Stephen R. Elville Named to Maryland Super Lawyers; Sara von Stein Echeverria and Jacob H. Dorfman Recognized as Rising Stars
Elville and Associates, P.C. is pleased to announce that three of its attorneys have been recognized for their professional achievements and contributions to the legal profession. Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M., President and Managing Principal, has been selected to the 2027 Maryland Super Lawyers list, while Associate Attorney Sara von Stein Echeverria, J.D., and Lead Litigator Jacob H. Dorfman, J.D., M.B.A., have been named to the Maryland Rising Stars list.
Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Each year, no more than five percent of attorneys in each state are selected to the Super Lawyers list, while no more than 2.5 percent are selected to Rising Stars.
Stephen R. Elville, J.D., LL.M. – Maryland Super Lawyers
Founder and Managing Principal Stephen R. Elville has been selected to the Maryland Super Lawyers list for the 12th time, marking his 11th consecutive year receiving this distinction.
With more than 25 years of legal experience, Mr. Elville concentrates his practice in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, asset protection, tax planning, and related areas. His approach emphasizes education, thoughtful planning, and helping individuals and families navigate important legal and financial decisions with confidence.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Elville is a frequent speaker and educator, presenting hundreds of workshops, webinars, and continuing education programs for clients, professional advisors, and community organizations. He is also the founder of the Elville Center for the Creative Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to music education for students with limited financial means. A feature story was written about Mr. Elville and the Elville Center’s efforts in the national Super Lawyers Magazine.
Sara von Stein Echeverria, J.D. – Maryland Rising Stars
Associate Attorney Sara von Stein Echeverria has been recognized on the Maryland Rising Stars list for her work in estate planning and estate and trust administration. This is Ms. Von Stein Echeverria’s second year being recognized by Super Lawyers.
Ms. von Stein Echeverria also leads the firm’s Estate and Trust Administration Department, helping guide families through the legal and practical responsibilities that follow the loss of a loved one. Her practice includes estate planning, guardianship, and beneficiary representation, with an emphasis on making complicated legal matters understandable and manageable for clients.
A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, Ms. von Stein Echeverria brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to her work, drawing on her experience in both estate law and humanitarian legal advocacy.
Jacob H. Dorfman, J.D., M.B.A. – Maryland Rising Stars
Senior Associate Attorney and Lead Litigator Jacob H. Dorfman has been selected to the Maryland Rising Stars list for the fourth consecutive year.
Mr. Dorfman represents clients in estate and trust litigation, probate disputes, guardianship matters, fiduciary litigation, and other civil litigation matters. His practice combines strong courtroom advocacy with a practical understanding of the personal and financial challenges that often accompany legal disputes.
A graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Mr. Dorfman also holds a Master of Business Administration from Binghamton University. Before entering private practice, he served as a judicial law clerk in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. He currently serves as Chair of the Young Lawyers’ Division of the Bar Association of Baltimore City.
A Commitment to Excellence and Client Service
“Having three of our attorneys recognized is something we’re very proud of,” said Stephen R. Elville. “Sara and Jacob bring tremendous dedication, knowledge, and energy to their work, and it’s especially rewarding to see their contributions recognized by their peers. These honors reflect the commitment our entire team makes every day to the individuals and families who place their trust in us.”
The Super Lawyers selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and evaluations by attorneys within their respective practice areas. To qualify for Rising Stars consideration, attorneys must be 40 years old or younger or have practiced law for 10 years or less.
About Elville and Associates, P.C.
Elville and Associates, P.C. is a Maryland-based law firm serving individuals, families, and businesses in estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, estate and trust administration, asset protection, tax planning, and related litigation. With offices in Columbia, Annapolis, and Rockville, the firm emphasizes client education, personalized service, and long-term relationships.
Guided by its philosophy, “Planning for Life, Planning for Legacies,” Elville and Associates is committed to helping clients protect what matters most, both today and for generations to come.
For more information about Elville and Associates and its attorneys, visit www.elvilleassociates.com.
For more information about the Super Lawyers selection process, visit www.superlawyers.com.


