team-member

Jillian Morris

N/A

Licensed for 16 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child support

Language

English

About

Jessica Markham practices all aspects of family law in Maryland and Washington, D.C. She has trial experience in Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Baltimore County and Washington D.C. courts and is also trained in Collaborative Law. Ms. Markham also handles guardianship matters and is frequently appointed by the Court as an attorney for Allegedly Disabled Adults and as Guardian of the Property. Ms. Markham has also been appointed by the court in Family Law matters as a Child Privilege attorney and a Best Interest Attorney (formerly Guardian Ad Litem).Ms. Markham is the author of the American Bar Association book published March 2021, entitled “Representing Federal Employees and Their Spouses in Divorce: A Practical Guide.” https://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/publications/books/Ms. Markham also has an active mediation practice, helping parties to resolve both custody and divorce/property disputes as a neutral. Ms. Markham frequently serves as a court appointed custody mediator in the Montgomery County Circuit Court Child Custody/Access Mediation Program and as an Attorney-Facilitator through Montgomery County Circuit Court, Family Division Services. Ms. Markham has been approved by the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts as a Circuit Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioner mediator and serves on the roster of court-approved divorce/property mediators in Montgomery County. Ms. Markham also previously mediated in the Family Mediation Program, Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the DC Superior Court and in 2015 she participated in a study through the National Institute of Justice and Indiana University Maurer School of Law, mediating cases with parties reporting a high incidence of Interpersonal Violence, utilizing both shuttle and video-conferencing methods. Ms. Markham is also on the Court-Approved roster of ADR Facilitators in the DC Superior Court.In 2018, 2019 and 2020 Ms. Markham was recognized by her peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America"© in the field of Family Law, for the Washington D.C. Area. The entire firm was ranked in the category of Best Family Law Firm in 2019 and 2020. Best Lawyers is a purely peer review publication.Ms. Markham served on the Montgomery County Commission for Juvenile Justice, having been appointed by County Executive Ike Leggett and confirmed by the County Council in 2015.Ms. Markham is honored to have been selected as a Daily Record 2016 Leading Woman. The Daily Record's Leading Women awards honor 50 women who are 40 years of age or younger for their accomplishments in their careers so far. A panel of previous winners selected the honorees based on their professional experience, community involvement and commitment to inspiring change.Ms. Markham is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. The Fellows comprise a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities. Established in 1955, Fellows support the research of the American Bar Foundation.Ms. Markham has also received a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating of AV Preeminent in the field of Family Law. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are ratings by legal peers reflecting Very High General Ethical Standards and Legal Ability (including Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability and Legal Experience). In addition, Ms. Markham has been selected for inclusion as a "Rising Star" by Maryland SuperLawyers Magazine (2011-2019) and Washington DC SuperLawyers Magazine (2013-2019).Since 2013, Ms. Markham has had the pleasure to serve as a Judge of various local mock trial competitions, including the Maryland State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition, George Washington University Mock Trial invitational and the American Law School invitational.In law school Ms. Markham served as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Legal Intern for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office where she focused on prosecution of juvenile misdemeanor and felony crimes.Prior to the formation of the Markham Law Firm, Ms. Markham was an associate and then a principal in one of the area's top boutique family law firms.Ms. Markham has volunteered her time with numerous legal organizations including Wills for Heroes and the Whitman-Walker Legal serving transgender and gender expansive adult and minor clients.Honors & Awards:Speaking Engagements/CLEs: Dividing Retirement Assets: From Private Employer Plans to Federal Pensions (American Bar Association, October 2020); Navigating Online ADR: Family Topics (Maryland Judiciary Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office, May 2020); Online Dispute Resolution- Moving Your Mediation Practice Online (Montgomery County Bar Association, April 2020); Retirement and Pension Benefits Issues – Federal, State, and Military (Montgomery County Bar Association, February 2020); Quick to Caucus (American Bar Association, April 2019; Montgomery County Bar Association, 2020); What the Heck is a QDRO and Why Do I Need One? (Montgomery County Bar Association, October 2016); Tips and Tricks for Drafting Retirement Provisions in Property Settlement Agreements (Montgomery County Bar Association, 2016); Litigating a Child Custody Case (Montgomery County Bar Association, 2016); The Legal Process of Separation and Divorce in Montgomery County (Montgomery County Women's Commission, 2012, 2015).Bar Association, Professional Memberships: Solo/Small Firm Section Chair (Montgomery County Bar); Racial Justice Council, Community Outreach Committee (Montgomery County Bar); MSBA Membership and Content Committee; Montgomery County Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section); Women's Bar Association of Montgomery County (Treasurer 2014-2016, Board Member at Large 2016-2018); Maryland State Bar Association, Inc. (Member, Sections on: Family Law; Juvenile Law); DC Bar (Member, Family Law Section); Former Barrister Member, Montgomery County Inn of Court.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Family

