James D. Cardea

James D. Cardea is a partner at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A., based in Baltimore, Maryland, where he represents individuals and families in complex personal injury and medical malpractice litigation. His practice focuses on medical malpractice, birth injuries, catastrophic personal injury, brain injuries and wrongful death claims. Dedicated to advocating for those harmed by negligence, he provides strategic legal counsel tailored to the unique circumstances of each client.

Mr. Cardea has built a reputation for pursuing favorable outcomes in high-stakes injury cases through meticulous preparation and client-centered representation. Throughout his career, he has secured significant results for injured clients, including numerous seven figure verdicts and settlements in medical negligence matters. His experience handling intricate litigation enables him to guide clients through every stage of the legal process while working to protect their rights and interests.

A graduate of McDaniel College, Mr. Cardea earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications in 1989 before receiving his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1995. He was admitted to practice in Maryland in 1995 and in Washington, D.C., in 1996. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Devoted to responsive communication and dedicated advocacy, Mr. Cardea works closely with clients to help them pursue the compensation they deserve after serious injuries. In recognition of his legal ability and commitment to professional ethics, he has earned an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Cardea is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Membership in ABOTA is by invitation only and, to be invited, members must demonstrate sufficient trial experience, civility, integrity and professionalism in the courtroom.  Mr. Cardea has also been inducted as a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers and the American College of Trial Lawyers which is widely recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America.

Mr. Cardea's various professional honors include recognition in 2025 by The Daily Record and the Maryland State Bar Association as a Leader in Law. In 2026, The Daily Record named Mr. Cardea as an Influential Marylander. He is also a member of several professional organizations including the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.