Author: JGL Law

In an article published on August 6, 2025, by WJLA ABC News 7, Timothy Maloney discussed the likelihood of a federal takeover of Washington, D.C., following an attack on a man identified as a former Department of Government Oversight and Enforcement (DOGE) employee.

While a full federal intervention in D.C. may seem unlikely, Tim explained that there are still legal avenues available to the President.

“I think it’s a lot of chest-beating on the part of the President, but the fact is that there are things the president can do to put pressure on the local government, such as taking over the police department or pressuring Congress to nullify some laws,” Tim said. “For instance, Congress nullified the DC criminal revisions, criminal code revision, a few years ago. So the federal government is not without power, and the reason is that the District of Columbia is a federally created district. It’s been that way since 1789.”

Read the full article “Former cops divided over Trump’s threat amid rising juvenile crime rates in DC.” (PDF)

Timothy Maloney was interviewed by WJLA ABC News 7 on August 6, 2025, about President Trump’s threats to take over Washington, D.C. President Trump has floated the idea of a federal takeover of D.C. several times since taking office, most recently in response to an alleged assault incident involving a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee on Monday,

During the interview Tim explained what the president has the power to do and what he can’t do: “He can federalize the national guard; he can take over the Metropolitan Police Department in an emergency situation. He already controls federal prosecutions through the United States Attorney’s Office, but to do more he would have to have Congress Act.” Tim also discussed whether the President is blustering or if there is an actual pathway for him to take control of the District.

Watch the full interview to learn more:

In an article published in Healthcare Risk Management’s August edition, Veronica Nannis discussed the current landscape of FCA enforcement, including a rise in opioid-related fraud litigation, a steady stream of Covid-relief cases, and what’s next after a recent executive order.

Pandemic-related fraud remains a top government priority, Veronica explained, with more than $250 million recovered in 2024 alone in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and related fraud. She also noted a growing number of fraud cases involving Anti-Kickback Statute violations.

“We are seeing several eye-popping settlements in the opioid litigation front as well as in PPP cases and Anti-Kickback cases,” she said. “Opioid litigation appears to be a nearly bipartisan enforcement priority that has now spanned numerous administrations, given the opioid epidemic’s tragic consequences on the population.”

Meanwhile, a recent executive order threatens to “turn the FCA on its head” from pursuing fraud on the government to policing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs used by private companies who contract with the government, Veronica said. “It is too early to tell if there will be any FCA cases filed under this EO, let alone any successful cases, based on this new priority.”

Both plaintiff and defense attorneys have raised concerns about the vague language in the EO and its potential to upend decades of civil rights protections. “If any of these FCA cases are filed, they should face significant and meritorious defenses,” she explained.

Read the full article “Misuse of Opioids Leading to More Fraud Investigations”.

The internet is abuzz with the recent “Kiss Cam” controversy involving the former CEO of the data company Astronomer at a Coldplay concert. A seemingly innocent moment turned into a viral sensation, leading to widespread speculation about an alleged affair and ultimately, the CEO’s resignation.

While the public fascination with celebrity and scandal is nothing new, this incident offers a potent reminder for our Maryland family law clients about how quickly private lives can become public, and the significant impact such exposure can have on divorce, custody, and support cases.

The Anatomy of a Public Scandal

The Astronomer CEO, reportedly married, was captured on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert with a colleague. The video quickly went viral, fueling rumors of infidelity and drawing intense public scrutiny. Within days, the CEO was placed on leave and subsequently resigned. This dramatic fallout highlights several key takeaways that resonate deeply within the realm of Maryland family law.

Adultery in Maryland: More Than Just a “Kiss”

In Maryland, adultery is no longer a ground for divorce, and while proving adultery is now largely behind us, the concept of “adultery,” including demonstrating both “disposition” (the inclination or desire for an extramarital relationship) and “opportunity” (the chance to engage in such a relationship), remains relevant. For this reason, public displays of affection, like the kiss cam incident, can be powerful evidence of “disposition.” While a single kiss on a jumbotron might not be enough on its own to prove adultery, when combined with other factors – such as a pattern of secretive behavior, shared travel, or communications – it can paint a compelling picture for the court as to the cause of the downfall of a marriage.

