By Brooks Warren
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
A work session of the Baltimore County Council met Tuesday and unanimously approved the appointment of James R. Benjamin Jr. as the newest county attorney.
“I’m deeply honored to have been nominated to serve as county attorney,” said Benjamin who now must appear before the full council next week for a final vote. “And (I) fully understand the awesome responsibility that comes with this role. I take very seriously my responsibility to uphold the public trust.”
Benjamin was selected in early October by County Executive Johnny Olszewski after serving as assistant City Solicitor for Baltimore City. His 17-year career also included working at the Baltimore-based law firm Gordon-Feinblatt, where his specialty included representing and advising minority and women-owned businesses. He also has experience representing insurers and business entities in litigation, personal injury and premise liability injury matters.
“I love the law,” Benjamin said during the session. “I’ve been licensed to practice law for 17 years, and each day I strive for excellence, working hard to represent my client to the highest level of integrity and professionalism.”
Benjamin told the council what the office of county attorney meant to him, especially as the first black man to serve in the position. He stressed the values he plans to bring to the office and pledged to serve the county executive, council, county agencies and departments with the best of his abilities.
“Our responsibility would be to provide the best possible counsel and legal advice to both ranks of government, executive and legislative,” Benjamin said. “My job would be to serve as county counselor, trusted adviser to the county executive and county council and county agencies and departments. And provide the best legal advice and opinions based on the applicable law so that each can make informed decisions as to what is best for the county.”
Benjamin said his dream had been to one day become county attorney.
“That’s historic and it’s very important to me,” he said. “So many people blazed the trail so that I can be in this position, if I am confirmed to lead this office of law.”