Avalon Sequoia Brandt
Attorney
I am dedicated to fighting for the rights of my clients and it’s a privilege and a fight that I welcome!
Attorney Avalon Brandt joined The Yost Legal Group in July 2025 and is dedicated to representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. She focuses on filing sex abuse claims against Maryland institutions that failed to protect children, working to hold them accountable under the law. Avalon approaches each case with compassion and respect, making sure survivors feel heard, believed, and supported throughout the legal process. Through her advocacy, she fights for justice and financial compensation.
Avalon Sequoia Brandt is a native of Baltimore and was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System until she moved to Harford County, where she graduated from Joppatowne High School in 1977.
Ms. Brandt did not take a traditional path to law school, having obtained a Paralegal Certification from the Community College of Baltimore and worked as a Paralegal and Legal Secretary for over 10 years before entering law school.
She completed her undergraduate work at the University of Maryland in College Park, while working full-time in Washington, D.C. for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
Career History
- In 1988, she received her Bachelor’s degree.
- In 1994, she received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.
- In 1995, formed her solo practice with a primary focus on family law.
- In 1996, she joined the partnership firm of Wilson & Brandt, P.A., where she continued her family law practice, as well as her work in estates and misdemeanor criminal defense.
- In 2001, she shifted her focus to complex civil litigation. She joined the law firm of Saul E. Kerpelman, P.A., where she represented hundreds of children and adults who were exposed to and injured by childhood lead poisoning.
- In 2015, joined the law firm of Evan K. Thalenberg, P.A., and continued to practice lead paint poisoning litigation.
- In 2022, she joined O’Brien Law, where she continues to practice lead paint poisoning litigation. For over 23 years, Avalon has litigated hundreds of lead paint cases, securing multi-million-dollar verdicts and more than $25 million in settlements.
Avalon is a member of the Character Committee for the State Board of Law Examiners, the Maryland Association for Justice, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer starting in 2020. She is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and has been admitted Pro Hac Vice in Illinois and South Carolina.
Avalon has a deep commitment and passion to help others. Since 2008, she has served on the Board of Directors for L.I.F.E. Incorporated (“Living In a Free Environment”), a nonprofit organization that provides housing, employment, and social activities for adults with physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. She currently serves as President.
Avalon lives in Baltimore with her husband and is an avid sports fan who loves football, basketball, and mixed martial arts.
Professional Expertise
- Childhood Sexual Abuse Litigation: Pursuing civil claims and accountability against Maryland institutions that failed to protect children.
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Litigation: Over 23 years of specialized experience representing hundreds of children and adults injured by lead paint exposure.
- General Practice/Historical: Family Law, Estates, and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense.
- Trial Advocacy: Extensive track record securing multi-million dollar verdicts and more than $25,000,000 in settlements.
Education
- Law Degree: University of Maryland School of Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1994.
- Undergraduate: University of Maryland, College Park, Bachelor's Degree, 1988.
- Certifications: Paralegal Certification from the Community College of Baltimore.
Bar Admissions
- Maryland State Bar
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
- Admitted Pro Hac Vice in Illinois
- Admitted Pro Hac Vice in South Carolina
Memberships & Affiliations
- State Board of Law Examiners :
- Member of the Character Committee
- Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ)
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- L.I.F.E. Incorporated (Living In a Free Environment) :
- Board of Directors Member since 2008
- Current President
Awards & Recognitions
- Maryland Super Lawyer (Selected continuously since 2020)