Biography
Thompson is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. [1] She received a bachelor's degree in economics from Brown University prior to attending law school at the University of Baltimore. [2] In 2013, at the age of 34, Thompson graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. [3] [4] After law school, Thompson worked as a litigator at Venable LLP, where her great-uncle is a partner. [5] [6]
In 2022, Thompson became Baltimore deputy city solicitor. [7] That year, Mayor Brandon Scott named Thompson to replace retiring solicitor James L. Shea. [8] [9] In January 2023, she became acting city solicitor, after questions arose about Thompson's qualification required for the role in the city charter. [10] [11] According to the charter, Baltimore city solicitors were required to have ten years of tenure at the Maryland Bar, which Thompson was one year shy of. [12] Thompson accepted the role in an acting capacity until she could claim the full decade of service requirement. [13] In June, the city council raised Thompson's salary by 30%. [14] Later that year, Thompson and the City of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms after the federal agency did not respond to the city's Freedom of Information Act requests concerning firearm data. [15] [16]
On January 29, 2024, Thompson was sworn in as Baltimore's city solicitor. [17] [18] Thompson's appointment was unanimously confirmed by Baltimore City Council. [19] She became the first woman, and first openly gay city solicitor in Baltimore's 294-year history. [3] [20]
Since becoming acting city solicitor, Thompson has been responsible for bringing lawsuits against Allergan, CVS, Cardinal Health, Walgreens and Teva Pharmaceuticals for their role in perpetuating Baltimore's opioid crisis. [21] [22] [23] [24] As of 2025, Baltimore has received more than $600 million in restitution as a result of lawsuits Thompson brought against drug manufacturers and distributors, said to be the largest in the city's history. [25] [26] [27] In her role as Baltimore city solicitor, Thompson has additionally spearheaded efforts to track vacant properties in the city using blockchain technology. [28]
Personal life and honors
Thompson is a single mother of three daughters whom she conceived via IVF. [4] In addition to her legal work, she served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and practices karate. [29] In 2024, she received the Beacon of Justice Award in recognition for her significant impact on Maryland's LGBTQ+ community. [30]
In January 2025, Thompson was appointed grand marshal of Baltimore's Martin Luther King Jr. parade, under the theme, "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers". [26] [31]