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Joyce Smithey 4

Maryland Labor & Employment Attorney Joyce Smithey

As an Annapolis employment lawyer, Ms. Smithey has taught seminars and law school courses on employment and labor law topics. She has also published extensively on Employment and Labor Law and civil litigation. Ms. Smithey authored the Fourth Edition of Maryland Rules Commentary. She is also a contributing author to the MSBA Maryland Employment Law Deskbook and a regular contributor to the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association’s newsletter and The Employee Advocate.

6 Reasons To Choose Us

Experience

Our attorneys have 158 years of combined experience.

Standouts in the Profession

Our attorneys serve on the Labor and Employment Section Council and serve on the Board of Governors to the Maryland State Bar Association.

Thought Leaders

Our attorneys are widely published on the topics of litigation and employment law, including authoring the Fourth Edition of Maryland Rules Commentary and the MSBA Maryland Employment Law Deskbook.

Award- Winning

Our attorneys have won numerous awards, including the Lawdragon award, Best Lawyers, the Baltimore Business Journal award, the Centers of Influence Award, Top 50 Women in Maryland, Super Lawyers, 10.0 Avvo Rating, Clients' Choice Award, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, Top 100 Attorneys in Maryland, the Daily Record's Leadership in Law Award, America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, and Chambers Ranked Smithey Law 1 Ranked Lawyers | Band 1 | Maryland USA 2021.

Focused

Our firm focuses exclusively on labor and employment matters and approaches your matter with the expertise and skill necessary for excellent results.

Authority

Our attorneys have been featured in both international print and broadcast media and are regularly invited to speak at employment law conferences across the nation.

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Smithey Law Group LLC

Smithey Law Group - In The Media

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Practice Areas

Presentation and Publication

Pros And Cons Of Using Personality Tests In Hiring Process (by Joyce Smithey and Reuben Wolfson)(law360.com)
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Personality and Integrity Tests for Hiring and Promoting Employees
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Representing the Accused in the Me Too Era – (Maryland Bar Journal Magazine, January 2019)
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Employment concerns with COVID-19 crisis

What Our Clients Say

Very good results, I will recommend Smithey Group.

Josyane Kengni

They are wonderful and very supportive in my goals and stuff to help to fight my rights by I was disappointed with FAA goals that they rejected me...

Carrie Nicholsen

Smithey law firm is a place of hope for those struggling with unfair employment practices. With their knowledgeable paralegals and attentive attorneys know that your case is in safe hands with them. They helped me win my case after a long battle and I walked away with a substantial amount. . .

Kai Brunner

From the time I called for assistance and every step of the way, I felt completely reassured, and I never worried. Professional, ethical, integrity, and approachable are just some of who they all are. Great law firm, they were recommended by a friend. I am so happy they did.

Ellensue Levinson-Jeffers

Joyce and her team have served as my trusted legal advisors since I first met Joyce back in 2016.  Most of our work had been specific to contract reviews and relatively standard legal activities.  That said, when I found myself involved in a completely unexpected employment dispute was when I. . .

Robert Jerome

Met with Mr Tim Hartman this morning concerning the Non compete / solicitation I have with my former employer. I had several document with trick language to review with him. I found him to be very professional, knowledgeable and put me at ease on what my options where. I’m now. . .

Merlin Friend

I highly recommend Smithey Law Group. Their compassion, understanding, and patience while working through my case is unmatchable. Not only did they respect my time, but also my money. I know that my case likely would not have reached the resolution it did, without Smithey Law. I want to thank. . .

Sandy Gray

Smithey Law Group and Ellen Flynn were my voice when no one would listen. Ellen fought for me and gave 100% every day to ensure those who retaliated and discriminated against me were brought to justice. Expert knowledge and outstanding skills that led to justice being served. I am forever. . .

Suzanne Best

Joyce Smithey Law Group helped me with a labor issue.  If he’s available ask to be connected to Reuben Wolfson. Joyce and Reuben know the laws and guided me through some difficult topics.  They made things so simple for me and kept me current on the status of my case. . .

Edna Guajardo

I am thoroughly impressed by the staff at the Smithey Law Group. My attorney, Reuben Wolfson, skillfully and respectfully represented me in a dispute against my employer. He is a true advocate who guided me throughout a stressful experience. Through Mr. Wolfson's professionalism, I was fully informed throughout the entire. . .

Trish Barry-Utzig

Working with Smithey Law group was the best decision for me, to fight a large government organization as an employee with a person with a disability. Ms. Smithey's team was great. My lawyer, Lisa Walker, was excellent. She was there every step of the way. She made sure I was. . .

R. Goodman

I am extremely pleased with the results Attorney Reuben Wolfson was able to obtain while working with difficult people. He was truly my advocate. His approach was amazing, never confrontational. He gives true meaning to the saying, “You catch more flies with honey.”

Rosalynne Whitehead

The Smithey Law Group believed in me when no one else would! There were times when I was so overwhelmed I wanted to give up But Reuben, Joyce and the other wonderful staff had my back! I thank you all sooooooo much! I highly recommend this Lawfirm to everyone, anyone. . .

Angellina Johnson

I met with Joyce in a consultation, where I was looking to discuss a specific situation and explore potential next steps. I do not know if the situation will progress to needing to retain Joyce, however, I feel I got exactly what I needed, at present, out of our consultation.. . .

Posted by a client

Joyce is a true professional. I consulted with her regarding a severance agreement (SA) I previously signed without the advice of an attorney, as well as Cobra issues with my previous employer. I could not have picked a better attorney! Joyce is extremely knowledgeable! She explained a possible course of. . .

