A jury verdict last week against a large regional Baltimore-based firm, Miles & Stockbridge, highlighted a recurring question in employment disputes involving law firms: Should partners be considered workers or owners under employee protection laws?

A jury in Baltimore City Circuit Court awarded $231,000 to plaintiff Donald English, now a principal at Jackson Lewis, for claims against Miles & Stockbridge under a Maryland wage law and for breach of contract. The law firm could be liable for much more: English’s attorneys intend to seek at least $500,000 in attorney fees and expenses in light of the verdict.