Cameron A. Brown
Judicial — 2
Jurisdiction Cecil County (2)
Gov. Larry Hogan appointed Brown, 44, to a judgeship that opened in January – when Cecil County Circuit Court Judge Jane Cairns Murray retired after slightly more than 10 years at that position. (Murray, who was appointed to the bench in October 2011, holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as a Cecil County Circuit Court judge. She was in attendance Friday.)
Hogan selected Brown, who was among five local lawyers who applied for the vacant judgeship, after interviewing him and two other Elkton-based lawyers recommended to the governor by the 2nd District (Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties) Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission, which had done its vetting before sending the three names to Annapolis.
As a private-practice lawyer, Brown prepared thoroughly and tirelessly for his cases and advocated adeptly and passionately for his clients, according to Rollins, who described Brown as having an encyclopedic knowledge of the law, an impressively expansive lexicon and a gift for smooth public speaking. Brown possesses a great sense of humor, too, Rollins noted. Rollins outlined that Brown, born and raised in Cecil County, is a 1996 Elkton High School graduate who went on to Elon College in North Carolina, where he graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in sociology.
Brown was married to his wife, Nicole for 11 years. He credited his stepsons, Darwin and River, for teaching him “the importance of patience. “
As would any appointed Maryland circuit court judge be required to do, Brown will have to defend his judgeship in the first election that occurs at least one year after his appointment, which, according to Baynes, would be the 2024 general election. (Sitting circuit court judges seeking re-election must run approximately every 15 years.)
Brown explained what serving as a judge means to him.
“A functional society demands that its people know that a courthouse is a place where disputes will be resolved fairly and justly, where the law will be applied even-handedly and without favor . . . Where those who seek the court’s ear will have it, those who require the court’s intervention will find it, and those who violate the codes of acceptable behavior prescribed by law will realize an appropriate consequence,” Brown listed.
Michael S. Barranco
Judicial–3
Jurisdiction Baltimore County (3)
Mr. Barranco is a trial lawyer engaged in a general litigation practice. He has more than 32 years of litigation and trial experience in both the state and federal courts, as well as before arbitration panels, on a local and national level.
The focus of his litigation practice is product liability and general liability defense, banking litigation, commercial and business litigation, and defense of consumer protection disputes. He represents defense clientele.
Mr. Barranco has successfully defended clients in numerous cases involving alleged violations of various provisions of TILA, RESPA, ECOA, FDCPA, FCRA, and state law counterparts.
Mr. Barranco graduated cum laude from Duke University in 1982. He then enrolled at the University of Maryland School of Law where he received his J.D. with honors in 1985. As a law student, he was the recipient of the John S. Strahorn, Jr. Memorial Prize and American Jurisprudence awards for the best work in evidence.
Mr. Barranco presently serves on the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar Association and is a past Chair of the Professionalism Committee of the Baltimore County Bar Association. Mr. Barranco has been a faculty member for several years at the Deposition Practice & Procedure course provided by the Maryland Institute of Continuing Professional Education of Lawyers (MICPEL) and Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA), and has taught paralegal studies at the Harford County Community College.
Michael Barranco is a judge of the Maryland 3rd Circuit Court Baltimore County. He assumed office in 2022. He was appointed to the Maryland Circuit Court on September 1, 2022 by Larry Hogan (R).
Robert N. Daniels
Judicial
Jurisdiction Baltimore County (3)
I am running for Judge of the Baltimore County Circuit Court in this election. I am a qualified, fair, and unbiased candidate with a strong work ethic and true passion for the responsibilities of serving as your judge.
On May 14th, you will have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the judicial system in our community. A vote in support of Robert Daniels as Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County will be a vote for Experience, Integrity, and Service.
Rob Daniels wants to serve as a judge because he wants to help, and this is where he knows that he can do the greatest amount of good for the most people.