What Does the Kiss-Cam Mean for You?

• Social Media and Public Behavior Matter: What you do and say in public, including what is captured on social media, can absolutely be used as evidence in a family law case. Even if you believe something is private, in today’s digital age, it often isn’t.
• Proof Is Key: If you are alleging adultery as a reason for the downfall of your marriage and therefore a reason for favorable monetary award, you will need to present compelling evidence. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring a private investigator to catch someone in the act, but gathering circumstantial evidence demonstrating both disposition and opportunity can be key. This can include texts, emails, travel records, and, yes, even viral videos.

Child Custody: The “Best Interests of the Child” Reigns Supreme

While adultery itself does not automatically impact child custody in Maryland, the broader conduct surrounding an affair or public scandal can certainly be relevant. Maryland courts always prioritize the “best interests of the child” when making custody decisions.

Here’s how a public scandal could factor in:

• Parental Judgment and Stability: The court may consider a parent’s judgment and stability. If a public scandal creates significant instability in a parent’s life, impacts their mental health, or exposes children to undue public scrutiny or emotional distress, it could influence custody arrangements.
• Exposure to Inappropriate Behavior: While not a direct link to the “kiss cam,” if the alleged affair involved exposing the children to the affair partner or an unstable environment, it could be a concern for the court.
• Financial Impact: As seen in the Astronomer case, public scandals can lead to job loss or significant financial repercussions. This could directly impact a parent’s ability to provide for their children, which is a factor in child support and potentially custody.

It’s crucial to understand that simply being involved in a public controversy doesn’t automatically disqualify a parent from custody. However, the court will evaluate how such events impact the child’s overall well-being and stability in conjunction with the totality of circumstances in your specific case.

The Emotional Toll and Protecting Yourself

Beyond the legal implications, the Astronomer CEO controversy underscores the immense emotional distress that can arise when private matters become public spectacles. For individuals navigating a divorce or custody dispute, the added pressure of public scrutiny can be overwhelming.

The Takeaway for Maryland Families

The Astronomer CEO’s Coldplay Kiss Cam controversy serves as a stark reminder: in our interconnected world, private indiscretions can quickly spiral into public crises with profound personal and legal consequences. For anyone in Maryland facing family law matters, especially those involving allegations of infidelity or other sensitive issues, it’s more important than ever to do the following:

• Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint: Assume anything you post, say, or are captured doing in public could become evidence.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel Early: If you believe your spouse has been unfaithful, or if you are concerned about how your own actions might impact your family law case, consult with a Maryland family law attorney immediately. I can help you understand your rights, gather appropriate evidence, and develop a strategy to protect your interests.
• Prioritize Your Child(ren)’s Well-being: In any family law matter, the focus should remain on the child(ren). Work with your attorney to minimize their exposure to conflict and ensure their stability.

While the “Kiss Cam” incident might be fodder for internet memes, for those involved in Maryland family law, it’s a serious lesson in the intersection of personal conduct, public perception, and legal repercussions. Understanding this is key, so call to discuss in more depth.

When it comes to divorce, dividing assets can be tricky, and retirement accounts are often the most complex (and valuable) piece of the puzzle. In this episode of JGL LAW FOR YOU, host David Bulitt sits down with family law attorney Christopher Castellano to demystify the many types of retirement benefits, from 401(k)s and pensions to IRAs and annuities. Together, they break down what counts as marital versus non-marital assets, how courts handle present vs. future value, and how survivor benefits and prenuptial agreements impact retirement divisions. Whether you’re considering divorce or already navigating the process, this episode delivers the essential insights you need to understand what you’re entitled to when it comes to dividing retirement assets.

