Welcome to our law firm website. Ferguson & Wilpon was founded in 2001. We are a general practice law firm in Olney, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D. C. located about half way between our nation’s capitol and Baltimore, Maryland. Many of our clients are businesses located in or individuals who live or work in the greater Olney community, which includes the town of Olney itself and the surrounding areas of Ashton, Brookeville, Cloverly, Derwood, Gaithersburg, Laytonsville, Leisure World, Rockville, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. All of our attorneys live in Olney. Thus, we have developed a reputation as Olney’s hometown law firm. Although we like our reputation as Olney’s hometown law firm, our client base is much larger than just the Olney area. The firm represents clients throughout the State of Maryland, and in particular, between the cities of Washingon, D.C. and Baltimore, Md. This includes the city of Columbia and the surrounding Maryland counties of Montgomery, Howard, Prince George’s, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Frederick.

Marla Zide’s interest in the law began at a young age, inspired by her father’s work as an attorney. A native of New England, she moved to Maryland in 1993 to attend Goucher College, earning a degree in psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies. She later graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2001, focusing her studies on family law. During law school, she gained valuable experience through the Family Law Clinic and her work with the Maryland Legal Service Network, where she helped expand access to legal resources across the state. Since her admission to the Maryland Bar in 2001, Ms. Zide has dedicated her practice to guiding clients through family law matters, including divorce, custody, visitation, support, and adoption. She has represented parents, grandparents, and children in Anne Arundel County and throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Known for her compassionate approach, she strives to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy during times of uncertainty and stress. Marla Zide’s professional achievements have earned her recognition as a “Super Lawyer” in Family Law from 2013 to 2025 and inclusion among the “Top 50 Women Attorneys in Maryland” for multiple years. She remains active in the legal community through her involvement with the Maryland State Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, and the Anne Arundel County Bar Association. To speak with Ms. Zide about your family law concerns, call 410-760-9433 to schedule a consultation or complete our online contact form.

Caroline Norman Frost is an attorney who represents people across Maryland in high-stakes criminal matters. Her work includes criminal defense, DUI/DWI and traffic violations, and cases involving domestic violence and neglect. She brings courtroom perspective and practical judgment to each case, focusing on clear communication, careful preparation, and a direct approach to protecting her clients’ rights at every stage of the process. Before entering private practice, Caroline served as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Office of the State’s Attorney for Caroline County. That experience informs how she evaluates evidence, anticipates prosecution strategies, and builds focused defenses for the people and families she represents. Caroline is admitted to practice in Maryland and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. If you are facing criminal charges, a DUI/DWI, traffic violations, or allegations involving domestic violence or neglect, call 443-726-4359 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation and discuss next steps.

Donald L. Bell, born on September 29, 1975, in Montgomery, Alabama, is a dedicated legal professional with a rich background rooted in commitment and service. Raised in Montgomery, Donald completed his secondary education at Carver Sr. High, graduating with top honors which reflected his early dedication to excellence. Inspired by a strong desire to serve his country, Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 1993. His service was marked by the fundamental values of honor, courage, and commitment—principles that he embraces and integrates into his legal practice daily. During his time in the military, Donald pursued higher education, first achieving an Associate of Arts degree with honors from Campbell University in North Carolina in 1996. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, furthering his academic portfolio. After six years of distinguished service, Donald was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. His transition from military to civilian life led him to a pivotal role as a Deputy Clerk at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It was here that he developed a deep interest in bankruptcy law, a specialty that would define much of his legal career. Donald's commitment to the legal field propelled him to attend law school at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, where he graduated in May 2003. During his law studies, he gained invaluable experience by working closely with a leading Bankruptcy Trustee in Baltimore City for over two years, enriching his understanding and expertise in the field. Donald is a licensed attorney eligible to practice before the Court of Appeals in Maryland, as well as the Federal District Court and the Maryland Federal Bankruptcy Court. His professional affiliations are extensive, including membership in the American Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, and several other regional bar associations such as the Maryland Federal Bankruptcy Bar Association, the Maryland Consumer Bankruptcy Bar Association, and the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, Donald is actively involved with the Prince George's County Bar Association, Howard County Bar Association, Montgomery County Bar Association, and J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association. Throughout his career, Donald has consistently demonstrated a dedication to providing thoughtful and effective legal counsel, guided by the enduring values he developed early in his life and during his time in the armed forces. His approach to law integrates rigorous legal acumen with a commitment to serve his clients with integrity and respect.

I am a bankruptcy lawyer that has been in practice for the last 22 years. Please contact to set up a meeting to discuss your case.