Language

English

Contact

7960 Old Georgetown Road #3bBethesda, MD, 20814

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

clark
February 22, 2019

I have known Jessica for a decade as a colleague. Her ability to mediate a case and help the parties reach a resolution is unparalleled. Her knowledge of the law is unmatched. I would recommend Jessica without any hesitation.

anonymous
February 8, 2019

Jessica and her team were friendly and very easy to work with. I truly felt she had my best interest at heart. They made my process much enjoyable than I anticipated. Greatly appreciated and highly recommend!

Josh
September 19, 2017

Jessica Markham and her team at the Markham Law Firm have represented me since the Fall of 2016 when I found myself in a very unusual, unfortunate, and highly emotional family law situation happening in two separate states (MD and AZ) at the same time. After initially meeting with Jessica it was clear that she was focused, organized and well-prepared for the rather difficult divorce and custody battle that I was about to face. She assisted me with finding a top-notch attorney in Arizona so that I could effectively defend myself in the divorce and custody jurisdiction case that had been opened without my knowledge, and she coordinated with my Arizona counsel to ensure that everyone was always on the same page. Once the Arizona battle had been fought and won Jessica and Leslie were prepared to continue the fight in Maryland without delay. Throughout the process Jessica and Leslie stayed in constant contact with me, and Leslie was more than patient with me when I would tend to ramble and get flustered over what was happening. Jessica even managed to stay active and involved in my case despite being on maternity leave which helped to emphasize just how much she cared. In my opinion Jessica and her team are the epitome of professional and classy, and never once did I feel as though they would consider stooping to the level of unprofessional-ism displayed by the opposing counsel in our case. When the other side seemed to be playing unfair and were dragging their feet, Jessica continued to take the high road and stayed professional and calm and was reassuring despite my frustrations. Jessica, Leslie, and Jillian all made me feel as though they truly cared about what was happening and were supportive of me when I felt like all hope was lost. On the flip side, they were also extremely honest and upfront and blunt during the times that I needed them to be, for which I am beyond grateful. I cannot speak highly enough about how comfortable she and her team made me feel throughout a highly emotional and unfair situation. I would highly recommend Jessica and the other awesome attorneys at her law firm and I will continue to have them represent me if needed in the future.

Richard
September 6, 2016

Jessica Markham is the Gold Standard for a Family Law attorney. Although still very young (35 ), she is mature beyond her years. Up against a veteran combative, uncooperative, and often unethical opponent, Jessica displayed every important legal and interpersonal skill one could ask for. Her understanding of the law, and great sense of timing and strategy were terrific. At all times she was completely organized and well-prepared. Jessica's ethics were of the highest order, and she never once lost her composure, despite encountering numerous difficult and provocative situations. Her total and complete commitment in every phase ( 2.5 years ) and aspect of my case was unquestionable. Her colleagues were also extremely supportive, responsive and competent. Additionally, I believe that she endeavoured to mitigate my legal costs as much as possible, often laying off more mundane work to assistants whose rates were far lower. At one point after a Pendente Lite Hearing, one of Maryland's top criminal attorneys, who by chance happened to be in the courtroom at the same time, waited around for 20 minutes after our post-Hearing caucus, just to get her card and commend her on her " phenominal execution " before the Magistrate. I am certain that Jessica will continue on to become one of Maryland's most highly- regarded Family Law lawyers ( if she is not already ), and that her firm- still in process of formation- will be an effective and influential legal aid for decades to come.

