Recognition

Offit Kurman Attorneys Mark Dimenna and Niall McMillan Secure Settlement Clearing Client’s Name in University Defamation Case

December 23, 2025

Offit Kurman attorneys Mark Dimenna and Niall McMillan achieved a significant victory by securing a favorable out-of-court settlement on behalf of Brian Barrio, former athletic director at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in a federal lawsuit arising from his termination.

The settlement brought long-awaited closure to the dispute and allowed Mr. Barrio to publicly address the impact of the litigation and its resolution. Speaking to The Baltimore Sun following the publication of a joint statement, Mr. Barrio said, “Today’s settlement finally vindicates me and allows me to move on after a long and difficult period ... This settlement brings closure for me and for my family, and I hope it underscores the importance of supporting those who take the right actions when faced with misconduct in the workplace and encourages others to speak up and take action if they are faced with a similar situation.”

This matter showcases the combined efforts of Lisa Seltzer Becker, Mark Dimenna, and Niall McMillan, whose advocacy delivered a result that protected their client’s professional reputation and brought a complex federal dispute to a successful resolution.

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