JB OSBORNE

JMT

JB Osborne is senior vice president and chief legal officer of JMT, a nationally recognized, 100% employee-owned firm providing engineering, architecture, information technology and related consulting services. In the role, he oversees the firm’s legal affairs and risk management functions and serves as a strategic advisor to the executive leadership team, board of directors and employees across the organization. He plays a central role in corporate governance, compliance, insurance and enterprise risk strategy, and leads legal support for key initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, complex contracting and claims and litigation management, helping guide JMT’s strategies in support of the firm’s growth and long-term success.

Osborne brings a distinctive perspective to the role, drawing on prior professional experience in architecture to align legal, risk and business objectives within a multidisciplinary design and engineering environment. Before pursuing a legal career, he worked on commercial, residential and hospitality projects in Maryland, Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His experience working on complex architectural projects inspired him to explore the larger transactions and business aspects of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Prior to joining JMT, he practiced law in matters involving complex construction litigation, business formation, zoning and local government and legislative matters.

He holds a juris doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law and a bachelor of architecture from Virginia Tech.

He is admitted to the Maryland Bar. Osborne is active in several industry and professional organizations, including the American Council of Engineering Companies Legal Counsel Forum, and serves on the advisory board of Best Buddies Maryland. He has also volunteered with the Homeless Persons Representation Project, Habitat for Humanity and other community initiatives.

When reflecting on leadership in law, Osborne emphasizes the importance of soft skills alongside legal expertise — practical and reasonable methods to make complex issues relatable, and keeping a personal, approachable style to build relationships and positively impact the community.

A defining moment in his personal life came when his wife faced unexpected health issues around the time of his youngest son’s premature birth, requiring months of hospitalization and intensive care. Balancing a high-pressure executive role, maintaining normalcy for his two other children and being fully present as a parent and caretaker was overwhelming — an experience that, in his words, transformed him as a parent, friend, leader and overall person. “I quickly learned that gratitude was a game changer,” he said. “Being thankful for every outcome, every bit of support, and living in the moment shifted my perspective from a ‘have to’ mindset to a ‘get to’ mindset.” Outside of work, he enjoys composing and listening to music, spending time outdoors — especially near the water — and time with his wife and three sons. He was also once selected to “Come On Down!” and played Plinko on “The Price is Right.”