When the name Thiru Vignarajah is mentioned in legal and public service circles, it carries with it a reputation of brilliance, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice. A nationally recognized trial lawyer and public servant, Thiru has built a career defined not only by his extraordinary record in high-stakes litigation but also by his commitment to fairness, equality, and public service.
His journey from a Baltimore high school classroom to the halls of the Supreme Court, and from courtrooms to community leadership, is a story of resilience, excellence, and hope.
Early Life and Education of Thiru Vignarajah: A Foundation of Excellence
Born on December 18, 1976, to Sri Lankan immigrant parents, Thiru Vignarajah grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. His path reflects both the challenges and opportunities of the American dream. A graduate of Woodlawn High School, Thiru went on to Yale University, where he studied Political Science and Philosophy, and later earned a master’s degree in Medical Ethics from King’s College London.
At Harvard Law School, Thiru distinguished himself as one of the finest legal minds of his generation. Graduating magna cum laude, he won the Williston Negotiation competition and became President of the Harvard Law Review—an honor held by only a select few. While leading the Law Review, he also pushed for reforms that addressed gender disparities in admissions, displaying his early dedication to equity and inclusion.
Building a Career in Law and Public Service
After law school, Thiru Vignarajah clerked for Judge Guido Calabresi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and then for Justice Stephen Breyer of the United States Supreme Court. These experiences gave him unparalleled exposure to the highest levels of legal reasoning and constitutional interpretation.
Thiru began his career at a leading D.C. law firm before entering public service. As a federal prosecutor in Maryland, and later as Chief of Major Investigations at the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, he handled some of the state’s most challenging cases. He successfully prosecuted gang members, murderers, and violent offenders—ensuring that justice was delivered to victims and their families.
One of his notable cases included securing the conviction of a wealthy executive who set a rowhome on fire while a child and his mother slept inside. In another, he prosecuted gang members who killed a 12-year-old boy and shot three teenagers. These victories not only brought justice but also restored community confidence in the legal system.
Thiru Vignarajah: Leadership as Deputy Attorney General
In 2015, Thiru Vignarajah was appointed Deputy Attorney General for Maryland. In this role, he demonstrated both vision and courage. He authored groundbreaking statewide guidelines to end discriminatory police profiling—making Maryland the first state in the nation to act on this issue, and setting a model for others to follow.
His contributions also extended to some of the most nationally significant cases. He was a lead figure in the post-conviction appeals of Adnan Syed, the case that drew global attention through the Serial podcast. Thiru also contributed to the Attorney General’s report, The State of Marriage Equality in America, which was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court in its historic decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.
Recognition and Influence
Throughout his career, Thiru Vignarajah has been recognized as a once-in-a-generation lawyer and leader. The Baltimore Police Commissioner praised him for taking on the city’s hardest cases. His leadership earned him honors such as the Daily Record’s VIP 40 under 40, Center Maryland’s Lawyer of the Year, and recognition from the U.S. Attorney for his prosecution of the Black Guerrilla Family gang.
He has also appeared on CNN and other national platforms to share insights on constitutional law, civil rights, and justice reform. His voice continues to be influential in shaping conversations about law, order, and equality in America.
Teacher, Mentor, and Inspiration
Beyond the courtroom, Thiru Vignarajah has dedicated himself to education. As a lecturer and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland School of Law, and the University of Baltimore School of Law, he has inspired countless students to pursue careers in public service. His teaching style—clear, passionate, and deeply engaging—has earned him multiple Outstanding Professor of the Year awards.
For Thiru, teaching is not just about law; it is about instilling a sense of justice, responsibility, and possibility in the next generation.
A Relentless Advocate for Baltimore
Despite his national recognition, Thiru has never forgotten his roots. He has run multiple campaigns for Mayor of Baltimore and for State’s Attorney, driven by his deep desire to transform his city. While he has not yet secured electoral victory, his persistence reflects his unwavering commitment to Baltimore and its people. For Thiru, leadership is not about titles—it is about service.
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