News

New Partners Elected at Whiteford Taylor & Preston

Date: January 12, 2015

Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is delighted to announce that Marla Diaz, a community associations lawyer, and Todd Brooks and Aaron Casagrande, both bankruptcy lawyers, have been named Partners of the firm, effective January 1, 2015. 

In his congratulatory remarks, the firm's managing partner, Martin T. Fletcher, said, “It is a privilege to welcome these exceptional attorneys into their new and expanded roles. Each has delivered tremendous value to clients and will make important contributions to the continuing growth of our firm.”

Marla J. Diaz is a member of the firm's Community Associations practice, representing homeowners' associations, condominiums and co-operatives throughout Virginia, in both general advice and in litigation. She represents boards of directors on governance issues, rules and covenant enforcement, and developer/warranty issues. In addition, Ms. Diaz is a litigator and most recently received national attention for her successful representation of the Baltimore Museum of Art in retrieving a long-lost Renoir painting.

Ms. Diaz received her law degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law (J.D., 2001), where she was an editor of the Law Review and a member of Moot Court Board.  Her undergraduate degree is from the College of William and Mary (B.S., 1997). She is based in our Falls Church office and is admitted to practice in Virginia.

Todd Brooks is a member of the firm's Business Reorganizations and Bankruptcy group, based in the firm's Baltimore office.  He is experienced in bankruptcy trustee representations, special counsel services, financial restructuring, and creditors' rights and preference defense.  He also has business litigation and appellate experience.

Mr. Brooks received his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2006) and his undergraduate degree from St. Mary's College (B.A., magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, 2003).  After law school, he clerked for the Hon. James A. Kenney III on the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. 

He has been listed as a “Rising Star” in Maryland Super Lawyers since 2012 and is admitted to practice in Maryland.

Aaron L. Casagrande, also based in the firm's Baltimore office and a member of the Business Reorganizations and Bankruptcy practice, has experience in corporate governance, professional liability, bankruptcy trustee representation, bankruptcy litigation, special counsel services, and creditors' rights and loan workouts.

Mr. Casagrande received his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2006) and his undergraduate degree from Bucknell University (B.A., magna cum laude, 2003).  After law school, he clerked for the Hon. Ellen L. Hollander on the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. 

He has been listed as a “Rising Star” in Maryland Super Lawyers since 2010 and is admitted to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia.


About Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP: The 160 attorneys at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston are dedicated to helping our clients protect and grow their businesses through strategic business and litigation services. We serve our clients in the region, across the nation and around the globe from our base of eleven offices in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Virginia, Delaware, and Michigan.