Jessica Morales & Brooke A. O'Connell from the Law Office of Robert R. Castro Injury Law Firm will explain how divorce, child custody & support cases work, including how to open a case, get help agreeing on a divorce settlement or parenting plan, or preparing for a divorce or custody hearing in the State of Maryland. This program will touch on things like custodial rights, laws about paternity, the different types of custody, rules of evidence, and other terminology.

This program is in partnership through the Charles County Bar Association.

📷 Jessica Morales | The Law Office of Robert R. Castro | Injury Law Firm

Ms. Morales is a homegrown resident of Southern Maryland, who graduated from Hood College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from Lincoln Memorial University- Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee.

During law school, Ms. Morales focused her time on gaining real experience and trial practice, specifically by working for the Honorable Shayne Sexton, extending in the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office, examining case law as a Legal Research Assistant, and leading the Mock Trial Team.

After law school, Ms. Morales returned to Maryland and began a judicial clerkship for the Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. She later went on to also clerk for the Honorable H. James West in Charles County Circuit Court.

Ms. Morales is a Member of the Maryland State Bar Association, Charles County Bar Association, Prince George’s County Bar Association, Calvert County Bar Association, and St. Mary’s Bar Association. Additionally, Ms. Morales is a Court-Appointed Child Best Interest Attorney and Child Privilege Attorney in Calvert County, Prince George’s County, and St. Mary’s County.

Ms. Morales is currently admitted in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. District Court of Maryland. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Brooke A. O’Connell | The Law Office of Robert R. Castro | Injury Law Firm

📷Ms. O’Connell, a life-long resident of Southern Maryland, graduated from The George Washington University, with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. She then went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

While in law school, she gained invaluable experience as a student attorney of the nationally recognized University of Maryland Law Clinic, specifically with the Collateral Review Division of the Office of the Public Defender and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. She also competed on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, winning first place at the International Academy of Dispute Resolution Northeastern Mediation Tournament in 2014.

After graduating, Ms. O’Connell returned home to Southern Maryland and began a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Amy J. Bragunier, Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Charles County. Ms. O’Connell handled a variety of civil and criminal cases, gaining valuable insight as to what happens behind the scenes of a courtroom. During her two-year clerkship, Ms. O’Connell had the opportunity to work alongside a judge, learning what it takes to be a great litigator and advocate for your client.

Ms. O’Connell is a Member of the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA), is the Charles County Circuit Representative for the Young Lawyers’ Section of the MSBA, is the At-Large Chair of the Charles County Bar Association, and is a Member of the American Inn of Court of Southern Maryland. In addition, she is a Member of the Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco and donates her time as a Mock Trial Coach for local high school students.

Think Like a Lawyer: Prepare Like a Pro for Family Court