James N. Papirmeister

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Criminal Defense Attorney
Law Offices of James N. Papirmeister, P.C.

James N. Papirmeister is a respected criminal defense lawyer who serves Maryland and Washington. He has specialized in criminal law for over 34 years and is widely considered to be among the top criminal defense lawyers in Maryland.

What’s the most important thing you do in your job?

With so many clients who should not have been arrested or be held without bond, I get tremendous satisfaction, in bringing freedom to these clients, and relief to their families. Joining forces with an opera singer and vocal coach, I am developing a seminar on “Bullies in the Courtroom: A Primer for Judges and Attorneys on How to Be Effective in a Hostile or Unfriendly Court Room.” “I could not appeal Leonard Bernstein,” this soprano says, as we apply her teachings and skills to the court room.

What is one aspect of your profession you would like to change?

Contested judicial elections. There are other measures to ensure that women, minorities and those not in the “Good Ol’ Boy” networks get fairly considered by judicial nominating commissions, and governors. It is unseemly and contrary to impartiality for judges to have to garner campaign contributions from lawyers and firms, glad-hand supporters, engage in campaigning and have members of the public base their vote on a negative campaign ad, or news article critical of a judicial decision.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?

I cannot honestly say what I would be doing as a job, had I not become a lawyer. I know I would have tried to become a standup comedian, would have played golf regularly and played more guitar and sang and traveled more.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Criminal Law Power List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.