Maryland has many miles of shoreline, and when you live or work on the waterfront, you face unique issues. Riparian rights can be stripped from the land, and can disappear into the water or arise in places that it never was before. One may have a water view, but another may build (or try to build) in a way that cuts your view. There are unique construction and environmental issues and neighbor issues that are magnified by the water access. The bottom of the waters can be owned by individuals or the State, the waterfront itself may be owned by a community association, and everyone’s use is subject to the interest of the public in navigation and enjoyment. Access to the water can be limited by adverse possession or prescription. These are the issues to which Waterfrontlaw.com is devoted.

Waterfront law, community associations and maritime law are the primary practice area of Baylaw, LLC. , based in Annapolis, Maryland.  The firm offers the finest legal representation in the areas of riparian rights and waterfront ownership, real estate, vessel purchase, tax and documentation, civil litigation and small business advocacy.   We represent corporations, property owners, community associations, vessel owners, insurance companies, marina operators, boat-builders and surveyors in Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic and around the world.

Our clients seek us out because we focus on a very narrow range of issues, and we are very successful in those areas.  We look forward to working with you.

J. Dirk Schwenk is a Maryland Real Estate, Waterfront Property, Civil Litigation and Maritime Lawyer from Annapolis, Maryland.  He provides civil litigation services in contract disputes, environmental and zoning issues, adverse possession and boundary disputes.  He graduated cum laude (with honors) from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1997 and has been in private practice in Maryland ever since.

“Dirk was highly recommended to us by a fellow attorney in whom we have great confidence.  He proved to both capable and diligent legal counsel, exhibiting a courtroom demeanor that inspires respect and confidence, and I am sure, persuasiveness to the court in his presentation of our case and management of procedures.  In our view, his effectiveness played a large part in influencing opposing counsel and his client to settle our case in a manner completely favorable to us.  In addition, it was a pleasure to deal with him from  personal and professional levels and, as an attorney myself, I would commend him to anyone seeking legal representation over other lawyers in his field of practice.”

– E, Client, 2018

“I had the pleasure of working as co-counsel with Mr. Schwenk on a complex civil matter. During a lengthy trial, I found Dirk to be extremely well-prepared and unflappable. He has an easy-going manner, which I think both judges and juries appreciate, but don’t let that fool you: Dirk is spot-on with knowing the law and is an excellent advocate for his clients, being suitably aggressive or charming as needed.”

– T.G., Attorney