Baltimore-Based Attorney Caron A. Watkins Joins Harris Jones & Malone

In her most recent position, Watkins led the City of Baltimore Office of Equity and Civil Rights, where she oversaw the Equity Division and directed the activities of seven major city boards and commissions, including the Administrative Charging Committee, Civilian Review Board, and Police Accountability Board. Her leadership in these roles demonstrated her commitment to transparency, accountability, and equity across Baltimore’s most vital initiatives.

Watkins’ extensive career includes prominent roles such as Director of Policy and Strategy for the Baltimore City Chief Administrative Officer, Chief of Staff and Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, Director of Communications for the Mayor of Baltimore, and Senior Communications and Media Relations Specialist for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. This breadth of experience and her deep understanding of government relations and policy make her an invaluable addition to Harris Jones & Malone.

“With an exceptional background in public service and a steadfast commitment to equity and justice, Watkins is an invaluable addition to our team,” said Lisa Harris Jones, founding member of Harris Jones & Malone. “Her leadership and expertise in communications and community engagement will greatly enhance our firm’s ability to make a meaningful impact for our clients and the communities we serve.”

Watkins’ journey in public service began during her academic tenure at Coppin State University, where she played a key role in advocating for the institution’s transition from a college to a university. This experience fueled her commitment to government relations, leading her to achieve significant milestones throughout her career.

As a first-year law student, Watkins was assigned to conduct an informational interview with an attorney practicing in the area she intended to pursue. Without hesitation, she emailed Lisa Harris Jones and scheduled a meeting, launching a nearly 15-year professional relationship.

A notable accomplishment is Watkins’ instrumental role in passing the “Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act (SB 270/HB 301)” in 2018. This campaign involved collaborating with a survivor to pen a Huffington Post-published op-ed, culminating in a necessary legislative change that spanned four sessions.

Watkins holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2015, her professional excellence has earned her recognition as one of the Maryland Daily Record’s “20 in their Twenties” and “Leading Women Under 40.”

As Watkins joins Harris Jones & Malone, her dedication to public service and deep expertise will further the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients and fostering positive change in the community.