Geoff Witherspoon, II is a Family Law Attorney in the Washington, DC office of Price Benowitz LLP. He provides thoughtful, client-centered representation in a wide range of family law matters, helping individuals and families navigate emotionally complex situations with empathy, respect, and practical guidance. Geoff approaches family law with empathy and a focus on problem-solving. He believes in fostering open communication and helping clients make informed, realistic decisions that serve their long-term well-being. Dedicated to supporting diverse communities, Geoff takes particular pride in representing Black and LGBTQ+ individuals and families, ensuring that every client feels understood and respected.

When you speak with Ben for even a few minutes, it’s impossible to ignore his energy. His enthusiasm comes both from his roles as Attorney, Chief Executive Officer, and Owner at CHASENBOSCOLO, and, more importantly, his passion for people. When it comes to his clients, he is a trial lawyer whose sole focus is on fighting for his client’s rights. Ben cannot tolerate a world where working men and women are not treated fairly by the legal system. Ben and the CHASENBOSCOLO team believe in better. They work tirelessly to hold wrongdoers accountable and help their clients overcome troubles. Ben was taught the importance of the right way to earn respect at a young age by his grandfathers - one of whom immigrated from Italy and the other who was a mechanical engineer. Throughout his life, he’s seen firsthand how people in power take advantage of honest, hard working men and women. Ben is thankful the skills his education and experience have helped develop. He believes he is obligated to use these skills to fight for those of us who are stepped on and bullied. This uncompromising integrity and commitment to clients has allowed him to help grow the firm from one lawyer to more than thirty lawyers. Practicing law is more than just verdicts and settlements—Ben fights for true change. He works to make sure that not only his clients’ rights—but just as importantly the rights of others—are protected for years to come. In each cases he handles, Ben demonstrates a commitment to pursuing justice for us all. For example, he once represented an injured truck driver who was denied workers’ compensation benefits on the ground that he was a sub-contractor and not an employee of the company. The truck driver initially lost his case. Ben could not imagine giving up on his client.He and his team faced the challenge by appealing to the highest court in the District of Columbia, where they won. CHASENBOSCOLO's efforts not only got the truck driver the benefits he needed to care for his family, but also expanded the coverage of the workers’ compensation law to protect more of men and women who work in the District of Columbia. As a consequence of fighting for his client Ben protected the rights of men and women who work in the District of Columbia.

I have practiced law since December 1995, in most areas of civil litigation. I am a proud graduate of Towson University and University of Baltimore School of Law. I live in Howard County and my office is in Baltimore County, but I represent clients in every jurisdiction in Maryland. I received an award for providing 20 years of pro bono services to indigent clients. I have clients I have known for almost 20 years, who still come back to me and refer their friends and family to me. Contact me if you have a legal issue. There is no fee for the initial consultation.

A third-generation attorney, Steve has represented individuals, businesses and not-for-profits since 1983. He graduated from Hofstra University of Law in 1982 with a Certificate of Excellence in Commercial Paper and has since published over 200 legal related articles which have appeared in the New York Law Journal, Entertainment Law and Finance, as well as The Music Paper to which he has contributed the popular "Legal Licks" column monthly since 1984. Steve is an active commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and a much sought after public speaker on law related topics. He served on the Faculty Advisory Board of the Five Towns College for Music and is former counsel to the Long Beach Council for the Arts. He served multiple terms as Vice-President of the Nassau-Suffolk Horseman’s Association, an equine-based NY not-for-profit where he spearheaded legislative change on behalf of the equine industry.

Joe Mallon is the managing partner of the firm with over 25 years of successfully litigating personal injury and employment cases in federal and state courts throughout the region. During this time, he had distinguished himself as one of Maryland's leading trial attorneys. He has been lead counsel in more than 70 civil trials before juries and judges in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He has achieved numerous large jury verdicts and settlements in state and federal courts in cases that are highly complex and often high profile. He is known for his thorough representation of clients, as evidenced by his remarkable courtroom victories. Described by The Baltimore Sun as advancing “precise legal arguments,” and by a federal judge as obtaining “extraordinary results,” Mr. Mallon has obtained many multi-million dollar results for his clients. The breadth of his practice includes cases of local and national importance. Based on his professional achievement, Mr. Mallon has been voted by his peers as a Super Lawyer in general civil litigation from 2009-2018. Mr. Mallon is a past leader of the J. Dudley Digges Inn of Court. He has frequently been invited to lecture at legal seminars for professional associations. Mr. Mallon previously served as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association, Litigation Section’s Standing Committee on Solo and Small Firms.