David J. Shuster

Kramon & Graham, P.A.

David J. Shuster, managing principal, president and chair of Kramon & Graham, P.A., has led one of Maryland’s leading law firms for more than a decade from offices in Baltimore, Rockville and Towson. A trial lawyer, he represents individuals and businesses in complex commercial litigation, real estate disputes, personal injury and insurance coverage matters, with particular experience advising professionals and prominent community members in sensitive disputes where reputation is on the line.

Shuster’s path to the profession began in college, where business law courses sparked an early affinity for the field. A strong rapport with his professor and consistent academic success in those classes convinced him to choose law over business school. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree, with distinction, from Pennsylvania State University in 1991, followed by a law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1994. He clerked for the Honorable Arrie W. Davis of the Appellate Court of Maryland before entering private practice and joined Kramon & Graham as an associate in 1999.

Since assuming the managing principal role in 2013, Shuster has prioritized cultivating a culture of teamwork, professionalism and civility — an emphasis he regards as his most meaningful professional accomplishment.

A permanent member of the Judicial Conference for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Shuster also serves on the Character Committee of the Supreme Court of Maryland, the board of directors of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and remains active with Maryland Legal Aid’s Equal Justice Council.

He has been recognized by Chambers USA for commercial litigation in Maryland, as well as by Benchmark Litigation and The Best Lawyers in America.

He received The Daily Record Leadership in Law and Influential Marylanders recognition. He

He credits a deep bench of mentors for shaping his approach: predecessor Phil Andrews, who counseled him through early uncertainty in the leadership role; partner Jeff Scherr, whose client-first standard he continues to model; firm founder Andy Graham, who demonstrated that zealous advocacy and civility are not at odds; and the late Judge Davis, who remained a guiding presence in his career and personal life. Shuster draws ongoing inspiration from his colleagues, whose mutual trust and commitment to excellence he describes as both rare and motivating.

This is an honoree profile from The Daily Record’s Managing Partners awards. Information for this profile was sourced from the honoree’s application for the award. The honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.