Hugh Cropper IV was born in Salisbury, Maryland. He graduated from Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, Maryland (1981), the College of William & Mary, (B.A., 1985), and the University of Maryland, School of Law (J.D., with honors, 1988).
Hugh is a founding member of the firm, and previously operated the Ocean City office of Cowdrey Thompson, P.C. for 13 years. He was formerly an associate, then partner, with Anderson, Coe & King in Baltimore (1988-2002). His primary practice areas include land use, zoning and property rights, administrative law, as well as general civil litigation. Hugh also represents a limited number of domestic clients in complex domestic law matters.
Hugh is the former attorney for the Town of Ocean City, Board of Adjustments and Appeals (1990-1991), and the Town of Ocean City, Board of Zoning Appeals (1991-2002).
Hugh is a member of the Board of Directors at the Bank of Ocean City (1996-Present). He has served as Chairman of the Board since January of 2013.
Hugh was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Atlantic General Hospital (2017-2018), and a member of the Board of Trustees (2010-2018). He was the former Chairman of the Recruitment and Retention Committee (2010-2012), and he was the Chairman of the Patient Safety Committee (2012-2018). Hugh is currently a member of the Atlantic General Hospital Corporation.
Hugh was also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Lower Shore Land Trust (2017-2023). He was a member of the Board of Directors (2015-2023).
In 2023, Hugh received the Stephen N. Parker Conservation Legacy Award, in recognition of leadership and significant contributions to private land conservation on the lower Eastern Shore.
In 2020 and 2023, Hugh was named as Best Attorney in Worcester County by Coastal Style Magazine.
In 2022, Hugh was named Alumni of the Year by Worcester Preparatory School.
From 2022-2023, Hugh served as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Buckingham Presbyterian Church in Berlin, Maryland.
Hugh is a member of the Maryland Bar, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, and the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He is a member of the Worcester County and Maryland State Bar Associations. He served on the Board of Governors for the Maryland State Bar Association (June 2013-2014). Hugh was a member of the trial court Judicial Nominating Committee (2017-2024).
Hugh and his wife Jennifer live just outside the Town of Berlin. Their twins, Myra and Hugh Thomas, attend college at William & Mary and High Point University. Jennifer is the office manager of the firm’s Ocean City office. Hugh and his family enjoy spending time outdoors.