS, with honors, 1971

  • Beacon of Justice Award, National Legal Aid and Defenders Association, 2009
  • Herbert S. Garten Award for pro bono service, Maryland State Bar Association, 2009
  • Pro Bono Service Award, Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, 2008
  • Super Lawyers, Washington, DC, and Baltimore, 2007–2012
  • Top Divorce Lawyers, Washingtonian magazine, 2009

  • Kent County Bar Association, Treasurer 2021-present
  • Maryland State Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • Montgomery County Bar Association
  • Prince George’s County Association
  • Historical Society of Kent County, President
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