Attorneys

Biography

James Marshall Kramon, 78, died February 25, 2022. Jim was a brilliant advocate, whose commitment to excellence was evident in everything he did. Co-founder of Kramon & Graham, Jim served as Managing Principal from 1975 to 1995, leading the firm through a period of tremendous growth. Jim set the standards for exceptional advocacy and extraordinary service, which continue to guide the firm today.

Jim came to Baltimore in 1971 to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney under U.S. Attorney George Beall. He formerly held positions in the Tax Division of the Justice Department and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Thomas E. Fairchild, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He earned degrees from Harvard Law School (LL.M.), George Washington Law School (J.D.), Johns Hopkins University (M.L.A.), and Carnegie-Mellon University (B.S.).

Jim was deeply influenced by his stepfather's service in World War II. Irving Sarot was a major and Chief of Surgery of an evacuation unit on the front line from the landing at Normandy through every campaign in Europe and the liberation of Buchenwald death camp. Stories of his experience helped to shape Jim's world view, leading Jim to become a strong advocate for civil rights and justice. With an insatiable intellectual curiosity and drive, Jim published more than eighty articles, seven books, and several book reviews.

Serving in a leadership or advisory capacity, Jim helped to shape nonprofit organizations including the Lawyers Campaign Against Hunger and Court Appointed Special Advocates. He was a Trustee of Park School and Board Member of Beth Am Synagogue. Jim also served as President of the Federal Bar Association - Baltimore Chapter, and in leadership roles at the Maryland State Bar Association and Bar Association of the Baltimore City. He was passionate about mentoring aspiring and young attorneys and frequently taught at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Jim was known for his compassion, good humor, and quick wit. His work ethic and dedication to his clients was balanced by his devotion to his wife, who predeceased him in 2010, and two children, Annie, and Justin. We share their heartbreak, and we will miss Jim deeply.