Geppert, McMullen, Paye and Getty is announcing the retirement of two of the law firm’s long-time attorneys, Robert S. (“Bob”) Paye and John J. (“Jack”) McMullen, Jr. Both Bob and Jack retired from practice effective November 7, 2025.
For more that fifty-five years, Bob Paye has been a leading member of the legal community in Western Maryland. During his career, Mr. Paye represented a multitude of clients in complex legal matters. Of note, Mr. Paye represented Moran Coal for more than 40 years, was General Counsel for Memorial Hospital in Cumberland for 30 years, during which time he was the legal architect of the merger with Sacred Heart Hospital, which lead to the formation of Western Maryland Health System, and was recognized statewide for his legal knowledge with respect to mineral rights.
J. Matthew Gilmore, Esq. commented on Paye’s retirement, saying, “Bob Paye was an absolute giant in our legal community. From complex business transactions, to medical malpractice cases, to zoning and land use hearings, there seemed to be no area of the law that Bob did not excel in. Bob Paye was not the founding member of our law firm, but he is most certainly the rock upon which Geppert, McMullen, Paye & Getty is built.”
For Jack McMullen, the practice of law represented the “second act” of his professional career. After a successful career in in the newspaper industry, including as Publisher of the Cumberland Times News, Mr. McMullen opted to put his law license to use. For more than 35 years Jack McMullen represented individuals and entities throughout the Western Maryland Region. The vast majority of Mr. McMullen’s practice was dedicated to Estate Planning and Administration. During his time practicing, Mr. McMullen was widely recognized by members of the local legal community as the person to see for complex estate issues.
“Jack McMullen represented everything that is good with the legal profession. In practice, Jack was renowned for his intelligence, integrity and humility. Jack McMullen never met a client he didn’t want to help. In addition to his legal work, Jack McMullen gave back thousands of hours to the community serving on numerous boards and authorities. Jack was a wonderful lawyer, but he is an even better person,” remarked Michael A. Llewellyn, Esq.
Both Bob Paye and Jack McMullen plan on spending retirement in the community, enjoying time with family and friends.
While Bob and Jack have retired, Geppert, McMullen, Paye and Getty still have multiple attorneys to meet the needs of its clients. 2025 marks the 75th Anniversary of the founding of Geppert, McMullen, Paye and Getty.
We look forward to serving you,
J. Matthew Gilmore, Esq. & Michael A. Llewellyn, Esq.