Family law attorney David Bulitt, along with his wife and therapist Julie Bulitt, appeared on Fox 5 DC’s “Good Day DC” on July 22, 2025, to share their insights on one of the most talked-about celebrity headlines: the recent Coldplay cheating scandal.

David explained that infidelity is often a symptom, not the root, of deeper relationship issues. The conversation explored whether couples can truly rebuild trust after betrayal, and what steps are necessary for healing and reconciliation.

To learn more, watch the full interview “Can a couple recover from cheating?”

In an article published by The Anti-Fraud (TAF) Coalition on July 18, 2025, Gia Grimm discusses why individuals who uncover fraud should contact a qui tam lawyer rather than calling a fraud hotline that reports directly to the Government. 

Gia explains that while your first instinct may be to report fraud through government-run hotlines doing so could mean forfeiting your right to a relator share—a financial award available to whistleblowers under the False Claims Act. If the government acts on your tip before you’ve filed a proper qui tam lawsuit, you may lose any chance at compensation. By contrast, a qui tam lawyer can guide you through the proper legal channels, potentially helping you secure a reward of 15–30% of the government’s total recovery.

Gia also discusses other advantages of working with a qui tam lawyer, including preserving evidence to strengthen your case, selecting the appropriate legal forum, and maximizing protections against retaliation for reporting fraud.

Read “Why Whistleblowers Should Call a Qui Tam Lawyer, Not a Hotline” for more information.

In an article published in The Daily Record on July 16, 2025, Jay Holland was quoted about the firm’s success in an age discrimination case involving a former employee of the Washington, D.C., Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).

The firm’s client worked at HSEMA for 33 years and was fired five weeks before she would have earned her retirement benefits, one of which was lifetime health care. She never received a single negative performance review until 2021, when she was fired.

“They gave her no warning, no write-up, no performance improvement plan,” Jay stated. “They said ‘you could either retire, or you’re fired.’”

A federal jury found that HSEMA discriminated against the firm’s client because of her age and awarded $525,000 in back pay.

“This should put on notice to employers that they cannot simply decide to get rid of older employees and replace them with younger ones to change the culture or vibe of the workplace,” Jay said.

In addition to Jay, the JGL trial team included attorneys Michal Shinnar and Caralea Grant.

Read the article “Washington, D.C., employee awarded $525,000 for age-based firing.” (PDF)

Read the firm’s press release for more information about the age discrimination case.

Devoted Employee Terminated Unlawfully Following 33 Years of Service, Five Weeks Short of Receiving Retirement Benefits

On July 11, 2025, a federal jury awarded Patrice White $525,000 after finding that the Washington, D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) discriminated against her because of her age when they fired her.

Ms. White had worked for HSEMA for 33 years, where she devoted herself to ensuring the safety of Washington, D.C. residents and infrastructure during disasters, such as flooding and storms. She started at an entry level position and worked her way up, receiving high performance ratings year after year, and numerous promotions, ultimately being promoted to Bureau Chief.

However, in 2021, HSEMA fired Ms. White abruptly, citing that her supervisor had given her a lower annual performance review, the first she had ever received in her 33-year career.

Ms. White believed the real reason she was fired was age discrimination based upon numerous facts. She was aware that at least one other older employee was pushed to retire. A human resources employee had also engaged with Ms. White about retiring, at which time in the employee’s hands was a handwritten note that read “59 years old; eligible to retire; options (retreat or termination); retirement incentive.” She was just five weeks away from vesting in her retirement benefits when HSEMA terminated Ms. White, benefits that would have given her health insurance for the rest of her life. After her termination, HSEMA hired a much younger, far less experienced employee to replace Ms. White.

“We are immensely proud of Ms. White for standing up to this discrimination and winning this important jury verdict for herself,” said her attorney Jay Holland, partner of Joseph Greenwald & Laake, PA. Michal Shinnar, Senior Counsel and part of the JGL legal team added, “The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) prohibits employers from assuming older employees should retire and from firing employees due to age discrimination.” The JGL legal team also included Caralea Grant.

