DARS Law Group Brings Evolving Vision to Howard County

When the law firm of Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny LLC (DARS) was created through a merger nearly nine years ago, it was built upon a vision that still guides the firm today.

“We saw a need for a Howard County-based law firm that could provide a sophisticated level of services to businesses and families, without the need to seek larger, metropolitan-based firms,” explained DARS Managing Director Paul Skalny. “Prior to the merger, those needs were often met by the satellite offices of larger firms.”

Those firms were not as embedded in the community, Skalny said, and DARS was able to fill that void. “For a community as affluent as Howard County and one with so many successful businesses, it needed a ‘go-to’ law firm.”

DARS has remained true to its original goal of providing high-quality legal services to its diverse clientele. The firm’s clients include businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations and families. Recently, the firm has enjoyed a particular increase in the number of clients in the technology and government contracting space.

DARS continues to hone its practice to keep pace with rapid changes in the law and the economy. It has seen a remarkable increase in contract disputes, stockholder litigation, non-competition covenant enforcement and issues concerning intellectual property. The firm also has had to keep pace with major legislative changes, particularly in the areas of estate tax and community association regulations.

“At the end of last year, we embarked upon a rigorous and elaborate strategic plan,” said Skalny. “It was an excellent exercise that forced us to be our own worst critics and to challenge existing paradigms in the business of the law.”

Core Values, Community Ties

DARS is well-regarded not only for its legal services, but for its corporate philanthropy and its leadership in the nonprofit community. For instance, while Senior Partner Mike Davis is well-known for his expertise in estate planning, he also has served prominently in a number of community leadership positions.

Even with his many community commitments, Davis always puts his clients first. “My core value is to have an excellent law firm, and to have and retain that kind of reputation. This always comes first: We work with our clients, and we know the law.”

Davis’s involvement in civic and foundation work has enhanced his experiences and understanding of both the law and the needs of his clients within the community.

He served on the Howard County Commission on Aging for a decade, serving as chair or vice-chair most of that time. He also has had long-term leadership roles within organizations such as The Columbia Foundation, the Maryland State Bar Association and the Howard Community College Educational Foundation.

“Whether it’s my vocation or avocation, I have a long-term commitment to what I do,” he said.

Keeping Clients Informed

Increasingly, DARS sees its role as keeping clients informed about the ever-changing legal landscape. Susan Rapaport, a highly experienced community association attorney, represents condominiums, homeowners associations and housing cooperatives throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Changes are occurring faster than ever before in legislation impacting those groups, she said.

“I often find that clients are misinformed. They have been conducting business the same way year after year, and they think they are doing it correctly, when, in fact, the law changed some time ago.”

Currently, about one in four Maryland homeowners belongs to a community association. Often, a community association’s governing documents are based on law that has changed. Association leadership may lack the time and expertise to follow those changes and translate them into daily operations. “That’s why I see my job as giving the practical advice,” said Rapaport.

She combines decades of experience in the law with empathy for homeowners. “Your home is your castle,” she said. “It’s usually your largest investment. It’s emotional. It’s economic.”

Helping Entrepreneurs

While DARS represents many established businesses, it has a particular passion for entrepreneurship. When Jeff Agnor was still in elementary school, his older brother was already embarking on an entrepreneurial career.

“My brother was sort of a hero figure to me,” said Agnor. “I have spent my whole career working with entrepreneurs. I think I understand how they think and what motivates them. I love to listen to them and learn about their businesses. I am humbled by them.”

Agnor, together with Skalny, counsels clients in all phases of their business life, from startup through acquisition. This includes assisting clients with contracts, employment matters, business sales and acquisitions, intellectual property and stockholder disputes.

Agnor says his clients’ needs have changed as the economy has become more knowledge-based. “Partnership agreements have become more complicated, as owners bring different value to the table,” he said. “I’m also spending more time with clients on succession planning. Business owners are savvy and want to begin honing an exit strategy even from the time they start their business.”

Unfortunately, there have been negative trends as well, including stockholder litigation and disputes over non-compete covenants. Agnor believes some of this may be the result of the weakened economy, as more producers are chasing fewer consumers.

Whatever additional challenges the market and the community brings, DARS is determined to think creatively to help contribute to its clients’ success, concluded Skalny.

“We pride ourselves on continuously taking an innovative approach to the delivery of legal services,” he said. “We always ask ourselves: What is the best solution for this client, given the client’s unique circumstances?”