Steve Chaikin
schaikin@karplawfirm.net
240-832-8286
Steve has participated in hundreds of jury and bench trials throughout Maryland, making him one of the most experienced and successful trial lawyers in the State. Because of this experience and the extensive public service work he has done (listed below) he is well known and widely respected by judges, lawyers, and community leaders. Steve’s extensive experience on his feet in a courtroom has prepared him to identify key issues for clients and provide solutions.
Steve Chaikin is Of Counsel to the firm and has been resident in our Rockville office since leaving the State’s Attorney’s office. Steve was a prosecutor for almost two decades in Montgomery County, Maryland. Most of his own practice is focused on criminal law. However, due to the depth of Steve’s extensive courtroom experience he collaborates with the firm in their personal injury cases on a regular basis.
Steve Chaikin grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. Steve joined the State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State’s Attorney on April 3, 2000. Steve specialized in homicides, high impact, fraud, collision reconstruction, and community impact cases. Steve has participated in hundreds of jury and bench trials in Montgomery County and Baltimore City. Steve previously received the Governor’s Honorable Medal of Distinction for working with homeless and lower-income families.
In response to the overdose crisis here in Maryland, Steve played an instrumental part in coordinating multiple agencies in creating the “Speak Up, Save a Life” program here in Montgomery County. He presented to over 25,000 students and thousands of parents in 2016-2017.
Steve graduated from Syracuse University, with a degree in Political Science in 1989. In 1993, he received his law degree from The University of Baltimore School of Law. While in Law School, he founded a non-profit Homeless Advocacy organization, “Project Hunger”. This effort resulted in the distribution of more than 2000 meals a week, to area homeless shelters and families in need. Steve worked in the Public Defender’s Office in Baltimore City, between 1994 and 1997. Steve worked for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office from 1997 through February 2000.
In 2016, Steve received the President’s Citation for Outstanding Service from the Bar Association of Montgomery County. In 2015, Steve received an award for exemplary service to Montgomery County Public Schools. In 2013, Steve received a Distinguished Service Citation from United State’s Senator Barbara Mikulski. He also received a Maryland General Assembly Official Citation for distinguished service from Senator Rob Garagiola. In 2012, he received an Excellence in Leadership award from the Montgomery County Police Department. In 2008, Steve received a certificate of appreciation from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for his work in shutting down the office of a man impersonating a doctor. In 2005, Steve received the Chief of Police Certificate of Appreciation award for his work in the community.