Lawyer positions:
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- civil litigator
- family law
- Assistant State’s Attorney
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Rob Daniels’ wide range of legal experience is unmatched by any other candidate in this race. While his competitors would be studying unfamiliar law the night before a trial, there are very few subject matter areas that Rob hasn’t encountered during his career as a trial attorney – many of these on both sides of the courtroom. Rob wants to put his vast experience to use to be a firm but compassionate problem solver for the citizens of Baltimore County.
Patricia DeMaio
Judicial
Jurisdiction Baltimore County (3)
JudicialJurisdiction Baltimore County (3)
Judge DeSimone is an associate judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, appointed by Governor Wes Moore in 2023.
A 2004 graduate of Maryland Carey Law, Judge DeSimone also holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland.
Before his judicial service, Judge DeSimone served as an assistant public defender in the Appellate Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, delivering over 60 arguments before the appellate courts of Maryland, including 14 before the Supreme Court of Maryland.
James Rhodes
Judicial
Jurisdiction Baltimore County (3)
Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Rhodes practiced law for 26 years. He served as the legal chair to the NAACP, while also providing pro bono work to local law enforcement and government attorneys. Judge Rhodes began his career as house counsel for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and eventually ran his solo firm for 24 years thereafter. He was a trial lawyer and handled cases in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., South Carolina, State Courts, and Federal Courts. As an attorney, Judge Rhodes consistently tried cases in several areas of the law, including criminal defense matters, civil litigation, family law, as well as estates and trusts. Judge Rhodes has also handled appellate matters and he has argued issues that have been published at both the Maryland Appellate Court and the Supreme Court of Maryland. Judge Rhodes would eventually be inducted into the Monumental Bar Association’s Hall of Fame. Outside of the law, he volunteers his time, monthly, serving the homeless community and supporting social services’ food pantries. This service has continued over the past 13 years. Judge Rhodes is a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, The University of Vermont, and The Western New England University School of Law. He was selected by Governor Hogan’s Judicial nominating committee to be qualified as a Judge and then appointed by Governor Moore to the Baltimore County Circuit Court bench.
Judicial
Jurisdiction Harford County (3)
ALEX M. ALLMAN, Associate Judge, Harford County Circuit Court, 3rd Judicial Circuit, since January 12, 2023.
Chair, Board of Trustees, Public Library, Harford County, 2015-21 (member, 2011-21). Member, Mediation Commission, Harford County, 2021-.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, B.A. (criminal justice sociology), 1997; University of Baltimore School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2000. Admitted to Maryland Bar, 2000; U.S. District Court for District of Maryland, 2001; U.S. Court of Appeals for Fourth Circuit, 2006. Law clerk to Judge William B. Spellbring, Jr., Prince George’s County Circuit Court, 2000-01. Attorney, Fedder & Garten, P.A., 2001-04; Offit Kurman, P.A., 2004-23. Member, Maryland State Bar Association, 2001-23; Harford County Bar Association, 2008- (outreach committee, 2017; sponsorship committee, 2021-23; executive council, 2022-). Professor (legal research & writing), University of Baltimore School of Law, 2007-10. Member, Harford County Public Library Foundation, 2011-21; Community Foundation of Harford County, 2020-23; Harford County Bar Foundation, 2021-. Coach (boys & girls soccer, boys baseball), Fallston Recreation Council, 2012-22. Maryland Leadership in Law Award, Daily Record, 2018.
After a rewarding and fulfilling twenty-two-year career practicing law, I am excited to take on a new role in public service as an Associate Judge on the Circuit Court for Harford County.
Experiences:
- Member, Board of Trustees
- Harford County Public LibraryJul 2011 – Jun 2021 · 10 yrsBelcamp, Maryland
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Appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council, the duties of the Trustees are established by State and County law and include: Establishing and operating a free library; Setting library policy; Advising in the budget process and controlling the spending of funds.
