ATTORNEY, PARTNER

James D. Cardea is a partner at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg & Cardea, P.A. and one of the region’s most accomplished medical malpractice attorneys. With over 29 years of litigation and jury trial experience, Jim has built a reputation as a tenacious and highly effective advocate for victims of medical negligence across Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Throughout his distinguished career, Jim has served as lead counsel in hundreds of medical malpractice cases, achieving an extraordinary record of seven-figure verdicts and settlements. His notable results include a $1.75 million Baltimore County verdict, recognized by TopVerdict.com as one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in the country in 2019. His cases have been featured in The Baltimore Sun, The Daily Record, and other publications highlighting exceptional trial performance.

Jim has been repeatedly honored by leading legal organizations for his skill, professionalism, and impact on the field. He is included in The Best Lawyers in America® (2011–Present), selected to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Maryland (2025), named to The Daily Record’s Leaders in Law (2025), and recognized by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, America’s Top 100 Medical Malpractice Litigators®, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. In 2022 and 2023, he was one of only 25 attorneys in Maryland named to The Daily Record’s Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Power List, recognizing the most influential practitioners in the state.

“Throughout my career, my mission has always been clear: to stand up for patients and families who were harmed by preventable medical errors,” Jim says. “Our firm is built on preparation, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Every case is an opportunity to seek justice and make healthcare safer for our communities.”

Over nearly three decades, Jim’s leadership and trial results have helped shape the landscape of medical malpractice litigation in the Baltimore–Washington region. His work has contributed to improved patient safety, accountability, and transparency within hospitals and healthcare systems. He is widely regarded as one of the most skilled first-chair trial lawyers in the field.

Outside the courtroom, Jim sponsors the annual Dr. Don Cardea Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. He has also spoken to pre-law students at McDaniel College and Penn State University, mentoring the next generation of advocates. An avid golfer and sports fan, Jim has coached various youth teams. He is married and has three daughters.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Among his most significant professional accomplishments, Jim is proud of:

Being selected in 2025 as one of the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Maryland, a rare and prestigious recognition based on peer review, professional achievement, and independent research.
His inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs (2011–Present), including the 2026 edition.
His $1.75 million Baltimore County jury verdict, one of the nation’s top malpractice verdicts in 2019.
Being named to The Daily Record’s Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Power List (2022, 2023), recognizing the most influential attorneys in Maryland.
Selection as a 2025 Leaders in Law Award Winner, presented by The Daily Record and the Maryland State Bar Association.
His membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), an invitation-only organization requiring exceptional trial experience, civility, and integrity.
Earning the AV Preeminent Martindale-Hubbell rating, the highest peer-review distinction for ethics and legal ability.
His long-standing track record of seven-figure verdicts and settlements in complex medical negligence cases across multiple jurisdictions.
Induction into the International Society of Barristers (ISOB), a highly selective honor extended to outstanding trial lawyers who exemplify excellence, integrity, and professional skill.

AWARDS AND HONORS

The Best Lawyers in America® (2011–Present) – including 2026 edition
Maryland Super Lawyers™ (2010–Present)
Top 10 Super Lawyers for Maryland (2025)
Top 100 Super Lawyers for Maryland (2012–Present)
Leaders in Law Award Winner (2025)
America’s Top 100 Medical Malpractice Litigators® (2024)
National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Attorney & Practice Magazine Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney (2022–2023)
National Association of Distinguished Counsel – Nation’s Top One Percent
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America (2015–Present)
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Member (2011–Present)
Litigation Counsel of America, Member (2012–Present)
Lawyers of Distinction (2024)
Heuisler Honor Society, University of Baltimore
American Jurisprudence Awards – Legal Analysis, Research & Writing; Domestic Relations

EDUCATION

University of Baltimore School of Law (J.D., cum laude)

Staff Editor, University of Baltimore Law Review
Heuisler Honor Society
American Jurisprudence Awards in Legal Analysis, Research & Writing; Domestic Relations

McDaniel College (B.A.)

COURT ADMISSIONS

Maryland State Bar
District of Columbia Bar
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Admitted pro hac vice in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey for medical malpractice matters

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Maryland State Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
American Bar Association
American Association for Justice
Maryland Association for Justice
Bar Association of Baltimore City
Prince George’s County Bar Association
Heuisler Honor Society
International Society of Barristers (ISOB)
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

PRACTICE AREAS

Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury
Surgical Error
Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis
Wrongful Death
Catastrophic Injury Litigation