Politics & Government

Montgomery County Judge Becomes First Woman to Lead State's Highest Court

O'Malley also appoints court's first African-American woman.

For the first time in Maryland’s history, a woman will be Chief Judge on the state’s highest court.

Gov. Martin O’Malley on July 3 appointed Mary Ellen Barbera, a judge representing the Seventh Appellate Judicial Circuit in Montgomery County, as Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals. On the same day, O’Malley (D) named Shirley M. Watts to the Sixth Appellate Judicial Circuit on the Court of Appeals, representing Baltimore City—a first for an African-American woman.

“Judge Barbera and Judge Watts represent the best of the Maryland bar and will do an outstanding job serving on the highest court in Maryland,” O’Malley said in a statement. “Throughout their judicial careers, they have exhibited integrity, intelligence and compassion. I am honored that we are not only making history today with these appointments, but that the hard work, talents and skills of these women will help us build on the progress we’re making together for the people of Maryland.”

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Before becoming a judge, Barbera worked as a public school teacher in Baltimore city while attending law school at the University of Maryland, The Washington Post reported. She worked for the state attorney general’s office and as a lawyer to former Gov. Parris N. Glendening  (D) after receiving her law degree, according to The Post.

“Her selection is going to receive praise from everyone here in Montgomery County,” Montgomery County State’s Attorney John J. McCarthy told The Post.

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O’Malley’s has nominated 52 women to judicial positions—44 percent of all judicial appointments during his tenure, according to his office.


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