People may wonder why these judges on the “Elect Sitting Judges Montgomery County Slate” are running for election. The Maryland Constitution requires Circuit Court Judges to stand for election to a full term after being appointed by the Governor. What many people do not know is that each of the sitting judges standing for election has been through a rigorous vetting process that seeks to ensure that only the most qualified attorneys are eligible for appointment to the bench by the Governor.

Since 1970, pursuant to a Gubernatorial Executive Order, which has since been followed by every Governor, Democrat and Republican, the Montgomery County Judicial Nominating Commission, whose primary responsibility is to screen candidates for judicial office, vets and nominates lawyers to fill vacancies on the Circuit Court. Lawyers nominated by the Commission must meet exceptional standards of legal aptitude and must be the “most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge” as dictated by the Maryland Constitution.

The four judges on the “Elect Sitting Judges Montgomery County Slate” – the incumbents in the upcoming election – have gone through the Judicial Nominating Commission process. The process started with a lengthy and comprehensive application covering all aspects of their education, breadth and depth of law practice, and personal background. Each judge’s application was submitted to no fewer than twelve diverse bar associations, each of which conducted its own investigation and interviews. In addition, the Bar Association of Montgomery County conducted a referendum wherein each applicant’s qualifications were subjected to a vote by every member of the bar association. The results of both the referendum and the specialty bar association interviews were provided to the Judicial Nominating Commission. The Commission then conducted its own independent investigation of all applicants and thoroughly vetted and interviewed each. A list of the most highly qualified candidates was sent by the Commission to the Governor, who interviewed and appointed the best of the best.

The Sitting Judge Principle ensures that Montgomery County has only the most qualified judges on the bench. The diverse organizations that participate in the vetting process have ensured the appointment of a bench that reflects our community. The Sitting Judges are experienced, vetted and approved.