Howard Alan Janet
| Howard Alan Janet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1955 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| 💀Died | September 18, 2025 Pikesville, Maryland, U.S.September 18, 2025 |
| 🏫 Education | University of Maryland, College Park University of Baltimore School of Law |
| 💼 Occupation | Attorney |
| Known for | Founder of Janet, Janet & Suggs law firm |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Rina Lee Smelkinson (m. 1978; died 2018) |
| ❤️ Partner(s) | Ronnie Ann Glaser (2019–2025) |
| 👶 Children | Andrew Samuel Janet Adam Phillip Janet (d. before 2025) |
Howard Alan Janet (1955 – September 18, 2025) was an American attorney and founding partner of the law firm Janet, Janet & Suggs, which specializes in medical malpractice, sexual abuse litigation, and personal injury law. Over his career spanning more than 30 years, Janet established himself as a prominent advocate for victims of medical malpractice and sexual abuse, securing some of the largest settlements and verdicts in these practice areas.
Early life and education
Howard Alan Janet was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Woodlawn High School in Baltimore before pursuing higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park for his undergraduate degree. He subsequently earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Personal life
In 1978, Janet married Rina Lee Smelkinson, and they shared 39 years of marriage until her death in 2018. Together, they raised two sons: Andrew Samuel Janet, who became a partner at his father's law firm, and Adam Phillip Janet, who predeceased his father. Janet was deeply devoted to his family during times of illness, providing unwavering support to both his wife Rina and son Adam during their respective health struggles.
After Rina's passing, Janet found companionship with Ronnie Ann Glaser, who was a source of support and joy for six years until his death. He was a devoted grandfather ("Zaydoo") to four grandchildren: Ricki Leora Janet, Aaron Douglas Janet, Avi Marc Janet, and Asher Isaac Janet.
Legal career
Founding of Janet, Janet & Suggs
In 1996, Janet founded the law firm Janet, Janet & Suggs, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The firm expanded over the years to serve clients across the United States, with offices in multiple states including South Carolina, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
Notable cases and settlements
Throughout his career, Janet served as lead counsel in numerous high-profile cases that resulted in significant settlements and legal precedents:
Medical malpractice
- Lynteakia Beal, et al. v. District of Columbia, et al. (1998): Janet served as lead counsel representing the family of a child who developed cerebral palsy as a result of mismanagement of her airway in an emergency room visit at D.C. General Hospital. The case resulted in a $24.2 million verdict for the plaintiffs, which at the time was the largest medical malpractice verdict in the history of The District of Columbia.[1]
- Blackburn v. Aspen Medical Group (2005): Janet served as lead counsel in this Minnesota birth injury case that resulted in a $15.5 million verdict.[2]
Sexual abuse litigation
- Johns Hopkins Hospital (2014): Janet served as class counsel in a $190 million settlement with Johns Hopkins Hospital related to secret video recordings made by Dr. Nikita Levy, affecting thousands of patients.[3]
Legal precedents
Janet's litigation work contributed to several important legal precedents:
- Geisz v. Greater Baltimore Medical Center (1987): Janet litigated this Maryland case, which clarified the application of statutes of limitations and fraudulent concealment in survival and wrongful death actions.[4]
- Pepper v. Johns Hopkins Hospital (1997): Janet represented plaintiffs in this Maryland case establishing a minor's right to bring medical expense claims independently when parents are financially unable to do so.[5]
Publications
Janet authored several legal publications during his career:
- Navigating a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit (2014, Thomson Reuters)[6]
- Co-author with Giles H. Manley, Patients' Rights and Doctors' Wrongs — Secrets to a Safer Pregnancy and Childbirth (2016)[7]
- Lead chapter in Representing Plaintiffs in Medical Malpractice Cases (2013)[8]
Community involvement
Janet was actively involved in his community and Jewish organizations throughout his life. He served as chairman of the Israel Bonds Men's Division and president of Woodholme Country Club. He was also actively involved in several Jewish charities and was a proud member of Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, where faith and tradition were central to his life.
Janet was known for his philanthropic efforts, giving freely of his time and resources to various causes throughout his career.
Recognition
Janet received numerous professional recognitions during his career, including being named Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ) Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2015.[9] He was also recognized by Best Lawyers and other legal rating organizations.[10]
Personal interests
Outside of his legal practice, Janet was known for his vibrant personality and diverse interests. He played football in high school and later took up golf. He was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore Orioles. Janet cherished family traditions, including weekly Shabbat dinners every Friday night and taking his family on memorable vacations.
Janet was remembered for his "booming voice, quick wit, and ever-present sense of humor" that filled every room he entered, leaving an impression that was larger than life.
Death
Howard Alan Janet died on September 18, 2025, in Pikesville, Maryland, at the age of 70. His funeral service was held at Sol Levinson's Chapel in Pikesville on September 21, 2025, with interment at Beth El Memorial Park.
Legacy
Janet's law firm, Janet, Janet & Suggs, continues to operate under the leadership of his surviving partners, including his son Andrew Samuel Janet, who serves as a partner specializing in sexual abuse litigation and medical malpractice cases.
References
- ↑ "Brain-Damaged Girl Awarded $24 Million". Washington Post. May 12, 1998.
- ↑ "Jury awards $15 million in problematic birth". Minnesota Lawyer. November 13, 2006.
- ↑ "Johns Hopkins Health System to Pay $190M to Settle Hidden Camera Lawsuit". Insurance Journal. July 22, 2014.
- ↑ Geisz v. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Md. (Maryland Court of Appeals 1987).
- ↑ "JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL v. PEPPER (1997)". FindLaw. Thomson Reuters. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
- ↑ Janet, Howard (2014). Navigating a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit. Thomson Reuters. Search this book on
- ↑ Janet, Howard; Manley, Giles H. (2016). Patients' Rights and Doctors' Wrongs. ISBN 978-1512279955. Search this book on
- ↑ Janet, Howard (2013). Representing Plaintiffs in Medical Malpractice Cases. ISBN 978-0314283856. Search this book on
- ↑ "Trial Lawyer Awards". Maryland Association for Justice.
- ↑ "Howard A. Janet". Best Lawyers. Retrieved 2024. Check date values in:
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External links
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