Castell Abner, III

Castell Abner, III represents clients in matters related to commercial litigation. Castell is experienced in all phases of litigation, from writing pre- and post-trial motions, reviewing discovery, and drafting complaints and answers, to taking and defending depositions, negotiating settlements, and arguing hearings in state and federal courts. In addition to litigation, he helps promote his clients' interests through arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Castell has represented clients in disputes concerning professional negligence, products liability, commercial real estate, general business litigation, consumer class actions, and securities fraud and conspiracy.

Castell's practice is informed by experience developed while working in the Delaware Department of Justice and clerking in the District of Columbia Superior Court. Prior to joining Venable, he was an associate attorney at a law firm where he represented architects, engineers, and other licensed design professionals. There, in addition to his active litigation caseload, he also counseled clients on stockholders' and operating agreements, stock and asset purchase agreements, bylaws, articles of formation, articles of conversion, founders' agreements, and professional service contracts.

Castell graduated cum laude from the American University Washington College of Law. While in law school, Castell earned several awards for his advocacy skills, including Best Opening Statement during the 2016 Judge Paul Joseph Kelly, Jr. Invitational Trial Competition hosted by Fordham University School of Law and the spring 2017 Highest Grade distinction in Civil Trial Advocacy—an award bestowed by the American University Trial Advocacy Department faculty. Prior to graduating from Washington College of Law, Castell graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Howard University, where he also served on the Board of Trustees and as president of the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Education

• J.D., cum laude, American University, Washington College of Law
  • President, Mock Trial Honor Society
• B.B.A., Accounting, Howard University

Bar Admissions

• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• New York
• Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

• U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
• U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
• U.S. Tax Court

Professional Memberships and Activities

• Member, Howard University Board of Trustees, 2013 – 2014
• Affiliate member, National Organization of Minority Architects