Joseph S. Welty is a principal in the firm's Frederick, Maryland, office. He served as the firm's president and chairman from 1996 to 2001. His legal experience includes representation in general corporate/commercial matters; negotiation and preparation of contracts, such as for the purchase of real estate and leases; representation in the purchase and sale of real property and businesses; establishment of various business entities, including corporations, limited liability companies, joint ventures and general/limited partnerships; business and estate planning and routine tax planning.