PARKER - Key Persons
Craig A. Parker is the founding member of Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC and Gemini Title & Escrow, LLC. Mr. Parker first established the Law Offices of Craig A. Parker, LLC in 2002, and the firm has experience significant growth since its inception. As a result of the growth, Mr. Parker together with his partners, rebranded the firm as Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC in 2013. The practice has extensive experience representing lenders in foreclosures throughout Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Throughout his career, Mr. Parker has worked with the majority of the foreclosure trustees within our practice jurisdictions and has encountered and resolved a wide spectrum of title issues which could arise within a foreclosure action. Mr. Parker's practice focuses on creditor's rights litigation, contract law, and collections. In his real estate practice, Mr. Parker is knowledgeable in all areas of commercial and residential loan transactions, handling commercial transactional work and resolving complex title issues.
In October 2019, Mr. Parker was recognized by his peers as a "Top Attorney" in the November/December issue of Bethesda Magazine.
Mr. Parker enjoys spending his free time in Ocean City, Maryland, chasing after one of his four children and making certain the margarita machine is operational and well-stocked.
Education
J.D., George Washington University National Law Center (1995)
B.S. with Honors, Computer Science and Political Science, Clarkson University (1992)
Craig A. Parker is the founding member of Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC and Gemini Title & Escrow, LLC. Mr. Parker first established the Law Offices of Craig A. Parker, LLC in 2002, and the firm has experience significant growth since its ince… Read More
Jacob W. Deaven joined Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC as an associate in 2017 to work on the firm's high volume estate administration practice. A majority of Mr. Deaven's practice involves serving as personal representative on behalf of an estate's largest creditor, but also includes fiduciary litigation, estate planning, and assisting families with estate administration. He makes regular appearances at Orphans' Courts throughout the state of Maryland. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Deaven served as law clerk for Chief Judge Lewyn Scott Garrett and Associate Judges Michele Lowenthal and Charles Bernstein of Baltimore City Orphans' Court.
Mr. Deaven is originally from New Mexico, but moved to the east coast to attend law school and be closer to his extended family. While not at work, Mr. Deaven enjoys trying new local restaurants, performing and attending concerts, and visiting breweries throughout the country.
Education
J.D., magna cum laude, University of Baltimore School of Law (2016)
B.A., Government, University Honors, New Mexico State University (2011)
Jacob W. Deaven joined Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC as an associate in 2017 to work on the firm's high volume estate administration practice. A majority of Mr. Deaven's practice involves serving as personal representative on behalf of an esta… Read More
Katrina M. Brown joined Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC as an associate in 2017 and primarily handles real estate and creditor's rights matters. In the ten years immediately prior to joining the firm, Ms. Brown worked for the firm's affiliated title company, Gemini Title & Escrow, LLC, where she managed a wide variety of real estate and title insurance matters. Ms. Brown graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in May 2016. During law school she earned a certificate in environmental law, and worked as a law clerk for the Center for Progressive Reform.
Ms. Brown is a California native and enjoys spending time with her daughter, baking, hiking, white water rafting, and running road races in her spare time.
Education
J.D., cum laude, University of Maryland, (2016)
B.A., magna cum laude, Hood College, Law & Sociology (2007)
Katrina M. Brown joined Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC as an associate in 2017 and primarily handles real estate and creditor's rights matters. In the ten years immediately prior to joining the firm, Ms. Brown worked for the firm's affiliated t… Read More
Kelsey L. Thwaits joined Parker, Simon, Kokolis & Brown, in 2021 to work on the firm's creditor's rights matters. Ms. Thwaits graduated from William and Mary Law School in 2019. During law school she was an active part of the environmental section of the school and worked with communities to tackle environmental issues. Ms. Thwaits also worked on civil and criminal matters while in law school and enjoyed making a positive impact on the community she was in.
Ms. Thwaits is a California native, went to college in New Mexico, and law school in Virginia. She loves exploring new places. Ms. Thwaits also enjoys spending time outdoors, spending time on the water, and traveling with her fiancé.
