F&P Announces 2026 Attorney Promotions

Franklin & Prokopik is proud to announce that we have promoted five associates to counsel and one counsel to principal. Our attorneys exemplify the dedication and hard work that allow F&P to stand out in the legal field, and each has demonstrated acumen in the courtroom along with their peers at F&P.

Join F&P in congratulating these attorneys and thanking them for their hard work!

Principal
Nirav Patel is a seasoned litigation attorney who concentrates his practice in the areas of workers’ compensation and employers’ liability. In his spare time, Mr. Patel enjoys reading and spending time with his wife, Alpa. Mr. Patel is an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and enjoys traveling.

Counsel
Josh T. Carback
Mike P. Divver
Alexandra M. Monaco
Jessica B. Pupkin
Marleigh A. Severe

Lynn Fitzpatrick Named One of Virginia’s Go To Lawyers 2025

Franklin & Prokopik is proud to announce that Virginia Lawyers Weekly has named Herndon Principal Lynn Fitzpatrick as one of Virginia’s Go To Lawyers for workers’ compensation.

Lynn has been practicing in the area of civil litigation, with a focus on defending state workers’ compensation cases, for over 30 years.

Virginia Lawyers Weekly designates a Go To Lawyer as an expert in their field who has extensive knowledge of case law, statutes, and regulations. Honorees possess a strong success record, with cases that reflect the quality of their advice.

Click here to read more about this honor.

18 F&P Attorneys Selected to 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Super Lawyers announced its annual Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists in Maryland. F&P is honored that 18 of our Baltimore attorneys have been recognized with this honor for 2026.

Using peer nominations and evaluations, Super Lawyers selects the top 5% of attorneys each year, while Rising Stars selects no more than 2.5%. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Super Lawyers 2026

Rising Stars 2026

For more information about Super Lawyers and its selection process, please click here to visit their website.

F&P Employee Spotlight on Counsel Ben M. Brooks

What was your first job?
My first job was working at the concession stand at the Baker Park pool in Frederick, MD. It was great. My friend and I got jobs there one summer, and when we’d finish our shift, we’d already be at the pool!

What is your practice area, and how did you choose it?
Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability. I chose it because it involves frequent litigation, careful analysis, and strategic problem-solving. I highly value the opportunity to help employers and carriers manage risk and navigate what is often a technical area of law.

What is your favorite aspect of working at F&P?
I work with great people. They’re hardworking, dedicated, and knowledgeable. I feel like I’m part of a team that’s both supportive and collaborative, but also one that allows me to have my own autonomy, which is something I truly value.

Do you have any book or movie recommendations?
I recently read Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. I like sci-fi a lot, and that was a great read. I also just started the TV series Pluribus by Vince Gilligan. After Breaking Bad, I vowed to watch anything he’s involved in, and Pluribus is an exciting new TV show that I highly recommend.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is pizza. In fact, I dedicated a whole trip to NYC for my birthday last year to try some of the best places. For the record, I am a John’s of Bleeker Street guy.

What was the best news you ever received?
It’s undoubtedly when my wife told me she was pregnant. We are expecting our first child in January 2026 and I couldn’t be more excited.