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Adjunct Legal Writing Professor
University of Baltimore School of LawSep 2007 – May 2010 · 2 yrs 9 mos
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Education
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University of Baltimore School of Law
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Activities and societies: Trademarks Moot Court Team 1999-2000; Criminal Law Clinic, 1999; Appellate Law Clinic 1999-2000
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University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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Activities and societies: Legal Intern, Attorney General’s Office, Felony Trial Division, Knoxville, TN, 1997. University of Tennessee Rugby Football Club.
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Justin N. Gregory
JudicialJurisdiction Garrett County (4)
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Governor Larry Hogan has appointed Justin Gregory to the Garrett County Circuit Court
Justin Nathaniel Gregory is a solo practitioner operating under the name J. Gregory Law Firm, L.C. He is a general practitioner and has provided a broad range of services to both Maryland and West Virginia residents for nearly a decade.
He has practiced in both circuit and district courts and has handled cases from traffic citations to capital offenses. In addition to handling residential and real estate closings, estate planning, and all matters of civil litigation, Gregory has also tried felony cases before a jury and has also handled cases involving attempted murder, robbery, and kidnapping.
He also serves as the court auditor for the Circuit Court for Garrett County, is chairman of the Garrett County Property Review Board and is current president of the Garrett County Bar Association.
Gregory received his bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University and his J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law.
Kirk C. Downey
JudicialJurisdiction Washington County (4)
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Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Kirk C. Downey to the Washington County Circuit Court. Downey will fill the position formerly held by Judge Andrew Wilkinson, who was killed on October 19, 2023 at his home in Hagerstown.
Kirk C. Downey has served as Washington County Attorney since December 2018 and has served at the County Attorney’s Office for the majority of his 27-year legal career. As Washington County Attorney, he served as general counsel to the local government, for which his litigation practice included administrative proceedings and appeals, mandamus proceedings, and arbitrations, in addition to general litigation in the district, circuit, and appellate courts.
Before joining the County Attorney’s Office, Downey worked for eight years as a solo general practitioner, where he did a significant amount of criminal defense, including appointed work on behalf of the Public Defender’s Office. He also represented individuals in consumer bankruptcy cases, employment law disputes, protective orders, and peace order hearings, and handled small business matters and general civil litigation.
Downey is a lifelong Washington County resident. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1997, and he holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law.
Christine Marie Celeste
JudicialJurisdiction Anne Arundel County (5)
Legal Experience
- Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, 2003-2018
- Special Assistant United States Attorney, 2008-2012
- Deputy Division Chief, Crime Strategies Unit
- Team Leader, Violent Crime Trial Team
- Deputy Division Chief, Gun Violence Enforcement Division
- Office of Bar Counsel, Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission, 2018-2021
- Office of Chief Counsel, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, 2021-2022
Bar Admissions
- Maryland Bar, December 2002
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, April 2010
- United States Supreme Court, December 2016
Professional & Civic Involvement
- Maryland State Bar Association
- Criminal Law & Practice Section Council
- Maryland Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Anne Arundel County Bar Association
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee
- Women’s Bar Association
- James C. Cawood, Jr. American Inn of Court
Education
- University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Juris Doctor with Honor 2002
- Notes and Comments Editor, Maryland Law Review
- Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College), Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude, 1999
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Ginina A. Jackson-Stevenson
JudicialJurisdiction Anne Arundel County (5)
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Lara Weathersbee
Judicial
Jurisdiction Howard County (5)
Judge Weathersbee admirably served the Court and the County as a Family Court Magistrate since 2012 and before that she had extensive experience as an Assistant State’s Attorney and aa a family law practitioner. Her Honor is a Past President of HCBA and continues to be a valuable part of our Bar and our Board. Although Judge Weathersbee officially took the oath on December 22, 2023 in a very small ceremony in order to have her college daughters, Kira and Mia, present, the traditional swearing-in ceremony will take place later in January. This will allow more courthouse justice partners, the Bar, and other community members to be included after the busy holiday season.