In an article published in Law360 on July 8, 2025, Drew LaFramboise examined the complex forensic issues involved in lithium-ion battery fire and explosion cases.

Drew states that lawsuits involving these types of fires often center on whether the battery was defective due to a design or manufacturing flaw or if the combustion was caused by some other external factor, such as misuse of the product by the consumer or end user. He explained that resolving this issue requires “a careful forensic examination of the battery and the circumstances surrounding the combustion.”

In the article, Drew highlights the importance of understanding thermal runaway, a chain reaction within the battery initiated by a short circuit that causes a sharp and uncontrolled rise in temperature, destabilizing the battery’s inner structures. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures or moisture, as well as physical damage such as denting or puncturing, can increase the risk of such failures.

Most lithium-ion batteries are manufactured overseas, primarily in China and this can present litigation challenges because safety and quality controls can be inconsistent. Drew states that litigation arising from these fires can be long and costly, emphasizing the need for attorneys on both sides to promptly conduct forensic investigations to fully understand the causes of failure.

Read the full article “Forensic Challenges In Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Cases” (PDF)

Key Takeaways

• The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that general damages—not specific performance—are the appropriate remedy when an investor is denied the right to purchase LLC membership interests, unless the investor proves they are ready, willing and able to invest on the same terms as the founders.
• The Court held that general damages must be calculated using fair market value, not fair value, at the time of breach minus the price the investor would have paid.
• JGL’s client avoided transferring a one-third ownership stake in their multi-million dollar nationally franchised indoor play company and saw damage awards reduced from $1.25 million to $1.
• The ruling provides crucial protection for Maryland businesses facing investment contract disputes and clarifies a significant 2012 Maryland Supreme Court decision.

Background

An investor who was denied a contractual right to purchase membership interests in two companies formed by JGL’s client, Maryland Indoor Play, LLC (MIP)—a nationally franchised indoor play company—sued for breach of contract. The investor claimed rights to purchase ownership stakes in what had become a multi-million-dollar franchise operation with locations across multiple states.

The Circuit Court for Howard County awarded the investor specific performance for one of the membership interests and compensatory damages of approximately $1.25 million for the other investment opportunity, plus $440,000 in attorney fees and costs. The Appellate Court of Maryland upheld these decisions, creating total exposure of over $2.5 million for JGL’s client, plus the forced transfer of a one-third ownership stake.

The Ruling

In Maryland Indoor Play, LLC v. Snowden Investment LLC, the Supreme Court of Maryland issued a landmark decision that fundamentally changed how courts handle breach of contract cases involving LLC membership interests. JGL principal Roy Niedermayer, who represented Maryland Indoor Play, LLC and its individual members through both trial and appellate levels, secured this complete victory from the state’s highest court.

The Supreme Court reversed the specific performance order, ruling that investors seeking forced ownership transfers must meet a higher burden of proof—demonstrating they are “ready, willing and able” to invest on the same terms as founders. The Court also established that damage calculations must use fair market value methodology rather than fair value approaches, potentially reducing awards significantly in similar cases.

The decision clarifies and reaffirms Maryland’s approach to investment contract disputes while providing businesses with stronger protections against frivolous ownership claims.

Conclusion

This precedent-setting victory saved JGL’s client from a devastating multi-million-dollar judgment while establishing crucial legal protections for Maryland’s business community. The ruling reversed the specific performance order requiring transfer of valuable franchise ownership, vacated the $1.25 million damage award, and eliminated the $440,000 attorney fee judgment—reducing the total judgment to just $1.

The decision provides essential guidance for franchise owners, LLC members, and business investors structuring membership interest agreements, while strengthening Maryland’s business-friendly legal environment for investment disputes.

View the decision here (PDF)

In recent years, one of the most notable trends in family law has been the rise of “gray divorces,” or divorces for couples over the age of 50.

