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LORI SCARFF
LORI SCARFF
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Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger
Lori Scarff began her legal career in 1984 at age 19, working at the Office of the Public Defender while attending Montgomery College’s legal program. She quickly learned that helping others in their time of legal need was her calling, and she never looked back. Now a paralegal at Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger in Frederick, Scarff has dedicated 42 years to the legal profession.
Her work history has included Hogan & Hartson LLP in Bethesda; Smith & Smith P.C. and Raymond Law Center P.C. in Mount Airy; and Haspel, McLeod & Drawbaugh PC and McGuirk Drawbaugh LLC in Frederick, before joining Ethridge Quinn Kemp Rowan & Hartinger in April 2024. Earlier experience includes Ridgway & Griffin Chtd., the Office of the Montgomery County Attorney and the Office of the Public Defender in Montgomery County. Many of her moves followed the lawyers she worked with to their new positions — something Scarff attributes to those individuals recognizing her value and choosing to bring her along.
A professional challenge came after nearly 17 years working alongside attorney Joanie Raymond Brubaker, now the Honorable Joanie Raymond Brubaker of the Frederick County Circuit Court, when Brubaker was appointed as a magistrate. Scarff faced a decision: follow her into chambers or remain in private practice. She chose to stay, and a few local attorneys sought her out for new opportunities — a moment that proved to her she could start over. “The Frederick Legal Community is my home,” she said.
Over four decades, Scarff has shared her expertise with many lawyers early in their careers, working to pass along procedural knowledge and human and client interaction skills.
She believes there is far more to the profession than statutes and rules alone.
Outside the office, Scarff is a Maryland 4-H All Star and a former grand champion baker at the Montgomery County Fair, where she was a 4-H member for more than ten years and once sold a Red Velvet cake for more than $1,500 at the Cake Auction. As she looks toward retirement, she is most looking forward to spending time with her granddaughter, Charlotte, and her family.
