Baltimore Lawyer Sentenced: A Cautionary Tale

News Summary

Stephen L. Snyder, a Baltimore attorney, has been sentenced to six months of house arrest and three years of probation for extorting the University of Maryland Medical System. Known for his aggressive litigation tactics, Snyder’s downfall comes after he attempted to secure $25 million through unethical demands, threatening to damage the institution’s reputation. This case highlights the risks of ethical breaches in the legal profession, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who prioritize greed over integrity.

Infamous Baltimore Attorney Faces Justice: A Fall from Grace

In a case that has captivated the legal community, Stephen L. Snyder, a Baltimore attorney known for his aggressive litigation tactics, has been sentenced to six months of house arrest and three years of probation. This follows his conviction for attempting to extort the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). The sentencing was handed down on April 3, 2025, following a series of damning revelations about Snyder’s unethical demands for a staggering $25 million.

The Background

Snyder, a recognized medical malpractice attorney, represented two clients who alleged they suffered severe injuries after undergoing organ transplants at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Instead of pursuing a legitimate settlement for his clients, Snyder chose a darker route, threatening to dismantle the transplant department if his monetary demands were not met.

Between January and September 2018, the attorney made a series of explosive demands, insisting that the $25 million payment should be made separately from any settlements regarding his clients. He wielded threats that would make any reasonable person squirm—vowing to launch a public relations campaign that would ominously accuse UMMC of misleading patients into receiving diseased organs.

The Extortion Scheme

His threats included plans to run front-page newspaper ads, orchestrate press conferences, and direct potential transplant patients to his law firm’s website. Snyder’s extortion strategy was layered; he proposed entering into a phony consulting agreement that would obscure the true nature of the payment he sought. During meetings with UMMS attorneys, he even showcased his homemade commercials, which accused the institution of prioritizing profits over patient safety.

A Trial Full of Controversy

Snyder’s downfall culminated in a nine-day trial where he represented himself, vehemently asserting his innocence. He argued that he had no criminal intent, claiming that he was entrapped by law enforcement. However, this defense fell flat during the proceedings, where his lack of adherence to court protocol led to a staggering number of objections—reportedly up to 100 in a single day.

The jury found him guilty of extortion and violating the Travel Act in November 2024. Fed up with Snyder’s continuous disruption of the courtroom, U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman even ordered him to spend a night in jail for contempt of court. Throughout his legal career, Snyder had earned a reputation for securing impressive settlements, totaling hundreds of millions, for his clients. However, this recent conviction is labeled as a “stunning fall from grace.”

Consequences and Reflections

Despite facing a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, Snyder ultimately received a more lenient sentence of house arrest and probation, taking into account his previously commendable legal career. His infamous slogan, “Don’t just sue them, Snyder them,” now serves as a bitter reminder of how far he has strayed from ethical legal practice.

As Snyder embarks on his six-month house arrest, the legal community is left pondering the implications of his actions and the stark reality of a once-prominent attorney succumbing to the temptations of greed and fearmongering. The case stands as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the legal profession and the dire consequences of crossing that line.