Edye
September 24, 2015

It’s difficult to overstate how grateful I am to Jessica for guiding me, expertly and with real compassion, through a very adversarial and complex divorce. Throughout the process she was a good friend and fierce advocate—genuinely sympathetic and comforting, but also tenacious and thorough in getting me everything I had coming to me. Before Jessica took control of the process, I was disoriented and struggling to understand who I was, to say nothing of managing the dissolution of a 30-year marriage. But Jessica was so competent and thorough and comforting that I was able to simply trust her with everything—and get on with my life. To put it simply, she is the one who made it possible for me to restart my life. I am forever grateful to her for that, and to this day I consider her a dear friend.

Gene
August 7, 2015

Jessica Markham handled my divorce. She was sensitive to our wish to be as non-adversarial as possible and to my wanting to hold down costs. She is responsive, helpful and very good with her work. I highly recommend her.

Tara
April 25, 2015

Mrs. Markham has represented me in divorce/custody disputes since 2009. She has proven to be highly competent, flexible and accommodating. I continually get the impression that my case is important to her, despite her busy schedule. Her ability to remain agile and thorough sometimes at a moments notice is impressive.

anonymous
June 18, 2014

Ms. Markham is a great attorney. She is knowledgable, organized, and personable. Jessica keeps you updated via timely emails, and phone calls. Jessica took the time to listen, and understand my case. To understand my perspective and organize the logic, and of course the law, around it. I cannot thank her enough.

clark
February 22, 2019

I have known Jessica for a decade as a colleague. Her ability to mediate a case and help the parties reach a resolution is unparalleled. Her knowledge of the law is unmatched. I would recommend Jessica without any hesitation.

anonymous
February 8, 2019

Jessica and her team were friendly and very easy to work with. I truly felt she had my best interest at heart. They made my process much enjoyable than I anticipated. Greatly appreciated and highly recommend!

Josh
September 19, 2017

Jessica Markham and her team at the Markham Law Firm have represented me since the Fall of 2016 when I found myself in a very unusual, unfortunate, and highly emotional family law situation happening in two separate states (MD and AZ) at the same time. After initially meeting with Jessica it was clear that she was focused, organized and well-prepared for the rather difficult divorce and custody battle that I was about to face. She assisted me with finding a top-notch attorney in Arizona so that I could effectively defend myself in the divorce and custody jurisdiction case that had been opened without my knowledge, and she coordinated with my Arizona counsel to ensure that everyone was always on the same page. Once the Arizona battle had been fought and won Jessica and Leslie were prepared to continue the fight in Maryland without delay. Throughout the process Jessica and Leslie stayed in constant contact with me, and Leslie was more than patient with me when I would tend to ramble and get flustered over what was happening. Jessica even managed to stay active and involved in my case despite being on maternity leave which helped to emphasize just how much she cared. In my opinion Jessica and her team are the epitome of professional and classy, and never once did I feel as though they would consider stooping to the level of unprofessional-ism displayed by the opposing counsel in our case. When the other side seemed to be playing unfair and were dragging their feet, Jessica continued to take the high road and stayed professional and calm and was reassuring despite my frustrations. Jessica, Leslie, and Jillian all made me feel as though they truly cared about what was happening and were supportive of me when I felt like all hope was lost. On the flip side, they were also extremely honest and upfront and blunt during the times that I needed them to be, for which I am beyond grateful. I cannot speak highly enough about how comfortable she and her team made me feel throughout a highly emotional and unfair situation. I would highly recommend Jessica and the other awesome attorneys at her law firm and I will continue to have them represent me if needed in the future.

