Biographies
The Guiding Principles of Attorney Malik A. Shakur
- I believe that our clients deserve to be treated like human beings, not merely like files.
- I consider our clients to be the most valuable asset of our firm. They are the purpose of our work, not an interruption. We are dependent on them.
- I provide our clients with the most attentive and courteous service that I can, because they deserve it.
- I believe that our clients should be informed about their case at each step of the legal process, because each step has an effect on them.
- I constantly strive to increase my legal knowledge and hone my professional expertise because I believe our clients deserve the best.
- I am empathetic and compassionate in dealing with our client’s legal needs.
- I represent our clients with the same zeal and effort that I would use to represent myself.
Malik A. Shakur
Malik
Shakur is a 1993 graduate of Howard University
where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the George Washington
University Law School where he graduated in 1997.
After graduating from law school, Mr. Shakur worked at the Department of Justice in both the Antitrust and Disability Rights Divisions. He subsequently went to work for the Maryland State Office of Public Defender for Montgomery County. As an Assistant Public Defender, Mr. Shakur represented thousands of individuals charged with criminal and traffic offenses. He also gained valuable legal training, trial skills and experience in handling these cases.
In 2002, Mr. Shakur left the Office of the Public Defender to accept a position as an associate with the Law Offices of Luis U. Leon, Esq. Under the tutelage of Luis U. Leon, Mr. Shakur applied his criminal trial skills to excel in the practice areas of Personal Injury and Family Law.
Guided by the principle of providing quality representation at an affordable price, Mr. Shakur set up his own law practice in 2004. Today, his practice is thriving. Many of his former clients continue to seek out his services or refer friends and family members who find themselves in need of legal representation.
Professional Background
- Maryland State Bar (1997)
- Department of Justice 1997-1998
- Maryland State Office of the Public Defender for Montgomery County 1999-2002
- Law Offices of Luis U. Leon, 2002-2004
- Law Office of Malik A. Shakur, 2004-present
Education
- George Washington University School of Law, J.D., 1997
Michael Barnett
Michael Barnett is a graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School, The University of Maryland, College Park, and Touro Law Center located in Long Island, New York. At Touro, Michael graduated in the top third of his graduating class. There he earned honors in the areas of oral advocacy, and corporate law. Additionally, Michael served as the Lt. Governor of the American Bar Association Student Division and as the Student Chairman of the Admission Committee at the law center. He also taught civil procedure as a teaching assistant while attending law school.
After law school, Michael returned to Maryland to practice law. Michael was an associate at Wescott and Rowe LLC, The Jaklitsch Law Group, and Williams Worthy, LLP. Mr. Barnett is licensed by the Court Of Appeals for the State Of Maryland and the United States District Court of Maryland Fourth Circuit. His primary focus is personal injury, divorce, custody disputes, and criminal litigation. Mr. Barnett has tried cases in every county within the State of Maryland.
Mr. Barnett is a member of the Prince George’s Bar Association, Anne Arundel County Bar Association, Maryland Trial Lawyers, The American Association for Justice, Touro Law Center Alumni Association, the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and he is also a member of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland Prince Hall Affiliate.
Legal Assistant