Remembering Howard Janet
MSBA MOURNS the passing of Howard A. Janet, a dedicated and respected attorney who passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 70. A sustaining member of the MSBA, Janet was a Baltimore native who practiced law for nearly 50 years.
Janet was a graduate of Woodlawn High School, the University of Maryland, and the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1978.
As the managing principal of Janet, Janet & Suggs LLC, Janet’s legal career was marked by a tireless commitment to advocating for victims of medical malpractice, sexual abuse, and other personal injuries. His firm secured over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements for its clients. He was widely recognized as one of the nation’s preeminent medical malpractice attorneys, especially for his work representing children who developed cerebral palsy from preventable birth injuries. More than 30,000 families consulted with him on potential cerebral palsy cases. His notable achievements in this area included twice breaking the record in Minnesota for the largest birth injury award from a jury, and securing a verdict in Washington, D.C., that more than doubled the previous highest jury award in a medical malpractice action.
His efforts also extended to fighting for survivors of sexual abuse, holding powerful institutions accountable for enabling predators. His high-profile cases included securing a $842.4 million sexual abuse class action settlement against the University of Southern California and a $190 million settlement against Johns Hopkins Hospital. A confidential settlement was also reached on behalf of a victim in the Sandusky/Penn
Janet's professional excellence was consistently recognized throughout his career. He received the Maryland Association for Justice 2015 "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2008.
Outside of his legal practice, he was known for his philanthropic work and community involvement. In 2010, he helped found the Cerebral Palsy Family Network, which provides vital resources to families of children with cerebral palsy. He also served as chairman of the Israel Bonds Men's Division and as a board member for The Associated: Jewish Federation
Howard A. Janet will be remembered for his courage, his generosity, and his unwavering dedication to his clients and his community.