I am a native of Frederick County, having grown up and lived in the Northwest area of the county until attending college. I first obtained an Associates of Arts degree at what is now Hagerstown Community College in the administration of justice field in 1986 then graduated early from Shippensburg University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1987. I then graduated from the University of Dayton (Ohio) School of Law with a juris doctor degree in 1991, after passing the Bar Exam I was admitted to practice in Maryland that same year and have been practicing ever since. In 1992, I was admitted to the Federal Court for the District of Maryland. I immediately began working in a general practice law firm upon being admitted to the Bar and gained a vast amount of experience handling every type of case as well as law office management. In 1996, I left the private practice of law and entered into the Frederick County State's Attorney's Office as a District Court prosecutor where I was responsible for the prosecutions of misdemeanors ranging from trespassing and burglary to assault and theft. At this time I also became the sole prosecutor in the office of all vehicular manslaughter cases. When I moved to the Circuit Court prosecution staff I was placed on the felony and white-collar team. At this point, I was prosecuting complex cases such as major thefts, embezzlements as well as drug cases and violent crimes. In 1999, Eric and I co-founded what would ultimately become Schaffer & Black, PC, where I continue to handle criminal cases, personal injury, divorce and custody matters, juvenile delinquency, property disputes, estate litigations and other types civil litigation. I am a member of the Frederick County Bar Association, a member and past president of the Frederick County Criminal Defense Attorney Association. I enjoy outdoor activities, hunting and camping, am a history buff and civil war re-enactor.