B – Our Attorneys from Our Redbook
The Firm’s Attorneys
Each of the Firm’s attorneys was selected based on analytical ability, written and oral advocacy skills, uncompromising work ethic, dedication to human compassion, and positive attitude. The message that demands that attitude and work ethic is part of the culture of the Firm. Each attorney, each law clerk, and each staff person knows that this Firm treats each client as the Firm’s only client.
Professor Warnken (and his wife, Bonnie L. Warnken, Esq.) started the Firm in 1992. During that time, the Firm has opened thousands of files. The Firm’s attorneys are licensed to practice in all state trial and appellate courts in Maryland, in federal trial courts in Maryland, in federal appellate courts in the United States Courts of Appeal for the Third Circuit, the Fourth Circuit, and the Fifth Circuit and in the Supreme Court of the United States.
Byron L. Warnken, Esq. has been a law professor for over 30 years. He has also been handling cases on a regular basis for over 25 years. For about 30 years, he has served on the Maryland Criminal Pattern Jury Instructions Committee (MCPJI). He has produced 225 articles, books, and educational materials. Warnken has made more than 500 presentations in 18 states and two countries and has had more than 1,200 media appearances as a legal expert or analyst.
In 2008, Warnken was selected “Top Winner” for the State by the Daily Record in its annual “Leadership in Law” program, naming him the top lawyer among 35,000 lawyers. In 2009, he became the third person to receive the Nancy Moran Award “for steadfast and unswerving service in the advancement of Prisoners’ Rights,” which was presented by the Extra Legalese Group at Jessup Correctional Institution. In 2006, Warnken received the University of Baltimore School of Law Alumnus of the Year Award. In 2000, he received two “Excellence in Mentoring” awards (both State of Maryland and Baltimore City). Warnken is a four-time recipient of the Black Law Students Association Faculty Service & Appreciation Award.
James Nichols, Esq. handles trials in both district and circuit courts throughout the State of Maryland. He also handles administrative matters and civil appellate work. Mr. Nichols has been with Warnken, LLC for five years. He was fourth in his law school class of 300 people. His favorite word is STET. His favorite phrase is NOLLE PROS. Warnken says about Nichols, “It really is hard to believe he has only been a lawyer for a few years. He was more skilled as a law clerk than many lawyers. He is very smart and has a mind that is always one step ahead.”
Michael P. Lytle, Esq. works with Warnken, LLC on criminal post verdict case or other litigation matters. Therefore, he is another resource in a team of attorneys, law clerks and law student interns fighting for criminal defendants against the enormous power of governmental prosecution.
After passing the bar examination and becoming an attorney, Mike Lytle argued his first appeal in Maryland’s highest court – the Court of Appeals of Maryland – 18 days after being admitted to the bar. His criminal practice includes trials, sentencings, appeals, collateral review proceedings, and parole and clemency matters.
Bonnie Warnken, Esq. is currently “of counsel” to Warnken, LLC.
At any given time, Warnken, LLC has three or four law clerks handpicked by Professor Byron L. Warnken. These clerks are the best and the brightest from his criminal law classes, and generally stay with Warnken, LLC for years – often through law school and beyond. In addition, there are usually anywhere from six to eight law student legal assistants who provide research and administrative support.
Typically, clients in criminal cases distrust attorneys. Why? Because attorneys have let them down, promising much more than they could deliver. The vast majority of this Firm’s clients in criminal cases come from “word of mouth” – both “on the street” and in correctional institutions. The attorneys in this Firm are honest, thorough, competent, trustworthy, and successful on behalf of their clients in criminal cases. Success in criminal cases – particularly at the post-verdict level – is such an uphill battle that every avenue must be pursued. If success were easy, nobody would ever do time and much of the inmate population would gain early release, yet people get locked up and few inmates get early release. This Firm’s successes come from being very creative and thoroughly prepared.
