With over 29 years of litigation experience and a reputation built on tenacity, precision, and results, James D. Cardea stands among the most accomplished medical malpractice attorneys in the Mid-Atlantic. As lead counsel in hundreds of cases across Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, Mr. Cardea has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes—including numerous seven-figure verdicts and settlements, many of which have been featured in The Baltimore Sun, The Daily Record, and national verdict rankings.

In 2025, he was named one of the Top 10 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers and honored as a Leader in Law by The Daily Record and Maryland State Bar Association. His courtroom record is one of the most respected in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, including a $1.75 million jury verdict ranked among the nation’s largest malpractice awards in 2019. Known for his aggressive yet principled trial style, Mr. Cardea is a sought-after litigator who holds memberships in elite groups such as the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

His career recognitions span Best Lawyers in America, Best Attorneys in America, and inclusion in the Daily Record’s Power List for Medical Malpractice Law (2022, 2023). A cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, he served as a Staff Editor for the Law Review and was inducted into the Heuisler Honor Society. He also earned American Jurisprudence Awards for Legal Analysis and Domestic Relations.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Cardea is deeply committed to public service. He sponsors the Dr. Don Cardea Memorial Golf Tournament each year, raising significant funds for Fox Chase Cancer Center. He frequently speaks to pre-law students and has coached youth sports in his community. He lives in Maryland with his wife and three daughters.