Joanmarie Raymond Brubaker
Judicial
Jurisdiction Frederick County (6)
“I am so humbled and appreciative that I had the opportunity to do this important job,” she said at her investiture at the Frederick County Courthouse.
JudicialJurisdiction Montgomery County (6)
JudicialJurisdiction Montgomery County (6)
She became a trained mediator and collaborative attorney and assisted numerous clients in creative resolutions before launching her law firm that focused on family building.
During her over 25 years of experience, Jennifer handled international and domestic adoption and assisted reproductive technology cases.
Judicial
Jurisdiction Montgomery County (6)
JudicialJurisdiction Montgomery County (6)
Why I’m Running
I am a fierce advocate for justice. In recent years, we’ve seen American core values start to disappear and faith in our justice system erode. I’m running for Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge because it’s time to restore our faith in our justice system.
I believe that we can only have faith in justice when it is serving the people and not high-priced lawyers or political or corporate special interests.
Her Story
In 1975, Marylin and her family immigrated to the United States from Haiti in search of a better life. She retired as First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve who served as an officer in the Military Police Corps. She graduated from Howard University School of Law and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has been practicing law in Montgomery County for over 30 years.
Marylin is also a well-known community organizer, public servant, and legal expert in Montgomery County, Maryland. She has worked hard to ensure that everyone has equitable access to legal representation and is treated with dignity and respect in the eyes of the law. She knows the meaning of family which involves determination, understanding, and communication because, throughout her career, she continues to receive support from her husband of almost 29 years, Reynold Pierre-Louis, and their three wonderful children.
Age: 58
City/town of residence: North Potomac
Current/previous employers:
- Attorney, Skolnick Law Firm, (2024-present)
- Principal attorney, Pierre & Associates (1993-present)
- Domestic relations facilitator, Montgomery County Circuit Court (2006-2016)
- Associate attorney, Lazarus & Burt, P.A. (1999-2000)
- Associate attorney, Law Offices of Woodard & Howard, (1992-1993)
- Legal intern, Queens County District Attorney’s Office (1988-1988)
Political experience:
- Maryland Democratic Central Committee member (2009-2010)
- Circuit Court judge candidate (2018, 2020, 2022)
- Vice president, Rockville Mid-County Democratic Breakfast Club
Website: www.pierreforjudge.com
Email: marylinformaryland@gmail.com
Social media links (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.):
facebook.com/MarylinPierreForJudge
X: @PierreForJudge
Why are you running for office?
When I first began practicing, I naively believed that our justice system was implicitly fair. I want to become a judge to restore the court’s dignity. An arena where both sides are treated fairly and given the time and respect they deserve. I want a courtroom where clients like mine are not afraid to stand up for themselves and their families. I want to show everyone that our justice system is not broken and that we all win when the system lives up to its ideals.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I have been practicing law in Montgomery County for over 32 years. I am licensed to practice law in multiple states, the District of Columbia, several federal district courts, and the United States Supreme Court.
I am a former officer in the Military Police Corps and a former president of the J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association. I am a former chair of the Montgomery County Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission and a board member of the Maryland State Board of Occupational Therapy.
I am recognized as a bar leader by the Montgomery County Bar Association and as a pro bono star by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland.
What’s the most important issue in this election?
The state of Maryland incarcerates a higher percentage of its young Black males than any other state in the country.
My plan to address this problem is to practice restorative justice. Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime and other undesirable behavior to the community. This has been shown to reduce crime and save taxpayers money.
My core belief is that people should be judged by what they do, not by who they are. Whether you receive fair treatment in our courts should not be influenced by your race, whether Black, White or any other social construct that we use to categorize people.
Is there anything else you’d like to comment on about this race?
I take issue with the Governor’s Commission that recommends candidates for judge to our governor. The committee’s job is to give each candidate a fair look, properly evaluating each set of credentials to make the best recommendations possible. My credentials have been trivialized by members of the Governor’s Commission. The potential for abuse in the commission process is why the Maryland legislature gave the voters a say in electing circuit court judges.