GOODELL, DEVRIES, LEECH & DANN LLP

Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann LLP has served clients across Maryland and the nation for 38 years in litigation defense. The firm focuses on product liability and mass torts, medical malpractice, appellate matters, commercial litigation and insurance law. With more than 40 attorneys and 95 employees, Goodell DeVries operates under the leadership of Managing Partner K. Nichole Nesbitt.

Founded in 1988 with 18 lawyers, the firm set out to provide outstanding legal services on par with a large firm practice but in a smaller firm setting. Its mission was to become a preeminent local law firm with national litigation capabilities for product liability, medical negligence and commercial litigation matters. From the outset, Goodell DeVries has dedicated itself to building long-standing client relationships and providing industry-informed, client-tailored strategies.

The firm has expanded its client base to include major regional health systems and companies with local, regional and national reach. Partners have been appointed as national counsel in major product liability cases, and the firm has earned recognition from Law360 and The Daily Record for advancing women lawyers. In 2023, the last founding partner retired from the equity partnership, succeeded by attorneys trained under the founding group.
In response to litigation trends, Goodell DeVries developed an Appellate & Critical Motions practice focused on studying issues most likely to contribute to extraordinary verdicts. This specialized team guides trial lawyers toward preventing challenges, addresses “nuclear verdicts” at the trial level and handles appeals beyond the firm’s trial cases.

The firm remains committed to its founding partners’ blueprint, deliberately staying lean and pursuing growth only as it fulfills client needs, while maintaining its litigation focus and providing invaluable courtroom experience for associates. Goodell DeVries has cultivated a strong leadership pipeline, afforded attorneys flexible work arrangements and celebrates trial successes.

firm-wide, recognizing contributions across client teams.
Lawyers support numerous nonprofits through board service, volunteer roles and pro bono work. The firm contributes tens of thousands of dollars annually to community organizations throughout the Baltimore metro area.

Goodell DeVries has built a reputation as a go-to firm for litigation defense, especially in professional liability (including medical malpractice), product liability and commercial litigation. When clients needed dedicated appellate counsel, the firm cultivated a team to meet this need. Goodell DeVries is involved in high-profile, high-stakes litigation nationally and continues to maintain an impressive record of success.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by information provided by the honoree and other resources. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record editorial staff.

This profile is part of The Daily Record’s In the Lead: Best Legacy Businesses list for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.