Sometimes also referred to as “silver divorces” or “silver splitters,” a gray divorce is marked by parties who are older (as young as 50) who decide to divorce. While divorce at any stage of life can be emotionally and financially challenging, gray divorce presents a unique set of legal and personal considerations, especially under Maryland law.

As an experienced Maryland family law attorney, I’ve helped many older individuals navigate the complexities of divorce later in life. Whether you’re contemplating separation or already facing proceedings, understanding the key issues surrounding gray divorce can help you make more informed, confident decisions.

Are Gray Divorces Increasing?

From 1990 to 2019, the rate of divorces that involved couples aged 50 or older grew from 8.7% to 36%. (Brown, S.L., & Lin, I., Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences, Vol. 77, No. 9, 2022). Factors for the increases include the following:

• Greater access to divorce, including cost and lessened grounds
• Longer lifespans of clients, thus a greater emphasis on personal fulfillment
• Empty nest syndrome after children leave home
• Changing social norms that make divorce more acceptable

Key Legal Considerations in a Maryland Gray Divorce

1. Division of Retirement Assets

Retirement accounts are often among the most significant marital assets in a gray divorce. In Maryland, retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are considered marital property, even if the account is in only one spouse’s name.

• Eligible Domestic Relations Orders (EDROs) may be necessary for retirement accounts, including pensions, 401(k)s, or other plans.
• The DMV region generally requires an increased focus on government and/or military retirement benefits, so careful consideration should be given to the valuation of said assets.

2. Spousal Support (Alimony)

The length of a marriage is a significant factor when considering whether or not alimony should be afforded in a divorce case. While there are many statutory factors that the Maryland courts consider, some include:

• The duration of the marriage
• The age and health of both parties
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Earning capacity and employment history

Just because the spouses are elevated in age does not disqualify an individual from a claim for alimony. In fact, many gray divorce parties may be more of a candidate for alimony than younger parties. Therefore, careful consideration of alimony, from an eligibility perspective to an exposure perspective, should be given.

3. Health Insurance and Long-Term Care

Divorcing after 50 often means one spouse loses access to the other’s employer-sponsored health insurance. If Medicare isn’t yet an option, this can create a financial strain. As with retirement benefits, the DMV region offers a higher proportion of divorce cases that involve government/military insurance issues, making careful consideration a must.

Additionally, long-term care plans should be reviewed and revised as needed, especially if one spouse was previously the caretaker or financially responsible for the other.

4. Estate Planning and Beneficiaries

Many gray divorces revolve around estate planning issues. This is because people consider their estate concerns at a higher level as they age. Therefore, when unhappiness creeps into a long-term marriage, parties consider divorce as an opportunity to facilitate a larger estate plan. Therefore, it is crucial to:

• Update beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts
• Revoke outdated powers of attorney
• Draft a new will or trust post-divorce

5. Adult Children and Family Dynamics

Though custody battles aren’t typically an issue, gray divorces can still affect adult children emotionally and financially. As set forth above, estate planning is often a driving feature of gray divorces, with adult children often the catalyst. Issues including inheritance expectations, family business interests, or support for college-age children can complicate proceedings. It is important to consider the motivations of people around you when determining if moving forward is the right decision.

Preparing for a Gray Divorce: Smart Steps

If you’re over 50 and considering divorce in Maryland, here are a few strategic tips:

• Consult with an experienced family law attorney who understands the nuances of gray divorce and can advocate for your long-term interests.
• Gather financial records and obtain valuations of retirement, investment, and real estate assets.
• Meet with a financial advisor to assess your retirement readiness post-divorce.
• Reevaluate your estate plan with your lawyer or estate planning attorney.

Final Thoughts

A gray divorce can offer you a fresh start, but it also comes with significant legal, emotional, and financial implications. If you are contemplating a divorce action in Montgomery County or anywhere in Maryland, contact Christopher Castellano to schedule a confidential consultation.