Education
D., William and Mary Law School, 2019
A., University of New Mexico, Psychology & Communication, 2015
Kelsey L. Thwaits joined Parker, Simon, Kokolis & Brown, in 2021 to work on the firm's creditor's rights matters. Ms. Thwaits graduated from William and Mary Law School in 2019. During law school she was an active part of the environmental se… Read More
Michelle J. Simon is a Partner in the firm and has been with Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC since its inception. Ms. Simon's practice focuses on residential real estate transactions, in the past three years, almost exclusively centered around Real Estate Owned (REO) transactions throughout Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia. Ms. Simon advises both buyers and sellers in connection with the refinance, purchase, or sale of real estate and oversees the day-to-day operations of Gemini Title & Escrow, LLC, our affiliated title company. Ms. Simon is primarily responsible for ensuring the recording of all the necessary documentation to complete each real estate transaction as well as the proper collection and distribution of all funds collected at settlement.
A Maryland native, when not in the office, Ms. Simon enjoys pretending she is an organized working mom and spending time with her husband and two children at a variety of weekend sporting and social events.
Education
J.D., Catholic University, Columbus School of Law (1997)
B.A., Speech Communication, The Pennsylvania State University (1994)
Michelle J. Simon is a Partner in the firm and has been with Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC since its inception. Ms. Simon's practice focuses on residential real estate transactions, in the past three years, almost exclusively centered around… Read More
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Maryland
Thomas J. Kokolis is a Partner in the firm and manages the firm's high volume litigation practice and is well versed in all aspects of the firm's practice areas. Mr. Kokolis originally joined the practice in 2005 and has established the firm as a respected advocate in areas the creditors' rights and real estate matters. In addition to providing litigation representation to clients in these areas, Mr. Kokolis also has transactional experience representing businesses, individuals, homeowners and condominium associations, and has served as personal representative on thousands of Maryland probate estates. Mr. Kokolis further provides in-house counsel to Gemini Title & Escrow, LLC. Since joining the firm, Mr. Kokolis has developed strong client relationships and has expanded the litigation practice by representing local, regional and national clients - both large and small.
Mr. Kokolis is an active member of the Maryland - District of Columbia Creditor's Bar Association and currently serves on its Board of Directors.
Thomas J. Kokolis is a Partner in the firm and manages the firm's high volume litigation practice and is well versed in all aspects of the firm's practice areas. Mr. Kokolis originally joined the practice in 2005 and has established the firm as a… Read More
William J. Bang joined Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC as an Associate in 2023 to work on the firm's high volume civil litigation. Mr. Bang is a cum laude graduate from George Mason School of Law with a concentration in Litigation. In 2012, Mr. Ba… Read More
William J. Bang joined Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC as an Associate in 2023 to work on the firm's high volume civil litigation. Mr. Bang is a cum laude graduate from George Mason School of Law with a concentration in Litigation. In 2012, Mr. Bang served as a Clerk for the Honorable Thomas D. Horne, then Chief Judge of the Loudoun County Circuit Court. Prior to joining Parker, Simon & Kokolis, LLC, Mr. Bang served as an Associate Attorney with Alex Levay Attorneys, focusing on criminal trial practice and civil litigation. In this position, Mr. Bang handled an array of legal matters which afforded him with extensive courtroom experience and familiarity with Virginia legal processes. From criminal jury trials to involuntary mental health commitment hearings before a Special Justice, Mr. Bang's legal experience makes him comfortable advocating for his clients against any opponent in any arena, whether a local zoning board or the Supreme Court of Virginia. Mr. Bang applies his knowledge and experience in Virginia law to ensure that his clients are always put in the most legally advantageous position to accomplish their objectives.
Mr. Bang is original from Calvert County, Maryland. He is a film buff and enjoys discovering hidden gem movies, both old and new.
Education
J.D., cum laude, George Mason School of Law (2014)
B.A., English, University of Maryland, College Park (2006)