Title: Deputy Advocacy Director for Homeownership Preservation
Company: Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. (Maryland Legal Aid)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
William F. Steinwedel, Deputy Advocacy Director at Maryland Legal Aid, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Legal Advocacy.
Mr. Steinwedel has become recognized for his expertise in the legal profession over the past 15 years, marked by a commitment to advocacy and public service. In 2024, he became the deputy advocacy director for homeownership preservation at Legal Aid Bureau, Inc., also known as Maryland Legal Aid (MLA), in Baltimore. In this capacity, Mr. Steinwedel represents individuals across Maryland in foreclosure, bankruptcy and tax sale matters. He is responsible for evaluating whether cases are suitable for brief advice or require long-term representation, supervising and assigning cases to staff attorneys and engaging in legislative advocacy to advance the interests of vulnerable homeowners.
As a supervising attorney at the MLA from 2022 to 2024, Mr. Steinwedel oversaw and mentored legal staff while continuing to represent clients facing complex financial and housing challenges. Promoted to this position, he previously served as an attorney for the organization from 2014 to 2022, during which he developed expertise in bankruptcy, tax sale, foreclosure defense and general consumer litigation.
Recognized as a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal services statewide to low-income and vulnerable individuals, the MLA aims to address their vital legal issues. In addition to its Baltimore office, the MLA has 11 offices throughout Maryland, as well as numerous community-based clinics that serve clients, help ensure access to safe and affordable housing, support maintaining custody of their children, and help them remain free from domestic violence.
Before joining the MLA, Mr. Steinwedel was an associate at Mullahy & Associates, LLC, from 2012 to 2014. He began his legal career with Bender & Radcliffe in 2010, where he gained foundational experience in client representation.
Mr. Steinwedel’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping his career trajectory. In 2006, he was accepted into the Hansard Society program, where he studied at the London School of Economics and completed a legislative internship with the U.K. Parliament. This experience broadened his perspective on legislative processes and public policy. Mr. Steinwedel holds an associate degree in accounting from Carroll Community College in Westminster, Maryland, a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. In addition to his degrees, he received a secondary education certification for grades seven through 12 and is an enrolled agent with the IRS.
Mr. Steinwedel’s professional affiliations reflect his standing in the legal community. He is a member of the section council for the Maryland State Bar Association’s consumer bankruptcy section, contributing his knowledge and leadership to advance best practices in the field. Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Steinwedel has contributed significantly to civic organizations. He is a past president of the Ocean City Committee and has served as the co-chair of the Ocean City Committee and chair of the Brown Bag Committee. Moreover, Mr. Steinwedel volunteered with the CASH Campaign of Maryland, furthering financial literacy and empowerment initiatives.
During his tenure with the MLA, Mr. Steinwedel’s dedication to client advocacy culminated in his most notable professional achievement, having served as the lead counsel in a case that advanced through all levels of the Maryland judiciary, ultimately reaching the Supreme Court of Maryland. He secured favorable rulings at the trial, appellate and Supreme Court levels, demonstrating exceptional legal acumen and perseverance.
Mr. Steinwedel’s achievements have been recognized with several awards, including a Charlie Award from the MLA in 2019 and an Alan J. Belsky Award from the Consumer Bankruptcy Section in 2023. He attributes his success to hard work, good fortune, support from key individuals at pivotal moments in his career and strong parental guidance. As the first member of his immediate family to attend college, Mr. Steinwedel has demonstrated determination and resilience throughout his academic and professional journey. Looking ahead, he aspires to serve as either the executive director of a legal services program or a bankruptcy judge, continuing his dedication to justice and public service.
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