Willards Lawyers

Ben Akech – Litigation Attorney, Advocate for Justice Ben Akech is a seasoned attorney committed to protecting the rights of individuals, families, and businesses across Maryland. With a diverse practice spanning tenant rights, consumer protection, and securities litigation, he brings a results-driven approach to every case. Drawing on years of courtroom and negotiation experience, Ben has developed a reputation for meticulous legal research, persuasive drafting, and strategic advocacy. He is known for taking the time to understand his clients’ unique challenges and crafting tailored legal strategies that put their needs first. In addition to his litigation practice, Ben advises on complex landlord-tenant disputes,...

I am Justin Batoff, a principal at Batoff Associates, and I have recently joined Silverman Thompson as of counsel. In this role, I am dedicated to serving our clients and providing guidance to startups, emerging companies, and established private and family-owned businesses on a variety of transactional and corporate matters. My practice primarily focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private placements, equity compensation, real estate and commercial transactions, and estate planning. Clients appreciate my role as outside general counsel, where I offer practical, business-focused legal solutions that are aligned with their strategic goals. I provide advice across multiple industries, including manufacturing, food...

Ms. Whitlock was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina. She earned her undergraduate degree from NC State University, where she competed as a member of the Wolfpack tennis team. She later attended the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia, where she received the Dean’s Cup in recognition of her exceptional public service. During law school, she served on the Judiciary Committee of the Student Body Association and worked as a teaching assistant in a course examining governmental responsibilities during national disasters. In her final year, she completed more than 800 hours...

Mr. Melehy began his legal career in 1987 as a judicial law clerk to Maryland Court of Appeals Judge William H. Adkins, II. He then spent eight years serving as an Assistant Attorney General with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, where he developed as a skilled trial lawyer. Since 1997, Mr. Melehy has focused his practice on representing employees in disputes with their employers, including cases involving wage and hour violations and discrimination claims against both private sector and federal government employers. Over the years, Mr. Melehy and his firm have advocated for countless employees and achieved significant settlements as...

I am Hope Blocton, Esquire, a private practice attorney serving communities in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. Originally from River Rouge, Michigan, I pursued my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University. Following this, I attended law school at Western Michigan University, where I graduated Cum Laude with a concentration in litigation. For over seven years, I have had the privilege of serving as a practicing attorney, dedicated to supporting the community at large. My firm, Bloc One Services, LLC, has thrived in the private practice sector, leading in industry standard legal achievements, while consistently providing quality legal services at fair...