“A well-considered, private settlement of the family law dispute is the goal of Hooper & Jacobs LLC,” says Richard Jacobs. “We approach our cases with this objective in mind. However, when serious, thoughtful negotiations fail and mediation is unsuccessful, then we provide our clients with thorough trial preparation and focused advocacy before the judge.”
Mr. Jacobs was selected The Best Lawyers in America’s 2018 Baltimore Lawyer of the Year: Mediation. In 2013 Best Lawyers named him the Baltimore Family Law “Lawyer of the Year.” A single lawyer in each practice area in the community is honored as Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year”. A nationally recognized and peer-reviewed publication Best Lawyers has recognized and listed Mr. Jacobs both as a family law attorney and as a mediator since 2005. Chosen to Maryland Super Lawyers since 2007 when that recognition was established in Maryland, he was named in 2011 to the magazine’s Top 50 Lawyers list – which includes all areas of practice. Jacobs was again named to the list of Top 100 Lawyers for 2015, an honor since 2012. A fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Mr. Jacobs was named Fellow of the Year in 2015.
Articles authored by Richard B. Jacobs which were published In professional journals
- “Ex Parte Proceedings in Family Law,” Maryland Bar Journal, Vol. XXIII/No. 1 (March 1990)
- “Child Support Guidelines and Modifications 1990,” published in text for the Maryland Institute for Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc. (Copyright October 1990)
- “Until Death, Remarriage, or Rehabilitation Do Us Part, ” Maryland Bar Journal, Vol. XXV/No.6 (November/December 1992)
- “Child Support Guidelines – Advocacy Within Their Context,” Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education For Lawyers, Inc. (Co-Author) (Copyright March 1995)
- “In The Interest Of Property”, Maryland Bar Journal, Vol. XXVIII/No. 2 (March/April 1995)
- “Marital Settlement Agreements” in text for the Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education For Lawyers, Inc. (Co-Author) (Copyright May 1995)
- “Marital Settlement Agreements” in text for the Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education For Lawyers, Inc., Second Edition (Co-Author) (Copyright 1999.)
- “Resources For Economically Dependent Spouses”, Maryland Bar Journal, Vol. XXXV/Number 3 (May 2002)
- “Marital Settlement Agreements” in text for the Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education For Lawyers, Inc. (Co-Author) (Copyright June 2003)
- “ Maryland Divorce And Separation Law, “ Eighth Edition (Contributing Author) (Copyright June 2003)
- “Marital Settlement Agreements” in text for the Maryland Institute For Continuing Professional Education For Lawyers, Inc. (Co-Author) (Copyright June 2009)
Listing of some of the Seminars and Continuing Legal Education Programs in which Richard Jacobs has participated:
1.
January 19, 1989 – Lecturer, “Custody Mediation and Ex Parte Proceedings” at the mid-year meeting of the Maryland State Bar Association, sponsored by the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association
January 19, 1989 – Lecturer, “Custody Mediation and Ex Parte Proceedings” at the mid-year meeting of the Maryland State Bar Association, sponsored by the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association2.January 19, 1989 – Co-Moderator, “Divorce Litigation: A View from the Bench,” regarding how to handle domestic matters before Judges in the various Maryland Circuits
January 19, 1989 – Co-Moderator, “Divorce Litigation: A View from the Bench,” regarding how to handle domestic matters before Judges in the various Maryland Circuits3.February 22, 1989 – Lecturer, implementation of mandatory mediation in custody disputes, sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City
February 22, 1989 – Lecturer, implementation of mandatory mediation in custody disputes, sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City4.May 5, 1989 – Participant, “Alternatives in Handling of Domestic Cases; Emergencies, Mediation, and Settlements,” for Maryland Judicial Conference, an annual meeting for Judges of the State of Maryland
