Trish Weaver
Maryland
Lerch, Early & Brewer, Chtd.
7600 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 700
Bethesda, MD 20814
Tel: 301-841-2433
Email:
tweaver@lerchearly.com
Web:
www.lerchearly.com
Trish Weaver is a leading appellate attorney serving businesses and individuals in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Subscribing to the philosophy that “an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure,” Trish anticipates issues and works closely with her clients to avoid litigation down the road. When it comes to her clients, Trish imagines her dad sitting in her client’s seat and provides the legal advice, respect and understanding that she would give to him.
Trish enjoys building ongoing relationships with her clients as their business advisor. By understanding their business objectives and learning the dynamics of their company, Trish remains attuned to the factors that may influence her clients’ decision-making. She works to educate her clients on the legal implications of business options, identifies attendant legal costs, and recommends strategies for accomplishing their goals.
She has been recognized as a “Best Lawyer” in Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation since 2016. Trish takes pride in providing representation that battles the AMLaw100 firms, but does so at reasonable rates.
Over the past 25 years, she has handled numerous appeals, authored briefs and argued before the Maryland Supreme Court, the Appellate Court of Maryland, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In addition to this regional practice, Trish has handled appeals in other federal circuits and is admitted to, and awaits the chance to argue before, the U.S. Supreme Court.
In her trial practice, Trish handles a variety of cases spanning the civil spectrum, but concentrates on complex commercial litigation and estate litigation. She has represented clients in many contract and business disputes, sophisticated estate litigation matters, and a wide variety of civil disputes.
In conjunction with her Alternative Dispute Resolution practice, Trish serves as a mediator by court appointment and by private engagement. She also works hard to keep her clients out of litigation and to successfully resolve complex disputes. She has published articles on the advantages of a mediated resolution in business and other disputes.
Trish previously chaired the Litigation, Appellate, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Professional Ethics & Discipline practices at Paley Rothman.
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers: Mediation, Washington, D.C. (2025)
- “Andre L. Sonner Diversity Award,” BFMC (2022)
- Best Lawyers in America – Best Lawyers: Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Mediation (2016-2023)
- Listed in Maryland Super Lawyers (2014-2023) – Top 50 Women Maryland Super Lawyers (2017, 2019, 2021 – 2023)
- Listed in Washington D.C. Super Lawyers (2014-2023)
- “Top Attorneys,” Bethesda Magazine, Appellate (2019, 2021, 2023)
- “Professionalism Award,” Bar Association of Montgomery County (2013)
- “Top 100 Women in Maryland,” The Daily Record (2012)
- “Leadership in Law Award,” The Daily Record (2011)
- Committee Chair of the Year – Social Committee, BAMC (2007)
- Committee Chair of the Year – Fee Dispute Resolution Committee, BAMC (2006)
- Ranked AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Appellate advocacy differs from trial work. At trial, an advocate tries to persuade a judge or jury to believe one witness instead of another one and argues that his or her client’s evidence is stronger than the evidence relied upon by the opposing party. The appellate lawyer, on the other hand, focuses on the record created in the trial court and whether the trial court committed legal error.
Success on appeal depends on different skills than those used at trial. Impassioned arguments that may move jurors generally fall on deaf ears when presented to an appellate court.
At Lerch Early, we have a number of lawyers who possess the skills necessary for effective appellate advocacy along with the skills needed for successful trial advocacy. Lerch, Early’s appellate lawyers thrive on the critical thinking and analysis that are integral aspects of appellate work. Our lawyers are committed to:
- A thorough review of the trial record
- Comprehensive research of the legal issues involved and a critical analysis of those issues
- Crisp, clear, and persuasive writing
- The preparation and delivery of persuasive oral argument.
Our appellate lawyers regularly pursue and defend appeals at all levels of state and federal courts, including the Court of Appeals of Maryland, the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Fourth and District of Columbia Circuits.
The appellate group works with other lawyers in the litigation group as well as with lawyers in the firm’s other practices, including the corporate, family and land use practices. We work with those lawyers not just when the case is already on appeal, but we assist them in assuring that issues have been properly raised and preserved at the trial level for eventual appellate review. We also handle appeals for lawyers from other firms who litigated at trial, but who are looking for other counsel to handle the appeal.
We are known for creative and practical advice that guides our clients to sound, informed decisions. With 75 lawyers and 75 years of experience, we can help you rise to every challenge.