The Peter Angelos and Joe Biden Connection
I was in attendance last night at the opening of University of Baltimore’s new law school building, The John and Frances Angelos law center. The building is incredible, an impressive display of ultra modern architecture. The festivities were equally impressive. As correctly stated by the Washington Post, Vice President Joe Biden and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley each spoke.
The building is named for the late parents of Baltimore injury lawyer Peter Angelos. Despite giving $15 million to the building, Angelos was not in attendance. His son Louis Angelos was there, as were others close to the famed Orioles owner.
The elder Angelos was referenced by nearly all who spoke, including Joe Biden. Biden said he received a call from Peter Angelos. The Vice President said he said, “Yes” before he even knew what Angelos was asking for because, and I’m paraphrasing, when Peter Angelos calls you say yes. Angelos was asking for Biden’s presence at the opening.
I know the comments were said in a light-hearted manner, but wow. The Vice President says yes before he even knows what you want. Inappropriate? I will spare the “We live in a bought and paid for society” rant for another day and another post. I will especially spare it in this post because I actually believe Angelos looks out for the underdog in our society. Plaintiff’s lawyers might get a bad rap, but in a society with a lack of regulation, paying for torts is one of the only things likely to keep relentless capitalism at halfway acceptable levels.
Lawyers who work for Angelos and are tracked by ILD include Charlie Candon and Glenn Mintzer, among others. I would imagine Peter Angelos is among the most successful tort lawyers in the United States, but I have not seen a definitive list.