Posted by a client

Successfully negotiated my severance package with a former employer. Great personal service. Highly recommend for any employment and labor matters.

Anonymous

Joyce is an expert in employment law. She understands both the theory and the practice, what works in reality and what doesn't. She gave you honest advice based on my best interests. I was impressed with her ability to break down complex legal issues into easily understood concepts without "dumbing. . .

Jennifer

Joyce was a great advisor to me when I was let go from my employer. She always had my best interest in mind and was able to renegotiate my severance. I have recommended her to many colleagues.

Stephanie

After consulting three other lawyers, I hired Ms. Smithey and her team to handle my workplace gender discrimination and retaliation case. Ms. Smithey first reviewed my expansive folder of documents and provided a reasonable assessment of our chance of winning. She explained her fee structure clearly and, moreover, believed completely. . .

Posted by a client

Ms. Smithey represented me in an age discrimination suit against my nonprofit organization employer for almost 20 years. I was 64 and asked to retire early. This is clearly documented in my termination letter and meeting minutes of the organization's board. Ms. Smithey and her small staff's extensive experience and. . .

Posted by a client

Joyce was excellent for the entire two years she represented me. She was professional, organized, and direct with her communication, which I appreciated. She and her team were always well prepared as they conducted research and utilized resources within the industry to fully understand my case. I always felt that. . .

Posted by a client

Joyce is an expert at employment law and labor practices, and was integral in my company’s startup. She provided critical advice at the and has been available to provide guidance on short notice. Quite frankly, she’s the leader in her field/practice area. Joyce and her expertise are part of my. . .

Kevin Atticks CEO, Grow & Fortify, LLC

I attended my initial consultation with Joyce E. Smithey on 06/10/2014...I entered her office, and immediately acknowledged that I was in a super-professional environment...Her friendly and knowledgeable staff impressed as well...I wholeheartedly recommend anyone to seek counsel with Joyce E. Smithey without hesitation...

Employment client

Joyce's a wonderful attorney. I was widowed in 1999 and sued Wal Mart . Few attorneys go against Wal Mart and win, Joyce won. Don't think I need to say more. One of the best around...

Vicki Joyce beat Wall Mart

Ms. Smithey is a very trustworthy and hardworking attorney, whom I respect immensely. She is readily knowledgable about employment law issues and can provide advice while remaining sensitive to her clients' needs. She has handled my case with the utmost care and attention, which has enabled me to feel confident. . .

CFM

From the first meeting with Joyce, my company and I felt assured that all potential risks and options were clearly and quickly discussed. More importantly, Joyce possesses a business acumen which yields pragmatic and effective approaches to resolving legal issues. Her ability to connect well with all levels of political. . .

Jim Sharp & valuable!

Ms. Smithey is an honest and caring individual with an excellent team supporting her. From the very start I have been kept informed, asked for my opinion and looked at and treated with dignity and care. Joyce has empathy for what you have been through and knows the law, supporting. . .

Andy

Joyce Smithey skillfully represented me in a year-long dispute against a major employer. My case was deeply complex and demanded an attorney who could work through internecine details. She led the way in compelling our opponents to the table, successfully fending off their attempts to secure a non-disclosure agreement. No. . .

Ramsey

I went to Joyce when I didn't think anyone was going to help me with my complex employment case. We sat down and discussed the information, and I provided her backup documentation. From there, she did what she's great at, and that's properly conveying the merits of the case to. . .

Brian

Joyce represented me in a wrongful termination case against a large national employer which became highly contested due to the award at stake. The case also fell under the rules of a unique industry regulator so she assisted me in adding to our team other qualified attorney's who were specialists. . .

Posted by a client

Joyce was kind, considerate, and respectful. She worked hard supporting us against an employer who pulled out a high-powered law firm, a judge who did not want to make a precedent-setting decision, and an arbitrator who...let's say did not do what he originally said he would do. Joyce and her. . .

Cathy

Joyce came highly recommended and I was not disappointed. Her advice was always straightforward and to the point. She didn't beat around the bush and gave me real-time advice and direction, never leading me to believe anything that she didn't actually deliver. She promptly answered my phone calls, responded to. . .

Paul Age discrimination client

Ms. Smithey was a wonderful lawyer to find for my situation. I unfortunately needed her services for a employment legal battle and she was phenomenal! Her staff was always there able to answer my questions in a timely manner and I never felt out of the loop. They explained all. . .

Posted by a client

I turned to Joyce with a subject that was very hard for me to talk about, during a time that was very difficult for me. I was hesitant to pursue legal action, but after talking with Joyce she made me feel very comfortable and confident. The case was a long. . .

Karl

I approached Joyce with a case that many attorneys may have been intimidated by. Not only was she not intimidated, she immediately suggested a course of action that I was very comfortable taking. Joyce was diligent in all of her efforts; she made sure my best interests, and the best. . .

Posted by a client

Joyce E Smithey was a breath of fresh air!! I was so frustrated, disappointed, and exhausted when I met Joyce. My hopes of finding a complete attorney were almost at rock bottom based on prior experiences. Joyce exuded professionalism and compassion. She treated me like a human being instead of. . .

Posted by a client

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Maryland Rules
Commentary

Maryland Rules Commentary cover
A True Professional

Ms. Smithey authored the Fourth Edition of Maryland Rules Commentary. She is also a contributing author to the MSBA Maryland Employment Law Deskbook and a regular contributor to the Metropolitan Washington employment and labor Lawyers Association’s newsletter and The Employee Advocate.