All attorneys selected to the list are drawn from case examinations and extensive client and peer reviews conducted by Benchmark’s editorial team. The selected attorneys represent the most promising emerging talent in their field.
Mr. Cathell is a Member in the Firm’s Medical Malpractice Defense Group. Brian has considerable experience defending medical malpractice cases, as well as defending physicians and other health care providers in various administrative forums. Prior to moving to civil litigation, Brian was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore County where he tried hundreds of cases to verdict, including three First-Degree Murder jury trials. During his time there, Brian was given the responsibility of training new prosecutors and was frequently consulted by his colleagues regarding trial strategy and technique. He was also specially assigned to handle matters of a high-profile nature, some of which drew national media attention.
At Pessin Katz Law, Brian has remained successful in the courtroom. In August 2017, he obtained a unanimous jury verdict in favor of his physician client in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Recently, Brian has briefed and successfully argued numerous motions in the Circuit Courts regarding proximate causation and related areas of first impression. Additionally, Brian has worked as “first chair” in negotiating fair settlements on behalf of his clients at mediation.
Ms. Longford is a Member with PK Law and part of the firm’s Medical Malpractice Defense Group. She represents physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers throughout the State of Maryland in the defense of medical negligence and other healthcare related matters, including licensing matters. She has also represented defendants in toxic tort litigation and other general litigation matters.
Ms. Longford earned her B.A. in Government & Politics and her B.S. in General Business from the University of Maryland College Park in 2001. In 2006, she graduated from the University of Miami School of Law where she was Editor-in-Chief of the International & Comparative Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Board. Ms. Longford was also nominated and admitted to the National Order of Barristers while in law school. She has been a member of the Maryland State Bar since 2006 and was recognized by her peers as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2011-2016. Ms. Longford also proudly served on the Board of Directors for The Arc Baltimore.