Richard
September 6, 2016

Jessica Markham is the Gold Standard for a Family Law attorney. Although still very young (35 ), she is mature beyond her years. Up against a veteran combative, uncooperative, and often unethical opponent, Jessica displayed every important legal and interpersonal skill one could ask for. Her understanding of the law, and great sense of timing and strategy were terrific. At all times she was completely organized and well-prepared. Jessica's ethics were of the highest order, and she never once lost her composure, despite encountering numerous difficult and provocative situations. Her total and complete commitment in every phase ( 2.5 years ) and aspect of my case was unquestionable. Her colleagues were also extremely supportive, responsive and competent. Additionally, I believe that she endeavoured to mitigate my legal costs as much as possible, often laying off more mundane work to assistants whose rates were far lower. At one point after a Pendente Lite Hearing, one of Maryland's top criminal attorneys, who by chance happened to be in the courtroom at the same time, waited around for 20 minutes after our post-Hearing caucus, just to get her card and commend her on her " phenominal execution " before the Magistrate. I am certain that Jessica will continue on to become one of Maryland's most highly- regarded Family Law lawyers ( if she is not already ), and that her firm- still in process of formation- will be an effective and influential legal aid for decades to come.

Edye
September 24, 2015

It’s difficult to overstate how grateful I am to Jessica for guiding me, expertly and with real compassion, through a very adversarial and complex divorce. Throughout the process she was a good friend and fierce advocate—genuinely sympathetic and comforting, but also tenacious and thorough in getting me everything I had coming to me. Before Jessica took control of the process, I was disoriented and struggling to understand who I was, to say nothing of managing the dissolution of a 30-year marriage. But Jessica was so competent and thorough and comforting that I was able to simply trust her with everything—and get on with my life. To put it simply, she is the one who made it possible for me to restart my life. I am forever grateful to her for that, and to this day I consider her a dear friend.

Gene
August 7, 2015

Jessica Markham handled my divorce. She was sensitive to our wish to be as non-adversarial as possible and to my wanting to hold down costs. She is responsive, helpful and very good with her work. I highly recommend her.

Tara
April 25, 2015

Mrs. Markham has represented me in divorce/custody disputes since 2009. She has proven to be highly competent, flexible and accommodating. I continually get the impression that my case is important to her, despite her busy schedule. Her ability to remain agile and thorough sometimes at a moments notice is impressive.

anonymous
June 18, 2014

Ms. Markham is a great attorney. She is knowledgable, organized, and personable. Jessica keeps you updated via timely emails, and phone calls. Jessica took the time to listen, and understand my case. To understand my perspective and organize the logic, and of course the law, around it. I cannot thank her enough.

clark
February 22, 2019

I have known Jessica for a decade as a colleague. Her ability to mediate a case and help the parties reach a resolution is unparalleled. Her knowledge of the law is unmatched. I would recommend Jessica without any hesitation.

anonymous
February 8, 2019

Jessica and her team were friendly and very easy to work with. I truly felt she had my best interest at heart. They made my process much enjoyable than I anticipated. Greatly appreciated and highly recommend!

Josh
September 19, 2017

Jessica Markham and her team at the Markham Law Firm have represented me since the Fall of 2016 when I found myself in a very unusual, unfortunate, and highly emotional family law situation happening in two separate states (MD and AZ) at the same time. After initially meeting with Jessica it was clear that she was focused, organized and well-prepared for the rather difficult divorce and custody battle that I was about to face. She assisted me with finding a top-notch attorney in Arizona so that I could effectively defend myself in the divorce and custody jurisdiction case that had been opened without my knowledge, and she coordinated with my Arizona counsel to ensure that everyone was always on the same page. Once the Arizona battle had been fought and won Jessica and Leslie were prepared to continue the fight in Maryland without delay. Throughout the process Jessica and Leslie stayed in constant contact with me, and Leslie was more than patient with me when I would tend to ramble and get flustered over what was happening. Jessica even managed to stay active and involved in my case despite being on maternity leave which helped to emphasize just how much she cared. In my opinion Jessica and her team are the epitome of professional and classy, and never once did I feel as though they would consider stooping to the level of unprofessional-ism displayed by the opposing counsel in our case. When the other side seemed to be playing unfair and were dragging their feet, Jessica continued to take the high road and stayed professional and calm and was reassuring despite my frustrations. Jessica, Leslie, and Jillian all made me feel as though they truly cared about what was happening and were supportive of me when I felt like all hope was lost. On the flip side, they were also extremely honest and upfront and blunt during the times that I needed them to be, for which I am beyond grateful. I cannot speak highly enough about how comfortable she and her team made me feel throughout a highly emotional and unfair situation. I would highly recommend Jessica and the other awesome attorneys at her law firm and I will continue to have them represent me if needed in the future.

