John B. Raftery

Managing Principal

Baltimore Office

Contact

Email: jraftery@offitkurman.com

Phone: 240.507.1702

Fax: 410.209.6435

Mailing: 300 E. Lombard Street

Suite 2010 Baltimore , MD 21202

Linkedin: John Raftery

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PRACTICE AREA

John Raftery is currently the Managing Principal and a member of the Office of Managing Principal – which is responsible for the legal operations of the firm and is directly responsible for attorney retention, management as well as management of the firm’s practice groups. John is also a member of the firm’s management committee.

Leveraging years of counseling clients in real estate litigation, fair housing matters and business law, John serves as a trusted advisor to businesses, real estate owners and management companies. John provides strategic, practical and industry-based advice to clients negotiating or litigating through legal obstacles and difficulties– always with keen focus on cost benefit parameters. John’s clients include large and small property management industry partners, managers and owners of residential and commercial real estate, C-level officers of small and midsize corporations, directors of not-for-profit organizations and entrepreneurial individuals seeking cost-conscious and practical representation.

John is sought by business leaders for representation and guidance on all matters involving real estate, leases, construction, landlord-tenant disputes, fair housing training, investigations and litigation, mold and pest-infestation claims, business torts, discrimination claims, and business transactions. He focuses on establishing industry-focused partnerships with individuals and organizations, advocating for his clients through cost-effective representation - including offensive litigation when necessary. His experience as a litigator spans most trial courts in New York, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Earlier in his career, John served as a special trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.

A recognized authority on fair housing and landlord-tenant matters (commercial and residential), John lectures to local and national industry associations. The thrust of John’s programs are squarely focused on education and avoidance of claims through a practical analysis of applicable law and regulations coupled with real life examples to illustrate the applicable issues.

PUBLICATIONS

Co-Author, Evaluating Assistance Animal Requests Under the FHA, LexisNexis Law360
Co-author, The Fair Housing Act: Enforcement Actions, LexisNexis Practical Guidance
Co-author, The Fair Housing Act: Prohibited Practices, Types of Claims, and Compliance Strategies, LexisNexis Practical Guidance

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

Former Special Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division
Two-term member of the Board of Directors, United States Bobsled & Skeleton Foundation
Named to Martindale-Hubbell's A.V. Preeminent® Top Rated Lawyers, 2019

PERSONAL

John, with his wife of 39 years, Virginia, are the proud parents of four children. John and Virginia recently relocated to the Chesapeake Bay to spend time on the water as frequently as their schedules permit. They also live with two poorly trained dogs who occasionally answer to their names, Sammy and Ruby.

Awards

Practice Areas

Education & Admissions

LL.M. Taxation, Georgetown University Law Center, 1991
J.D., Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, 1983
B.A., Long Island University, 1980

Virginia
Maryland
District of Columbia
New York

Podcasts and Videos

Co-host, The Fair Housing Podcast which focuses on fair housing questions and answers
Host, The Monday Morning Minute, a weekly one minute video, geared towards property owners, property managers and residential realtors, focusing on fair housing issues

Posts

"The Monday Morning Minute: What is a Lease Break Fee and is it Legitimate?"

Access to Rental Housing on a fair and equal basis is a right – and it’s the law. As a property owner, management agent or if you make your living from residential real estate, spend a minute a week to protect yourself from fair housing claims and suits. Check out today's The Monday Morning Minute.

"The Monday Morning Minute: When is it Appropriate to Fine A Resident and What is an Appropriate Fine?"

Access to Rental Housing on a fair and equal basis is a right – and it’s the law. As a property owner, management agent or if you make your living from residential real estate, spend a minute a week to protect yourself from fair housing claims and suits. Check out today's The Monday Morning Minute.

"The Monday Morning Minute: Can You Issue A Non-Renewal Notice Without A Legitimate Reason?"

Access to Rental Housing on a fair and equal basis is a right – and it’s the law. As a property owner, management agent or if you make your living from residential real estate, spend a minute a week to protect yourself from fair housing claims and suits. Check out today's The Monday Morning Minute.