Summary:

In this episode, we sit down Maryland Circuit Court Judge, the Honorable Judge Carlos Acosta where he shares his career journey from working at the State's Attorney's Office, joining the Department of Justice (DOJ), becoming a trial attorney, and his roles in the Prince George's County Police Department and Montgomery County's judicial system. Judge Acosta reflects on his legal education, the importance of mastering language for law, his Hispanic heritage, and the value of education.

He also shares career advice for aspiring lawyers and judges, his views on the U.S. judicial system, particularly differences between district and circuit courts, and his experiences with jury management. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, government service for skill-building, and finding career fulfillment. The conversation also touches on his personal life, the work-life balance challenges, and his passions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:00 Judge Carlos Acosta's Early Career

02:47 Insights on Being a Great Lawyer

05:15 Educational Background and Importance of English

07:01 Hispanic Heritage and Family Influence

08:58 Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

12:39 Career Transitions and Mentorship

16:37 Advice for Law Students and Internships

20:56 Experience with the DOJ and Special Assignments

25:03 The Mérida Initiative and Historical Context

26:14 The Evolution of Civil Code in Latin America

27:43 Mexico's Struggle for a Modern Justice System

28:34 The Role of the U.S. in Mexican Judicial Reform

29:47 Challenges and Improvements in Conviction Rates

32:18 Transitioning from Prosecutor to Judge

34:58 The Responsibilities and Qualities of a Judge

36:15 Differences Between District and Circuit Courts

39:16 The Jury System Explained

43:14 Balancing Work and Personal Life

51:19 The Importance of Mentorship and Integrity

53:16 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Bio:

The Honorable Carlos F. Acosta is a Maryland Circuit Court Judge with a distinguished career in law and justice reform. Prior to his judicial roles, he served as Inspector General for the Prince George’s County Police Department and held key prosecutorial positions at the U.S. Department of Justice and State’s Attorney’s Offices in Maryland. A dedicated educator, Judge Acosta has trained legal professionals worldwide, lecturing on topics ranging from prosecutorial ethics to combating corruption and money laundering.

Links:

MD Circuit Court Bio: https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/31cc/html/msa17597.html

American University Washington College of Law Faculty Bio: https://www.american.edu/wcl/faculty/cacosta.cfm

UMD Alumni: https://alumni.umd.edu/news/meet-board-governors-honorable-carlos-f-acosta-85-ma-91

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-f-acosta-31470a15/