May 5, 1989 – Participant, “Alternatives in Handling of Domestic Cases; Emergencies, Mediation, and Settlements,” for Maryland Judicial Conference, an annual meeting for Judges of the State of Maryland 5.May 16, 1989 – Lecturer, “The Child Support Guidelines,” sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City, Maryland
May 16, 1989 – Lecturer, “The Child Support Guidelines,” sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City, Maryland6.January 1990 – Co-Chair and Moderator, “Pension Valuations in the Context of a Divorce,” presented in Washington, D.C. for the mid-year meeting of the Maryland State Bar Association
January 1990 – Co-Chair and Moderator, “Pension Valuations in the Context of a Divorce,” presented in Washington, D.C. for the mid-year meeting of the Maryland State Bar Association7.March 14, 1990 – Lecturer, “The Nuts and Bolts of Handling a Divorce Case” for the Milton Talking Lecture Series, sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City
March 14, 1990 – Lecturer, “The Nuts and Bolts of Handling a Divorce Case” for the Milton Talking Lecture Series, sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City8.March 28, 1990 – Chair and Lecturer, “The Guidelines Revisited One Year Later,” sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City
March 28, 1990 – Chair and Lecturer, “The Guidelines Revisited One Year Later,” sponsored by the Bar Association of Baltimore City9.June 7, 1990 – Chair and Co-Moderator, “Business Valuation in the Context of a Divorce” held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Maryland State Bar Association in Ocean City, Maryland
June 7, 1990 – Chair and Co-Moderator, “Business Valuation in the Context of a Divorce” held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Maryland State Bar Association in Ocean City, Maryland10.Fall 1990 – Lecturer, “Child Support Guidelines and Modification of Divorce Decrees” throughout the State of Maryland for the Maryland Institute of Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc. (MICPEL)
Fall 1990 – Lecturer, “Child Support Guidelines and Modification of Divorce Decrees” throughout the State of Maryland for the Maryland Institute of Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers, Inc. (MICPEL)11.February 28 – March 1,1991 – Lecturer, Family Law Institute “Hot Tips” program, presented by MICPEL
February 28 – March 1,1991 – Lecturer, Family Law Institute “Hot Tips” program, presented by MICPEL12.September 1991 – Lecturer, “New Master’s Rules,” presented by MICPEL
September 1991 – Lecturer, “New Master’s Rules,” presented by MICPEL13.December 1991 – Lecturer, “A View From The Masters” program with judicial masters, on how to present a domestic case for MICPEL
December 1991 – Lecturer, “A View From The Masters” program with judicial masters, on how to present a domestic case for MICPEL14.February 1992 – Co-Chair and Lecturer, annual Family Law Institute “Hot Tips” program, presented by MICPEL
February 1992 – Co-Chair and Lecturer, annual Family Law Institute “Hot Tips” program, presented by MICPEL15.June 1992 – Co-Chair and Speaker, “Attorney’s Fees In Domestic Cases,” presented by the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association at the Maryland State Bar Convention
June 1992 – Co-Chair and Speaker, “Attorney’s Fees In Domestic Cases,” presented by the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association at the Maryland State Bar Convention16.July 1992 – Lecturer, “A View From The Masters” program, presented by MICPEL
July 1992 – Lecturer, “A View From The Masters” program, presented by MICPEL17.November 12, 1992 – The Association Of Family and Conciliation Courts, North East Regional Conference, Speaker on “Seeing The Forest Through The Trees – Reducing Costs In Divorce Cases”
November 12, 1992 – The Association Of Family and Conciliation Courts, North East Regional Conference, Speaker on “Seeing The Forest Through The Trees – Reducing Costs In Divorce Cases”18.February 25, 1993 – Hot Tops in Family Law, “Hot Tips for Taking Depositions in Divorce Cases”
February 25, 1993 – Hot Tops in Family Law, “Hot Tips for Taking Depositions in Divorce Cases”19.March 25, 1993 and April 1, 1993 – Faculty, “Marital Property Workshop,” presented by MICPEL
March 25, 1993 and April 1, 1993 – Faculty, “Marital Property Workshop,” presented by MICPEL20.June 21-22, 1993 – Speaker on child support, “Fundamentals of Family Law,” presented by MICPEL
June 21-22, 1993 – Speaker on child support, “Fundamentals of Family Law,” presented by MICPEL21.November 19, 1993 and December 3, 1993 – Chair and Faculty Member, “Marital Property Workshop,” presented by MICPEL
November 19, 1993 and December 3, 1993 – Chair and Faculty Member, “Marital Property Workshop,” presented by MICPEL22.April 16, 1994 – Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, “Anatomy Of A Custody Case”
April 16, 1994 – Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, “Anatomy Of A Custody Case”23.November 18, 1994 – Program Chair and Faculty Member – “Advocacy Within The Context Of The Child Support Guidelines”
November 18, 1994 – Program Chair and Faculty Member – “Advocacy Within The Context Of The Child Support Guidelines”24.January 24, 1995 – Chair and Lecturer –”Judicial Perspectives As Viewed By Attorneys,” Judicial Institute
January 24, 1995 – Chair and Lecturer –”Judicial Perspectives As Viewed By Attorneys,” Judicial Institute25.February 24, 1995 – Hot Tips In Family Law “Use and Preparation Of A Trial Notebook,” presented by MICPEL (Co-Chair of Program Segments and Lecturer)
February 24, 1995 – Hot Tips In Family Law “Use and Preparation Of A Trial Notebook,” presented by MICPEL (Co-Chair of Program Segments and Lecturer)26. May 19, 1995 and June 1, 1995 – Lecturer, “Marital Settlement Agreements,” presented by MICPEL
May 19, 1995 and June 1, 1995 – Lecturer, “Marital Settlement Agreements,” presented by MICPEL27.May 30, 1995 – Chair and Lecturer, “Judicial Perspectives As Viewed By Attorneys,” Judicial Institute
May 30, 1995 – Chair and Lecturer, “Judicial Perspectives As Viewed By Attorneys,” Judicial Institute28.August 25, 1995 and October 1995 – Program Chair and Faculty Member, “Advocacy Within The Context Of The Child Support Guidelines”
August 25, 1995 and October 1995 – Program Chair and Faculty Member, “Advocacy Within The Context Of The Child Support Guidelines”29.November, 1995 – Lecturer, “Calming Custody Chaos,” presented by MICPEL
November, 1995 – Lecturer, “Calming Custody Chaos,” presented by MICPEL30.January 1996 – Lecturer, “Lawyers and Domestic Cases,” Judicial Institute
January 1996 – Lecturer, “Lawyers and Domestic Cases,” Judicial Institute31.February, 1996 – Lecturer – Hot Tips In Family Law “Use of Pre-Nuptial Agreements,” presented by MICPEL
February, 1996 – Lecturer – Hot Tips In Family Law “Use of Pre-Nuptial Agreements,” presented by MICPEL32.December, 1996 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, “Alimony” Program, presented by MICPEL
December, 1996 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, “Alimony” Program, presented by MICPEL33.January 1997 – Lecturer, “Parenting Seminar” – “A Lawyers Role in Divorce,” Divorce Education Program, The Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
January 1997 – Lecturer, “Parenting Seminar” – “A Lawyers Role in Divorce,” Divorce Education Program, The Circuit Court for Baltimore County.34.February 27-28, 1997 – Lecturer, “Equitable vs. Equal- Distribution under the Marital Property Act,” Hot Tips in Family Law, presented by MICPEL
February 27-28, 1997 – Lecturer, “Equitable vs. Equal- Distribution under the Marital Property Act,” Hot Tips in Family Law, presented by MICPEL35.May 27, 1997 – Lecturer, “Lawyers and Domestic Cases – A Dialogue,” Judicial Institute
May 27, 1997 – Lecturer, “Lawyers and Domestic Cases – A Dialogue,” Judicial Institute36.June 6, 1997 – Lecturer, “Lawyer to Lawyer ” Professionalism Course, Maryland State Bar Association
June 6, 1997 – Lecturer, “Lawyer to Lawyer ” Professionalism Course, Maryland State Bar Association37.January 30, 1998 – Lecturer and Chair, “Evidence in Domestic Cases,” presented by MICPEL
January 30, 1998 – Lecturer and Chair, “Evidence in Domestic Cases,” presented by MICPEL38.February 26-27, 1998 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, Family Law Institute Hot Tips, “Business Evaluation,” presented by MICPEL
February 26-27, 1998 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, Family Law Institute Hot Tips, “Business Evaluation,” presented by MICPEL39.May 6, 1998 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, “Marital Settlement Agreements”, presented by MICPEL
May 6, 1998 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, “Marital Settlement Agreements”, presented by MICPEL40.May 29, 1998 – Lecturer and Chair, “Lawyer to Lawyer,” Professionalism Course, presented by MICPEL