Richard
September 6, 2016

Jessica Markham is the Gold Standard for a Family Law attorney. Although still very young (35 ), she is mature beyond her years. Up against a veteran combative, uncooperative, and often unethical opponent, Jessica displayed every important legal and interpersonal skill one could ask for. Her understanding of the law, and great sense of timing and strategy were terrific. At all times she was completely organized and well-prepared. Jessica's ethics were of the highest order, and she never once lost her composure, despite encountering numerous difficult and provocative situations. Her total and complete commitment in every phase ( 2.5 years ) and aspect of my case was unquestionable. Her colleagues were also extremely supportive, responsive and competent. Additionally, I believe that she endeavoured to mitigate my legal costs as much as possible, often laying off more mundane work to assistants whose rates were far lower. At one point after a Pendente Lite Hearing, one of Maryland's top criminal attorneys, who by chance happened to be in the courtroom at the same time, waited around for 20 minutes after our post-Hearing caucus, just to get her card and commend her on her " phenominal execution " before the Magistrate. I am certain that Jessica will continue on to become one of Maryland's most highly- regarded Family Law lawyers ( if she is not already ), and that her firm- still in process of formation- will be an effective and influential legal aid for decades to come.

Edye
September 24, 2015

It’s difficult to overstate how grateful I am to Jessica for guiding me, expertly and with real compassion, through a very adversarial and complex divorce. Throughout the process she was a good friend and fierce advocate—genuinely sympathetic and comforting, but also tenacious and thorough in getting me everything I had coming to me. Before Jessica took control of the process, I was disoriented and struggling to understand who I was, to say nothing of managing the dissolution of a 30-year marriage. But Jessica was so competent and thorough and comforting that I was able to simply trust her with everything—and get on with my life. To put it simply, she is the one who made it possible for me to restart my life. I am forever grateful to her for that, and to this day I consider her a dear friend.

Gene
August 7, 2015

Jessica Markham handled my divorce. She was sensitive to our wish to be as non-adversarial as possible and to my wanting to hold down costs. She is responsive, helpful and very good with her work. I highly recommend her.

Tara
April 25, 2015

Mrs. Markham has represented me in divorce/custody disputes since 2009. She has proven to be highly competent, flexible and accommodating. I continually get the impression that my case is important to her, despite her busy schedule. Her ability to remain agile and thorough sometimes at a moments notice is impressive.

anonymous
June 18, 2014

Ms. Markham is a great attorney. She is knowledgable, organized, and personable. Jessica keeps you updated via timely emails, and phone calls. Jessica took the time to listen, and understand my case. To understand my perspective and organize the logic, and of course the law, around it. I cannot thank her enough.

clark
February 22, 2019

I have known Jessica for a decade as a colleague. Her ability to mediate a case and help the parties reach a resolution is unparalleled. Her knowledge of the law is unmatched. I would recommend Jessica without any hesitation.

anonymous
February 8, 2019

Jessica and her team were friendly and very easy to work with. I truly felt she had my best interest at heart. They made my process much enjoyable than I anticipated. Greatly appreciated and highly recommend!

