Steven D. Silverman
Steven D. Silverman (born October 28, 1966) is an American trial lawyer best known for his work on various cases, including the decade-long representation of former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Riddick Bowe.
Early life and education
Silverman was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 28, 1966. After graduating from the St. Paul's School for Boys, a private preparatory school in Brooklandville, Maryland, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in history and American studies from the University of Richmond in 1988. He earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1991.
Legal career
Upon passing the bar in 1991, Silverman worked for three years as an Assistant Public Defender in Baltimore City. In 1994 Silverman left the Public Defender's Office and started a solo private practice. Since the start of his private practice he has not lost a single jury trial.
He successfully represented victims from the 1995 catastrophic Amtrak-CSX collision in Chase, Maryland. He represented former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Riddick Bowe for a decade in notable cases which included a 2003 criminal acquittal and successful federal lawsuit against former manager Rock Newman.
He received publicity during his successful representation of Ria Ramkissoon, a former member of the cult "One Mind Ministries." Ramkissoon had been charged with 1st degree [...] for the alleged starvation of her one-year old child. However, with Silverman's representation she received only probation. Silverman was featured on CNN and BBC World due to the notoriety of this case and the substantial amount of media attention that it garnered both in the U.S. and abroad. He was also featured on The Dr. Phil Show for his involvement in this case. As of 2010, it is believed to be the only instance in the history of American jurisprudence where a "resurrection clause" was included in a plea agreement. Under this clause, Ramkissoon would be acquitted of all charges in the event that her deceased son is resurrected from the dead.
Silverman also successfully represented the family of Isaiah Simmons, III, a Maryland teen accidentally killed by officials at the Bowling Brook Preparatory School. This case drew substantial media interest and caused sweeping changes to the Maryland Juvenile Justice System.
In 2010, Silverman successfully represented the family of John R. "Jack" Yates, an elderly Baltimore man who was killed in 2009 while bicycling in a tragic hit-and-run accident." This case has also drawn widespread media attention and has served as a catalyst for the reformation of Maryland cyclist rights.
Silverman is currently the managing partner of the Baltimore based law firm Silverman, Thompson, Slutkin & White, LLC.
Recognition
Silverman is ranked as a perfect ten by Avvo.com. He is ranked by the American Trial Lawyers Association as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in Maryland. Furthermore, he is a fellow with the Litigation Counsel of America, which recognizes less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers.
Appointments
In 2005 Silverman was appointed by then-Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. to a four year term on the Commission on Judicial Disabilities. In 2009 he was re-appointed to a second term by current Governor Martin O'Malley. The Commission is an independent body empowered with the responsibility of investigating complaints against Maryland judges and, when necessary, conducting hearings and imposing sanctions.
In 2006 Silverman was appointed to serve on the transition team of Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler.