Congratulations to the Six Rollins, Smalkin, Richards & Mackie LLC Attorneys That Have Been Named to the 2025 Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List!

The Maryland Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are exclusive lists of top-rated attorneys in specific practice areas who were chosen after thorough evaluation of numerous criteria. Each year, approximately five percent (5%) of Maryland attorneys are selected as "Super Lawyers" and two-and-a-half percent (2.5%) are selected as "Rising Stars." We could not be any prouder of our attorneys!

Super Lawyers

James R. Andersen

Managing Partner
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2017 – 2025

With over three decades of litigation experience, Managing Partner James R. Andersen has earned a reputation for exceptional trial advocacy and strategic legal insight. Since joining RSRM as a partner in 2009, Mr. Andersen has tried more than 100 jury trials across Maryland, in the United States District Court, and even before a jury in Alameda County Superior Court, California.

Mr. Andersen represents clients across a broad spectrum of civil litigation matters, including complex motor torts, insurance coverage disputes, premises liability, products liability, construction litigation, and medical malpractice. He brings to each case a depth of legal knowledge and sound judgment honed through years of successfully navigating high-stakes litigation. Mr. Andersen earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

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Tara A. Barnes

Partner
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2023 – 2025
Selected to Rising Stars: 2015 – 2018

Tara A. Barnes has been a Partner at RSRM since 2015, bringing over 20 years of experience and more than 100 jury trials to her practice. Formerly an Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Ms. Barnes is licensed in Maryland, the District of Columbia, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

She concentrates her practice on high-exposure civil litigation involving products liability, construction litigation, motor torts, and coverage disputes. In 2023, Governor Wes Moore appointed her as an Attorney Member of the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities. She is an Emeritus Chair of the MSBA Judicial Appointments Committee and a former President of the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys of Maryland. Ms. Barnes earned her law degree from the University of Maryland and her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Morgan State University.

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Ashley M. Bond

Partner
Selected to Rising Stars: 2021 – 2025

Ashley M. Bond joined RSRM in 2017 and was elevated to Partner in 2024. She is a versatile and skilled litigator, currently the only attorney at the firm practicing in both general litigation defense and workers’ compensation defense. Mrs. Bond regularly appears before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, handling all aspects of claims, from inception through resolution.

In addition to her workers’ compensation practice, Mrs. Bond has significant experience defending clients in motor tort, premises liability, and a broad range of civil litigation matters. Mrs. Bond is known for her strong courtroom presence, thoughtful case strategy, and commitment to client advocacy. She is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.

Mrs. Bond’s litigation talent was recognized by the Appellate Court of Maryland, which quoted her closing argument in an unreported opinion in 2018. A dedicated mentor and educator, she served as an Adjunct Professor and coach of the University of Baltimore School of Law’s nationally recognized mock trial team, which won the 2021 Regional Championship and placed second at the 2022 Buffalo Niagara Trial Competition. She is a former co-chair of the MSBA Young Lawyers’ Wellness Committee. Mrs. Bond earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law and her B.A. from Towson University.

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Benjamin A. Beasley

Partner
Selected to Rising Stars: 2022 – 2025

Benjamin A. Beasley became a Partner at RSRM in 2022 and has litigated hundreds of cases across the state. His practice focuses on complex motor torts, premises liability, coverage disputes, and appellate advocacy. He also represents clients in administrative hearings before the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Mr. Beasley has served as an Adjunct Professor and mock trial coach at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He is a frequent speaker on trial advocacy and judicial clerkships and was previously featured on the podcast Latte with a Lawyer. Mr. Beasley earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he clerked for RSRM during his final year.

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Regan S. Leavitt

Associate
Selected to Rising Stars: 2025

Regan S. Leavitt joined RSRM in 2023 and quickly distinguished herself through her legal research and support on complex litigation. Her practice focuses on the defense of motor tort, premises liability, and insurance coverage matters. She is admitted to practice in Maryland and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

Ms. Leavitt earned her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she served as a staff editor for the University of Baltimore Law Review. She previously clerked for the Honorable John J. Nagle III of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. A former varsity athlete, she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she played on the university’s Division I Field Hockey Team.