Thomas J. Whiteford

Thomas J. Whiteford is a Partner at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, and a veteran trial attorney with decades of litigation experience. He focuses his practice on real estate, business, commercial, and insurance-related disputes, as well as personal injury claims. Known for his ability to manage complex cases, Mr. Whiteford has built a reputation for strong advocacy and practical solutions that protect the interests of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Maryland and beyond.

Mr. Whiteford earned his B.A. from Bucknell University in 1989 before receiving his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1992. Following law school, he clerked for the Honorable James T. Smith of the Baltimore County Circuit Court, gaining early exposure to courtroom practice and judicial decision-making. He is admitted to practice in Maryland and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where he continues to represent clients in a wide range of matters.

A substantial part of Mr. Whiteford’s practice focuses on representing national and local real estate developers and commercial lessors in land use disputes, complex real estate matters, and riparian rights litigation. He also advocates for clients in the senior living, cemetery, and funeral home sectors, as well as licensed medical professionals appearing before administrative and professional licensing boards. This diverse, industry-focused practice gives him a deep, practical understanding of the business and regulatory challenges that frequently arise in litigation, compliance, and dispute resolution.

Thomas J. Whiteford has received numerous recognitions, including listings in Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, and Personal Injury Litigation. In 2024, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Real Estate Litigation. He also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Active in the legal and civic community, he serves on the board of National Lutheran Communities & Services and is a member of multiple professional bar associations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP
• Board Member, Federal Bar Association (2012)
• Member, Baltimore County Bar Association
• Judicial Law Clerk, Honorable James T. Smith, Baltimore County Circuit Court

Licensed State

• Maryland

Education

• University of Baltimore School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Bucknell University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges