Mission Statement
I became a lawyer because that is what my father wanted me to do. I have remained a lawyer because I am passionate about helping my friends, neighbors and clients to understand their rights and obligations under the law, and for the purpose of assisting them in dealing with any legal issues that may come their way. I strive to provide practical, thorough, competent and valuable legal services to all my clients.

General Background
Mark Kestner is a 1979 graduate of George Washington University Law School and a member of the bars of Maryland and the District of Columbia. He has been engaged in the general practice of law since 1980 and has specialized in real estate law since 1984. From 1984 to 1992 he was an associate with the Prince George’s law firm of Reichelt, Nussbaum and Brown. From 1992 to 2007 he was a member of Ridgway, Griffin, Kestner, Smyth, Stanton and Nalls Chartered, and acted as general counsel to the law firm’s related title company, Universal Title a/k/a Universal Settlements. He has also worked for Commonwealth Title Insurance Company, Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation and First American Title Insurance Company.

Experience
Mark is a licensed title insurance agent for Maryland and the District of Columbia. He has represented individuals, commercial entities, banks, savings and loans, and federal credit unions in connection with residential and commercial real estate transactions. He has extensive experience as a title examiner, title insurance underwriter, and has been called upon to resolve and correct many title issues, defects and problems. Over the years, he has also been called upon to engage in civil litigation – personal injury law (both plaintiff and defense); workers compensation defense; title insurance claims; and contract litigation. He is familiar with foreclosures and bankruptcies, short sales, and state and federal regulation of the mortgage lending and settlement industries. In recent years he has focused more of his professional energy in the areas of estate planning and administration, assisting clients in the planning of their estates, administration of trusts and probate.