John H. Somerville, Probate Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
Over 76 years of legal practice · focused on Probate and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Baltimore, MD
Practicing probate in Baltimore since 1950.
- 76+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you John H. Somerville?
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Quick answer
John H. Somerville is an attorney based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Probate and Trusts. John has over 76 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Baltimore, MD
- Experience
- over 76 years
- Known for
- Probate · Trusts
- Handles Probate and Trusts matters from Baltimore, MD.
- Over 76 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John H. Somerville: John H. Somerville is an attorney based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Probate and Trusts. John has over 76 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Baltimore
John concentrates on probate and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate cases in Baltimore, Maryland
John takes probate matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Baltimore, Maryland
John takes trusts matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John H. Somerville, probate attorney serving Baltimore
John H. Somerville is an attorney based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Probate and Trusts. John has over 76 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Baltimore, Maryland and takes on probate matters across the region.
John H. Somerville is a lawyer practicing estates and trusts, estate administration, trust administration. John received a A.B. degree from Duke University in 1947, and has been licensed for 76 years. John practices in Baltimore, MD.
How John handles probate matters
John H. Somerville is a lawyer practicing estates and trusts, estate administration, trust administration. John received a A.B. degree from Duke University in 1947, and has been licensed for 76 years. John practices in Baltimore, MD.
Who John represents
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate and trusts matters in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
University of Maryland
LL.B. · 1950
Duke University
A.B. · 1947
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Maryland
1950 · ACTIVE
John studied at LL.B. in University of Maryland and A.B. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
John completed LL.B. in University of Maryland and A.B. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
John H. Somerville's office in Baltimore
John's primary office is at 7 Saint Paul St Ste 1400, Baltimore, MD, 21202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John H. Somerville — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing probate attorneys in Baltimore.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John H. Somerville claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John H. Somerville — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a probate attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John H. Somerville
How much does it cost to hire John for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in Maryland typically take?
Simple probate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Baltimore?
John is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new probate clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Probate attorneys serving Baltimore, Annapolis and Rockville in Maryland
John handles probate matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated probate attorneys in Maryland
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Baltimore handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.