Founding Attorney
W. Louis (Lou) Hennessy, founder of Hennessy Law, LLC has over 50 years’ experience in the justice system. His practice emphasizes personal injury and criminal matters. He is licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.
Experience and History
Lou began his professional career as a police officer with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. During his 25 years with the department, he rose to the rank of Captain and was given command of the Homicide Investigation Unit at a time when the city was plagued with a historic murder rate. Prior to his taken command Washington, D.C. had the highest murder rate in the country for six consecutive years and was dubbed the “Murder Capital” of the nation.
Upon assuming command of the unit Lou emphasized professionalism and compassion. He instituted a multifaceted and comprehensive training program for investigators (including members of the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshalls Office, ATF and INS). Within 26 months of Lou taking command the murder rate was reduced 25% and the closure rate increased 20%. His approach led to the U.S. Department of Justice recognizing the homicide investigation unit as a “model for the nation.”
Upon retiring from the Department Lou became “Of counsel” to the nationally renown firm of Asbill, Junkin, & Moffitt. There is work protecting victims’ rights and in criminal defense. Lou regularly represented police officers in criminal, administrative, and personal injury matters.
Lou served in the Maryland General Assembly and sat on the Judiciary Committee and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse subcommittee.
In 2005, Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed Lou to serve as a District Court Judge in Charles County, Maryland where he served until, he retired in 2022. There he presided over criminal and civil trials.