Joseph S. Stephan

Mr. Stephan represents trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries in various litigation matters involving trusts and estates. In addition to his litigation practice, he advises financial institutions and trust companies on general fiduciary matters and prepares agreements related to the release of a fiduciary and the termination or modification of a trust.

Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Mr. Stephan developed trial skills at a midsize litigation firm and gained experience navigating complex dynamics to resolve family conflicts.

After law school, Mr. Stephan served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Colleen A. Cavanaugh of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.

• Represented a national bank in the termination of several trusts.

• Advised corporate fiduciaries on matters involving trustee fees, construction and interpretation of governing instruments, compliance with statutory requirements, and application of certain laws of foreign countries.

• Represented corporate and individual trustees in litigation matters brought by trust beneficiaries alleging breach of fiduciary duty.

• Represented beneficiaries in litigation matters against trustees.

• Represented clients in litigation matters involving powers of attorney and defended claims alleging abuse of authority.

• Assisted corporate fiduciaries in resolving trust administration matters informally through the preparation of Receipt, Release, and Indemnification Agreements, and formally through drafting and filing petitions for assumption of jurisdiction and approval of accounts.

• Assisted clients in resolving trust-related matters through the preparation of nonjudicial settlement agreements.

• Member – Baltimore County Bar Association
• Member – Maryland State Bar Association
• Member – American Bar Association
• Board of Directors – Calvert Hall College Alumni Association (2023 – present)

• Baker Donelson Adds 17 Associates Firm-Wide (May 21, 2025)