Maryland Manual 1994-1995

CIVIL LITIGATION DIVISION

Evelyn O. Cannon, Chief of Litigation
Carmen M. Shepard, Deputy Chief of Litigation

200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 576-6342

The Civil Litigation Division represents State
government and State employees in major federal
and State civil lawsuits. Attorneys in the Division
provide support, either by advising or acting as
co-counsel, to agency counsel involved in or con-
templating litigation. The Division reviews all fed-
eral and State civil appellate briefs and reviews civil
complaints for potential suits to be filed by the
State.

CORRECTIONAL LITIGATION UNIT
Richard M. Kastendieck, Counsel

(410) 576-6429

The Correctional Litigation Unit is responsible
for the representation of State's Attorneys in any
lawsuit challenging their official actions, and of
sheriffs where the matter involves correctional mat-
ters. The Unit also represents State officials and
employees who are sued in State or federal courts
by prisoners for violations of their constitutional
rights in Maryland prisons.

DIVISION OF CONSUMER
PROTECTION

William Leibovici, Chief
Lucy A. Weisz, Deputy Chief

200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 576-6557

The Division of Consumer Protection was cre-
ated in 1967 (Chapter 338, Acts of 1967). The
Division is headed by an assistant attorney general
who is Chief of the Division.
The Division oversees the control and regulation
of unfair and deceptive trade practices. It is respon-
sible for enforcement of civil remedies through
court litigation, administrative hearings, complaint
mediation, and arbitration. The Division also is
charged with recommending legislation to the Gov-
ernor and the General Assembly to protect the
public from fraudulent schemes and promotions.
In addition, the Division reports information
about violations of laws affecting consumers to
other law enforcement authorities. It seeks to de-
velop and conduct programs of consumer educa-
tion and information through publications and
other materials prepared for the public. The Divi-
sion undertakes activities to encourage business and
industry to maintain high standards of honesty, fair
business practices, and public responsibility in the

production, promotion, and sale of consumer
goods and services (Code Commercial Law Article,
secs. 13-101 through 13-501).
The Division oversees five units: Health Educa-
tion and Advocacy; Health Club Registration; Ar-
bitration; Complaint Handling; and Investigative.

CONSUMER COUNCIL

Mark Silbergeld, Chairperson, 1994
(410) 576-6550

Created in 1974 as part of the Division of Con-
sumer Protection, the Consumer Council advises
the Division on general goals, undertakes studies
and reports, and fosters cooperation among federal,
State and local agencies, and private groups (Chap-
ter 609, Acts of 1974).
The Council consists of the Chief of the Division
of Consumer Protection and nine members ap-
pointed by the Governor with Senate consent.
Three members represent consumer groups or in-
terests, three represent business groups or interests,
and three represent the public sector. Members
serve without compensation for six-year terms
(Code Commercial Law Article, sec. 13-202).

HEALTH EDUCATION & ADVOCACY UNIT
Kevin M. Simpson, Director
(410) 576-6359

Within the Division of Consumer Protection,
the Health Education and Advocacy Unit was cre-
ated in 1986 (Chapters 296 and 565, Acts of 1986).
The Unit implements an educational and advocacy
program enabling citizens to make informed choices
in the health marketplace and participate in deci-
sions concerning their health care.
The Unit helps people understand their health-
care bills and third party coverage, identify im-
proper billing or coverage determinations, and
report such problems to appropriate agencies, in-
surers, or providers. The Unit may refer concerns
raised about health care to professional, licensing or
disciplinary bodies. The Unit also may recommend
to government officers and agencies measures to
promote the interests of consumers in the health
marketplace.

HEALTH CLUB REGISTRATION UNIT
Steven Sakomoto-Wengel, Administrator
(410) 576-6307

The Health Club Registration Unit was estab-
lished within the Division of Consumer Protection
in 1986. The Unit registers Maryland health clubs
and ensures that they are properly bonded (Code
Commercial Law Article, secs. 14-12B-01 through
14-12B-08).