May 29, 1998 – Lecturer and Chair, “Lawyer to Lawyer,” Professionalism Course, presented by MICPEL41.July 15, 1998 – Lecturer, “Evidence in Domestic Cases” Program,” presented by MICPEL
July 15, 1998 – Lecturer, “Evidence in Domestic Cases” Program,” presented by MICPEL42. October 1998 – Lecturer on Family Law issues, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium
October 1998 – Lecturer on Family Law issues, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium43. February 1999 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, “Hot Tips in Family Law”
February 1999 – Lecturer and Co-Chair, “Hot Tips in Family Law”44. April 29, 1999 – Lecturer to the Virginia Bar Association, “Top Lawyers Trying Tough Cases,” “Examination of an Expert Witness, Context of a Custody Case,” Advanced Family Law Seminar
April 29, 1999 – Lecturer to the Virginia Bar Association, “Top Lawyers Trying Tough Cases,” “Examination of an Expert Witness, Context of a Custody Case,” Advanced Family Law Seminar45. October 1999 – Chair and Lecturer, “Examination of Expert Witnesses,” Maryland Chapter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium
October 1999 – Chair and Lecturer, “Examination of Expert Witnesses,” Maryland Chapter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium46. January 19, 2000 – Lecturer, “Evidence in a Domestic Case,” Baltimore County Bar Association CLE Program
January 19, 2000 – Lecturer, “Evidence in a Domestic Case,” Baltimore County Bar Association CLE Program47. February 24 and 25, 2000 – Lecturer and Co-Chair “Hot Tips in Family Law – Making an Effective Opening and Closing Argument,” presented by MICPEL
February 24 and 25, 2000 – Lecturer and Co-Chair “Hot Tips in Family Law – Making an Effective Opening and Closing Argument,” presented by MICPEL48.February, 2000 – Lecturer, “Evidence in Domestic Cases,” Judicial Institute
February, 2000 – Lecturer, “Evidence in Domestic Cases,” Judicial Institute49.May 18, 2000 – Lecturer, “Case Update,” Family Law Forum, Baltimore County Bar Association
May 18, 2000 – Lecturer, “Case Update,” Family Law Forum, Baltimore County Bar Association50.June 2000 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.
June 2000 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.51.June 2002 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago IL.
June 2002 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago IL.52. June 2003 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, Il.
June 2003 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, Il.53.October 2003 – Lecturer, “Discovering Hidden Assets”, Prince Georges County Bar Association Symposium
October 2003 – Lecturer, “Discovering Hidden Assets”, Prince Georges County Bar Association Symposium54.June 2004 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.
June 2004 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.55. October 2004 – Lecturer, “Marital Property Workshop,” presented by MICPEL
56.May 2005 – Lecturer, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee, “Case Law Update”
May 2005 – Lecturer, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee, “Case Law Update”57.June 2005 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.
June 2005 – Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.58.May 2006 – Lecturer, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee “Case Law Update”
May 2006 – Lecturer, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee “Case Law Update”59.June 2006 – Chair and Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.
June 2006 – Chair and Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.60. June 2006- Lecturer, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, “Lawyers with Clients in Mediation: Problem Solvers or the Problem,” Tampa Bay, Florida
June 2006- Lecturer, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, “Lawyers with Clients in Mediation: Problem Solvers or the Problem,” Tampa Bay, Florida61.April 2007-Lecturer, “Tax Issues in Divorce,” Baltimore County Bar Association
April 2007-Lecturer, “Tax Issues in Divorce,” Baltimore County Bar Association62. June 2007 – Chair and Lecturer, Institute for Training Family Law Associates, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Chicago, IL.
