James Donald Cardea, Litigation Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Litigation, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratSchochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.
Baltimore, MD
Practicing litigation in Baltimore since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you James Donald Cardea?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
James Donald Cardea is a partner based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Litigation, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Baltimore, MD
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Litigation · Medical Malpractice · Personal Injury
- Handles Litigation, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury matters from Baltimore, MD.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Donald Cardea: James Donald Cardea is a partner based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Litigation, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury, product liability, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Medical Malpractice
View other Medical Malpractice attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Product Liability
View other Product Liability attorneys
Workers Comp
View other Workers Comp attorneys
Wrongful Death
View other Wrongful Death attorneys
Litigation cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes litigation matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes medical malpractice matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes personal injury matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes product liability matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes workers comp matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Donald Cardea — litigation lawyer in Baltimore
James Donald Cardea is a partner based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Litigation, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
James D. Cardea received his undergraduate degree from Western Maryland College and graduated cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he received American Jurisprudence Awards in Legal Analysis, Research and Writing (1992) and Domestic Relations (1994). He was also a Staff Editor for the University of Baltimore Law Review from 1994-1995 and was awarded membership to the Heuisler Honor Society.
“My goal is to provide our clients with the finest legal representation. I believe that positive results are obtained through a combination of hard work, dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm. I strive to apply these principles to every case that I handle.”
Mr. Cardea has been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America™ since 2011. Mr. Cardea has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Maryland™ by The American Trial Lawyers Association and a Top 100 Litigation Lawyer in the State of Maryland by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Since 2018, Mr. Cardea has been included as one of the 10 Best Attorneys for Maryland by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. Mr. Cardea has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine™ since 2010 where he has been recognized as one of the Top 100 attorneys in Maryland since 2012. Mr. Cardea has also received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell™, a testament to the fact that his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. Mr. Cardea has also received the prestigious Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of Maryland from the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, Inc. He has also been recognized by the American Biographical Institute as the Man of the Year for Outstanding Contributions to Law.
Outside the Courtroom, Mr. Cardea is known as a quiet, courteous gentleman. But managing partner Jonathan Schochor is known for saying that once engaged in a trial or negotiation, Mr. Cardea is a tenacious, aggressive and extremely effective advocate for his clients. Indeed, Mr. Cardea has successfully served as lead trial counsel in dozens of medical malpractice cases before juries throughout the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Mr. Cardea’s effective trial skills have resulted in numerous six and seven figure jury verdicts which have been featured in The Baltimore Sun and The Maryland Daily Record, among other publications. According to topverdict.com, Mr. Cardea’s $1.75 million verdict in a Baltimore County jury trial was one of the top 100 medical malpractice verdicts in the country in 2019.
Each September, in honor of his father, Mr. Cardea sponsors the Dr. Don Cardea Golf Tournament benefiting the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. An avid sports fan, he has coached various youth sports. Mr. Cardea lives with his wife and three daughters in Fulton, Maryland.
James's approach to litigation cases
James D. Cardea received his undergraduate degree from Western Maryland College and graduated cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he received American Jurisprudence Awards in Legal Analysis, Research and Writing (1992) and Domestic Relations (1994). He was also a Staff Editor for the University of Baltimore Law Review from 1994-1995 and was awarded membership to the…
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury matters in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Baltimore
J.D. · 1995
Western Maryland College
B.A. Communications · 1989
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
Maryland
1995 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Baltimore and B.A. Communications in Western Maryland College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Baltimore and B.A. Communications in Western Maryland College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James Donald Cardea's office in Baltimore
James's primary office is at 1211 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.
1211 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Donald Cardea — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing litigation attorneys in Baltimore.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Donald Cardea claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Donald Cardea — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a litigation attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
A short list to run through before you commit: How many litigation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every litigation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Donald Cardea
How much does it cost to hire James for a litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some litigation attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do litigation cases in Maryland typically take?
Simple litigation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Baltimore?
James is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new litigation clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Litigation attorneys serving Baltimore, Annapolis and Rockville in Maryland
James handles litigation matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified litigation attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated litigation attorneys in Maryland
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these litigation attorneys in Baltimore handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.