
James K. MacAlister, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and SSD
AssociateatCohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A.
Baltimore, MD
Practicing criminal defense in Baltimore since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
James K. MacAlister, Esq. is an associate based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and SSD. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A..
- Based in
- Baltimore, MD
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Personal Injury · SSD
- Handles Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and SSD matters from Baltimore, MD.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James K. MacAlister, Esq.: James K. MacAlister, Esq. is an associate based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and SSD. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A..
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Baltimore
James concentrates on criminal defense, personal injury, ssd, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
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SSD
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Workers Comp
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Criminal Defense cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes criminal defense matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes personal injury matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
SSD cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes ssd matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Baltimore, Maryland
James takes workers comp matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James K. MacAlister, Esq., criminal defense attorney serving Baltimore
James K. MacAlister, Esq. is an associate based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and SSD. James has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A.. James works from Baltimore, Maryland and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
James K. MacAlister, Esq. is a lawyer practicing workers’ compensation, personal injury, social security disability and 1 other area of law. James K. received a B.S. degree from Frostburg State College in 1979, and has been licensed for 41 years. James K. practices at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. in Baltimore, MD.
How James handles criminal defense matters
James K. MacAlister, Esq. is a lawyer practicing workers’ compensation, personal injury, social security disability and 1 other area of law. James K. received a B.S. degree from Frostburg State College in 1979, and has been licensed for 41 years. James K. practices at Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A. in Baltimore, MD.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, personal injury, and ssd matters in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Baltimore School of Law
J.D. · 1984
Frostburg State College
B.S. · 1979
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Maryland
1985 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Baltimore School of Law and B.S. in Frostburg State College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Baltimore School of Law and B.S. in Frostburg State College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Maryland Association for Justice (MAJ), Board of Governors, Legislative Committee, Workers’ Compensation Section Chair, Amicus Brief Writer, Mentoring Committee Chair Rober C
membership
Cawood Inns of Court, Board Member Maryland State Bar Association, Ethics Committee member, Author/Teacher – Preparation and Trial of Personal Injury Claims
membership
Locations
James K. MacAlister, Esq.'s office in Baltimore
James's primary office is at 347 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cohen, Snyder & Eisenberg, P.A.
347 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James K. MacAlister, Esq. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James K. MacAlister, Esq.
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Maryland typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Baltimore?
James is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Baltimore, Annapolis and Rockville in Maryland
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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