Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC

Managing Partner: Alan M. Rifkin

Administrative Partner: Michael V. Johansen

Senior Equity Partners: Arnold M. Weiner, Scott A. Livingston, Joel D. Rozner, M. Celeste Bruce

Number of Partners: 16

Number of Other Attorneys/Of Counsel/Consultants: 9

Firm Overview 

Established in 1989, RWL has become the go-to firm at the crossroads of law and government when individuals, businesses, and institutions have complex legal problems.Whether in the courtroom, board room or governmental hearing room, RWL’s team of experienced attorneys thrives on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of major league sports franchises, nationally recognized companies, whistleblowers, government contractors, local and regional profit and nonprofit organizations, and institutional clients.RWL is at the forefront of “bet-the-company litigation,” high profile corporate transactions, multi-million-dollar government procurements and contracts, critical government relations, and strategic advice and counsel.Since its inception, RWL has brought together lawyers at the top of the profession with decades of experience in law and public service to serve its clients’ needs.

Linking Maryland’s Business, Commercial and Government Centers 

Where law, government and business converge, and where public policy and public opinion intersect, RWL is there to assist – using its “team approach” to navigate the maze of Maryland laws, regulations and governmental institutions.

Main Practice Areas 

RWL recognizes that clients’ business issues can often be addressed through a comprehensive approach including all of the branches of government. RWL has distinguished itself in the following practice areas:

• Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance
• Business and Commercial Transactions
• Complex Civil and Commercial Litigation
• Electronically Stored Information (ESI)
• Government Relations and Lobbying
• Mediation and Dispute Resolution
• Sports Law, Gaming and Facilities
• State Contracting, Procurement and Bid Protests
• White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations

Diverse Experience 

RWL regularly represents clients before state and federal trial and appellate courts, arbitration and mediation panels, state and local legislative and administrative bodies, governmental agencies and regulatory panels.

Representative Successes 

• Led negotiating team for Maryland Jockey Club, The Stronach Group and Preakness Stakes® for a $375 million public/private partnership for rebuilding of Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park
• Represented Baltimore Orioles in negotiations with MLB concerning compensation to Orioles in connection with relocation of Washington Nationals to Washington, D.C., including formation and development of MASN
• Represented Baltimore Orioles and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network in dispute with Washington Nationals and MLB over telecast rights fees
• Negotiated Baltimore Orioles’ spring training facilities lease with Sarasota County, Florida
• Represented client regarding legal fees arising from tobacco industry’s national settlement agreement
• Obtained substantial jury verdict in commercial contract dispute involving claims of tortious interference with contractual rights
• Obtained multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of bankruptcy and litigation trustee in banking fraud case
• Obtained multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of creditor to small business in accounting fraud case
• Obtained multi-million dollar settlement in claim against turn-around company that failed to keep hospital out of bankruptcy
• Obtained multi-million dollar settlement in accounting fraud case on behalf of venture capitalists against company officers
• Settled case for record $185 million by bankrupt national retailer Merry-Go-Round against financial advisor for failed Chapter 11 reorganization
• Advised and represented Governor of Maryland and administration (before Maryland General Assembly and agencies) with respect to approval and funding for Oriole Park at Camden Yards
• Represented Caesars’ casino interests in securing casino license for Horseshoe Casino
• Led effort to gain necessary legislative and administrative approvals for Dominion’s LNG export facility at Cove Point in Lusby, Maryland
• Successfully represented Columbia Gas in obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals to build 21-mile pipeline through Baltimore metropolitan region
• Shepherded the leading ride sharing company’s legislative bid to expand its business to Maryland
• Helped facilitate passage of Maryland Offshore Energy Act of 2013
• Instrumental in passing legislation that reduced closing costs for Maryland home buyers
• Successfully represented widow of one of the U.S. Postal workers who died as result of contact with now-infamous “anthrax letters” mailed to United States Congress.
• Represented more clients before Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals than any other firm

Offices 

State Capital 

225 Duke of Gloucester Street

Annapolis, Maryland21401

410.269.5066

Baltimore 

2002 Clipper Park Road, Suite 108

Baltimore, Maryland21211

410.769.8080

Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area 

4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 820

Bethesda, Maryland20814

301.951.0150