63.April 2008- Lecturer- “Tax Issues,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
April 2008- Lecturer- “Tax Issues,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee64. May 2008- Lecturer, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee “Case Law Update”
May 2008- Lecturer, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee “Case Law Update”65.February 2009 – Lecturer, “Proving an Owner’s Income from an ‘S’ Corporation,” Baltimore County Bar Association
February 2009 – Lecturer, “Proving an Owner’s Income from an ‘S’ Corporation,” Baltimore County Bar Association66.May 2009 – Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee.
May 2009 – Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee.67.June 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 – Co-Chair and Lecturer, Institute for Family Law Associates, AAML, Chicago
June 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 – Co-Chair and Lecturer, Institute for Family Law Associates, AAML, Chicago68.September 2009 – Lecturer, “Preparing for Expert Testimony in a Custody Case,” Circuit Court for Harford County Family Services Division
September 2009 – Lecturer, “Preparing for Expert Testimony in a Custody Case,” Circuit Court for Harford County Family Services Division69. March 2010 -Lecturer, “Tax Issues in Divorce,” Baltimore County Bar Association.
70.May 2010, 2011 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
May 2010, 2011 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee71.October, 2011 — Lecturer, Ethics in Family Law, “Your Reputation and Your Opponents’ Reputation
October, 2011 — Lecturer, Ethics in Family Law, “Your Reputation and Your Opponents’ Reputation72.March 2012 — Lecturer, “Business Valuation” , “Working with the Expert” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
March 2012 — Lecturer, “Business Valuation” , “Working with the Expert” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee73.May 2012 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
May 2012 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee74. June 2012, 2013 — Lecturer, “Apps for Family Law Attorneys” and “Working with Experts” AAML Institute for Family Law Associates
75.November 2012 – CoChair and Lecturer, “Working with Psychologist as Expert Witnesses in Custody Matters,” Maryland Chapter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium
November 2012 – CoChair and Lecturer, “Working with Psychologist as Expert Witnesses in Custody Matters,” Maryland Chapter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium76. May 2013 — Lecturer, Case Law Update, Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
77. October 2013 — Lecturer, “Marital Settlement Agreements,” Maryland State Bar Asso., AAML Maryland Chapter, UB Law School
78. May 2014 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
May 2014 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee79.June 2014, 15 — Lecturer, “Trial Preparation Issues: Expert Witness,” AAML Institute for Family Law Associates, Chicago.
June 2014, 15 — Lecturer, “Trial Preparation Issues: Expert Witness,” AAML Institute for Family Law Associates, Chicago.80. May 2015 — Lecturer, “Case Law Update,” Baltimore County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
81.June 2016 — Lecturer, “Apps for Family Law Practice,” AAML Institute for Family Law Associates, Chicago.
June 2016 — Lecturer, “Apps for Family Law Practice,” AAML Institute for Family Law Associates, Chicago.Professional Affiliations:
- Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- President of Maryland chapter, AAML, 2005-2007
- Former Fellow, International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Past Chair, Family Law Section, Maryland State Bar Association
- Past Chair, Family Law Committee of the Bar Association of Baltimore City
Articles/Lectures:
- Co-Author, Marital Settlement Agreements, textbook of MICPEL, since 1995
- Adjunct Professor, Family law, the University of Baltimore, 1998-2005
- Co-Director, Institute for Family Law Associates, AAML, Chicago, 2006-present, faculty member since 2002
- Frequent lecturer for the Maryland State Bar Association and county bar associations
- Editorial Advisory Board, Maryland Domestic Law Report
Education:
- BA, University of Baltimore, 1970
- JD, University of Baltimore School of Law, 1973
- Mediation certification, Maryland Institute for Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers
- Arbitration certification, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Harvard Negotiation Program, AAML sponsored special training, Cambridge
- Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training, Dept. of Fam. Administration, Admin. Office of the Courts – Maryland Judiciary and the Maryland Bar Association and the Collaborative Practice Training Institute