Choosing the right attorney matters—especially when your legal needs involve real estate, estates, deeds, 1031 exchanges, or local regulatory issues. At Coastal Law Office, LLC, clients benefit from a team led by two attorneys with decades of combined experience, strong community ties, and a commitment to providing clear, practical legal guidance throughout Worcester County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Peter S. Buas, Esq.: Local Insight and Attorney‑Led Representation
Attorney Peter S. Buas is a lifelong Ocean City resident whose legal career has been shaped by deep community involvement and hands‑on experience across real estate, estates, business law, and local government. Clients appreciate his responsiveness, practical approach, and ability to make complex legal matters easier to understand.
Education & Early Career
Peter graduated from Worcester Preparatory School (2009), the University of Maryland (2013), and the University of Baltimore School of Law (2016). After law school, he completed a two‑year clerkship with the Circuit Court for Worcester County, gaining experience in litigation, administrative law, and courtroom procedure.
Professional Experience
Peter practiced with Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP, becoming a partner in 2023. In 2026, he and attorney Raymond C. Shockley established Coastal Law Office, LLC, allowing them to provide more personalized, attorney‑led services in real estate, estate planning, probate, and business matters.
Community Leadership
Peter also served on the Ocean City Council from 2020 to 2024, where he was the top vote‑getter in the 2020 municipal election. He chaired several key committees, including the Police Commission and the Coastal Resources Legislative Committee. He continues to serve on multiple local boards and nonprofit organizations.
Raymond C. Shockley, Esq.: Decades of Legal and Public Service
Attorney Raymond C. Shockley brings more than 50 years of legal experience to the firm, along with a long history of public service in Worcester County. His background includes law enforcement, prosecution, administrative law, and leadership roles within the Maryland legal community.
Early Career & Law Enforcement
Before entering the legal field, Raymond served 13 years as a Maryland State Police Trooper. After earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law, he was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1970.
Legal Experience
Raymond served as Assistant State’s Attorney for Worcester County (1972–1973) and as Attorney for the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (1971–1980). He has also held leadership roles with the Worcester County Bar Association, the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission, and the Attorney Inquiry Board.
Community & Professional Leadership
Throughout his career, Raymond has remained active in both the legal and business communities, contributing to the region’s legal standards and supporting local institutions.
Practice Areas: Focused, Local, and Client‑Centered
Coastal Law Office, LLC offers a focused set of legal services designed to meet the needs of homeowners, families, landlords, business owners, and local organizations throughout the region. The firm’s core practice areas include:
- Real Estate Law – Residential and commercial transactions, contract review, title matters, and resolving property‑related issues.
- Estate Planning & Administration – Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and guiding families through estate settlement.
- Business Law – Entity formation, contract drafting, compliance, and ongoing legal support for local businesses.
- Landlord‑Tenant Matters – Lease drafting, disputes, compliance with Maryland law, and representing landlords or tenants in local proceedings.
- Preparation and review of deeds – (including Quitclaim, Special Warranty, and Life Estate deeds)
- Title Insurance & Settlement Support – Protecting buyers, sellers, and lenders by identifying title defects, resolving ownership issues, and providing attorney‑guided title insurance services for Maryland real estate transactions.
- 1031 Exchange Guidance – Assisting investors with tax‑deferred like‑kind exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Each practice area is handled directly by an attorney—never passed off to assistants—ensuring clients receive accurate, timely, and personalized legal advice.
A Firm Built on Local Knowledge and Personalized Service
Coastal Law Office, LLC was founded on a simple principle: clients deserve direct access to experienced attorneys who understand the unique legal landscape of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Whether you’re buying property, settling an estate, forming a business, or navigating a landlord‑tenant issue, the firm provides:
- Attorney‑led representation
- Clear explanations of your options
- Practical, locally informed guidance
- Responsive communication
- Long‑term support for future legal needs
Peter Buas and Raymond Shockley combine modern legal insight with decades of institutional knowledge—giving clients confidence at every step of the process.