U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland Appoints Zuckerman Spaeder Partner Adam B. Abelson as Magistrate Judge

Zuckerman Spaeder LLP congratulates partner Adam B. Abelson on his appointment to serve as a Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. 

“Adam has vast experience in a range of criminal and civil matters, a sharp legal mind, a clear understanding of the law's impact on individuals and communities, and the humility and compassion that characterize the finest judges,” commented Martin S. Himeles, Jr., Managing Partner of the Baltimore office. “His reputation as a principled advocate who adheres to the highest ethical standards has garnered the respect of clients, peers, and the courts, which will serve him–and our community–well in his new role.”

Mr. Abelson, who has been with Zuckerman Spaeder since 2012, first as an associate and later a partner, has represented clients in complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense, and government investigations. His criminal defense practice has included alleged financial, securities, and health care fraud, including one of the highest profile white collar cases of 2019. In his civil litigation practice, Mr. Abelson has focused on securities enforcement actions, complex commercial disputes, and antitrust and legal malpractice matters. He has also represented health care providers and their patients in high-stakes disputes, including playing a lead role in the landmark Wit v. United Behavioral Health case.  

Mr. Abelson has maintained an active pro bono practice and is deeply involved in the community and legal profession, including serving as the Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Working Group on Building Public Trust in the American Justice System, for which he worked to develop the ABA’s Ten Guidelines on Court Fines and Fees and the ABA’s Ten Principles on Reducing Mass Incarceration. He has also served since 2017 on the board of the Job Opportunities Task Force. 

For his commitment to his clients and community, Mr. Abelson has received several prestigious recognitions in recent years from The American Lawyer, the Maryland Daily Record, and the Baltimore Business Journal. 

“We are immensely proud of Adam’s appointment, which is a testament to his exemplary legal career and deep-rooted commitment to justice,” said Zuckerman Spaeder partner and firm chair Dwight P. Bostwick. “As with other firm partners who have been appointed to the federal bench, Adam’s legacy at Zuckerman Spaeder will continue to inspire us. Adam has been a tremendous partner, a talented advocate, and a close friend and mentor to many here at the firm.  I have no doubt he will leave a positive mark on the legal landscape in his new role as a federal judge.”

Earlier in his career, Mr. Abelson served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Andre M. Davis of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Hon. Catherine C. Blake of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the New York University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Princeton University.

Mr. Abelson will take the oath of office on Monday, September 18. More information is available here.