Josh
September 19, 2017

Jessica Markham and her team at the Markham Law Firm have represented me since the Fall of 2016 when I found myself in a very unusual, unfortunate, and highly emotional family law situation happening in two separate states (MD and AZ) at the same time. After initially meeting with Jessica it was clear that she was focused, organized and well-prepared for the rather difficult divorce and custody battle that I was about to face. She assisted me with finding a top-notch attorney in Arizona so that I could effectively defend myself in the divorce and custody jurisdiction case that had been opened without my knowledge, and she coordinated with my Arizona counsel to ensure that everyone was always on the same page. Once the Arizona battle had been fought and won Jessica and Leslie were prepared to continue the fight in Maryland without delay. Throughout the process Jessica and Leslie stayed in constant contact with me, and Leslie was more than patient with me when I would tend to ramble and get flustered over what was happening. Jessica even managed to stay active and involved in my case despite being on maternity leave which helped to emphasize just how much she cared. In my opinion Jessica and her team are the epitome of professional and classy, and never once did I feel as though they would consider stooping to the level of unprofessional-ism displayed by the opposing counsel in our case. When the other side seemed to be playing unfair and were dragging their feet, Jessica continued to take the high road and stayed professional and calm and was reassuring despite my frustrations. Jessica, Leslie, and Jillian all made me feel as though they truly cared about what was happening and were supportive of me when I felt like all hope was lost. On the flip side, they were also extremely honest and upfront and blunt during the times that I needed them to be, for which I am beyond grateful. I cannot speak highly enough about how comfortable she and her team made me feel throughout a highly emotional and unfair situation. I would highly recommend Jessica and the other awesome attorneys at her law firm and I will continue to have them represent me if needed in the future.

Richard
September 6, 2016

Jessica Markham is the Gold Standard for a Family Law attorney. Although still very young (35 ), she is mature beyond her years. Up against a veteran combative, uncooperative, and often unethical opponent, Jessica displayed every important legal and interpersonal skill one could ask for. Her understanding of the law, and great sense of timing and strategy were terrific. At all times she was completely organized and well-prepared. Jessica's ethics were of the highest order, and she never once lost her composure, despite encountering numerous difficult and provocative situations. Her total and complete commitment in every phase ( 2.5 years ) and aspect of my case was unquestionable. Her colleagues were also extremely supportive, responsive and competent. Additionally, I believe that she endeavoured to mitigate my legal costs as much as possible, often laying off more mundane work to assistants whose rates were far lower. At one point after a Pendente Lite Hearing, one of Maryland's top criminal attorneys, who by chance happened to be in the courtroom at the same time, waited around for 20 minutes after our post-Hearing caucus, just to get her card and commend her on her " phenominal execution " before the Magistrate. I am certain that Jessica will continue on to become one of Maryland's most highly- regarded Family Law lawyers ( if she is not already ), and that her firm- still in process of formation- will be an effective and influential legal aid for decades to come.

Edye
September 24, 2015

It’s difficult to overstate how grateful I am to Jessica for guiding me, expertly and with real compassion, through a very adversarial and complex divorce. Throughout the process she was a good friend and fierce advocate—genuinely sympathetic and comforting, but also tenacious and thorough in getting me everything I had coming to me. Before Jessica took control of the process, I was disoriented and struggling to understand who I was, to say nothing of managing the dissolution of a 30-year marriage. But Jessica was so competent and thorough and comforting that I was able to simply trust her with everything—and get on with my life. To put it simply, she is the one who made it possible for me to restart my life. I am forever grateful to her for that, and to this day I consider her a dear friend.

Gene
August 7, 2015

Jessica Markham handled my divorce. She was sensitive to our wish to be as non-adversarial as possible and to my wanting to hold down costs. She is responsive, helpful and very good with her work. I highly recommend her.

Tara
April 25, 2015

Mrs. Markham has represented me in divorce/custody disputes since 2009. She has proven to be highly competent, flexible and accommodating. I continually get the impression that my case is important to her, despite her busy schedule. Her ability to remain agile and thorough sometimes at a moments notice is impressive.

anonymous
June 18, 2014

Ms. Markham is a great attorney. She is knowledgable, organized, and personable. Jessica keeps you updated via timely emails, and phone calls. Jessica took the time to listen, and understand my case. To understand my perspective and organize the logic, and of course the law, around it. I cannot thank her enough.