Janai Woodhouse
Associate
PRACTICE AREA(S): CRIMINAL DEFENSE, MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, PERSONAL INJURY, CIVIL RIGHTS, CIVIL LITIGATION, PERSONAL INJURY, CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Janai Woodhouse is a trial attorney at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy. Janai was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2023. Before joining Murphy Falcon & Murphy, Janai worked as a public defender at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, and as a law clerk for the Honorable Dana Middleton in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
A native of Bowie, MD, Janai completed her bachelor’s degree in law & American Civilization and a minor in political science from Towson University. Despite starting as a dance major, she switched to pre-law to pursue her lifelong dream of being an attorney.
Upon graduation, she worked in the Maryland General Assembly, serving as a legislative aide for Senator William C. Smith, Jr., and legislative assistant to Delegate Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk. During her time at the Maryland General Assembly, Janai worked under the leadership of the then vice-chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee and gained exposure to many policies related to the Health & Government Operations Committee. Her experience working at the Maryland General Assembly furthered her interest in law, which led her to pursue her Juris Doctor.
Janai obtained her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. During her time in law school, Janai was a member of Moot Court and an active member of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). In addition, Janai completed internships with the Honorable Judge Day in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Senator Ben Cardin in the United States Senate, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Janai At-A-Glance
The Best Thing about Baltimore:
“I love the people! There are so many interesting and different people doing amazing things.”
Proudest professional achievement thus far: “My time in the Public Defender’s Office was so impactful to my life. I am proud to have helped so many people get a second chance- especially younger people, it was a meaningful time in my life.”
Favorite quote or guiding principle:
"Walk by faith, not by sight"
On being at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy: “
I’m very emotional about this opportunity. I never thought I’d be working at a place and with people so committed to justice and fairness. I feel a great responsibility to uphold the legacy of this great firm.”