Byron L. Warnken
In Memoriam
1946-2022
Our Founder. The Professor. Mr. UB. Our Forever Leader
Byron L. Warnken, Esq.
Byron L. Warnken, Esq. handled his first case in 1978. His experiences in litigation and counseling clients have been varied and diverse. He has had success few others can claim. Also a law professor with more than three decades of experience, Warnken’s career has been unique and filled with accolades.
Warnken has handled criminal post-verdict matters, appellate litigation, law enforcement representation, and ethics issues. He has also served as an expert witness in police misconduct cases, other law enforcement and LEOBOR matters, and other criminal and civil matters.
One of the Best
Professor Byron L. Warnken was honored, in 2008, as the top winner of the Leadership in Law award presented by The Daily Record. 15 lawyers and judges are chosen from nominations. For the first 11 years of the award a top winner was chosen by the 15. Warnken was top winner in 2008. Of the 11 winners, four were judges, one a former Attorney General of Maryland, and six others who are leaders of the bar.
Law Enforcement Representation
Professor Warnken formerly taught Issues in Law Enforcement at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He also authored one of the most cited law review articles on LEOBOR in history. Warnken, LLC has represented the Maryland Troopers Association for nearly 25 years. Warnken and the Firm have represented law enforcement officers in more than 30 different local, state, and national agencies.
Appellate Litigation
As an appellate litigator, Professor Byron L. Warnken has been involved in 200 appeals, including seven cases in the Supreme Court of the United States. He has appeared regularly in both state and federal courts including the Maryland Court of Appeals, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, and the Fourth Circuit United States Court of Appeals in Richmond.
Warnken has extensive experience in both criminal and civil appeals. He is the author of How to Choose an Appellate Lawyer, discussing the vast differences between good trial and good appellate counsel. His criminal appeal successes have included numerous overturned convictions and numerous new trials. His civil appeal successes have included sustained judgments, as well reversed judgments. He has been brought in by both plaintiff’s counsel and defense counsel. He is often called a lawyer’s lawyer and is known for his expertise in appellate courts.
Criminal Representation
Professor Warnken no longer accepts new criminal representations. In his tenure, the practice had over 175 successes in criminal post-verdict matters – a simply unheard of number.
Honors and Awards
University System of Maryland Board of Regents “Excellence in Mentoring” Award (2000)
Leadership in Law Award (2008) – Selected as “Top Winner”
Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Review Rating
Bar Association of Baltimore City Charles H. Dorsey, Jr. Mentor of the Year Award (2000)
Nancy Moran Award (2009)
Governor’s Victim Assistance Award (2008)
Maryland Champion for Crime Victims Award (2006)
Senate of Maryland Citation (2005) (presented in recognition of 24 years as Reporter for the Maryland Criminal Pattern Jury Instructions)
Pete Lawer Memorial Award (1996)
Law School Full-Time “Teacher of the Year” Award (2010)
Women’s Bar Association Appreciation Award (2010)
Black Law Students Association Faculty Service & Appreciation Award (2012, 2011, 2010, 2004, 1991, 1988, 1985)
University of Baltimore School of Law Alumnus of the Year (2006)
University of Baltimore Students in Public Interest “Striking for Justice” Award (2005)
University of Baltimore Alumni Association H. Mebane Turner Service Award
