About Michael S.
Michael S. Rothman built his academic foundation across several institutions before entering practice. He earned a B.A. in political science from Emory University in 1992. He completed his legal education at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where he studied criminal law and finished in 1995. He later took graduate coursework at The George Washington University, completing a Master of Public Administration in 1996.
Rothman began his post-law school career in private practice. In 1999 he worked as an associate at Arent, Fox, Kintner, Plotkin & Kahn, PLLC, gaining experience on matters that included trial preparation and client counseling. He left to open his own practice in 2002, operating as the Law Office of Mike Rothman, where he handled defense work and courtroom litigation.
In 2006 he formed the Medical Cannabis Law Group and served as lawyer and principal. That move reflected a shift in part of his practice toward issues at the intersection of criminal law and evolving state cannabis regimes. Over time he has handled cases that require courtroom advocacy as well as regulatory navigation for clients in the cannabis space.
Rothman holds admissions in several jurisdictions. He is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and he is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has pursued training relevant to casework, including a 24-hour course on DWI detection and standardized field sobriety testing certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also belongs to the Jurisprudence Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, reflecting an interest in scientific and forensic matters that arise in criminal cases.
Professional affiliations have been a steady part of his career. He maintains memberships in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He is also associated with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and holds memberships with organizations tied to the cannabis field, including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and the National Cannabis Industry Association. He is listed with the Better Business Bureau.
Rothman combines trial experience with an understanding of the regulatory landscape that affects clients facing criminal charges or operating in the cannabis industry. He continues to represent individuals and businesses, handling courtroom work as well as licensing and compliance matters. He currently practices law focusing on criminal defense and cannabis-related legal matters.
