Judge Melvin Jews named district administrative judge for the District Court of Maryland in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties

AANNAPOLIS, Md. – This week, District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, with the approval of Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, named Dorchester County District Court Judge Melvin J. Jews, as the new administrative judge for District 2 (Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties). Judge Jews’ new role is effective September 1, 2024.

Judge Jews succeeds District Administrative Judge Gerald V. Purnell, who will step down from his administrative judge role in preparation for retirement on October 1, 2024, after more than 18 years on the bench.

“Judge Jews is a model of excellence within the Judiciary and is committed to upholding the rule of law through fair and effective justice,” said Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. “He is connected within his community, and I know he’ll be an effective leader in his district.”

District administrative judges oversee the administration of the court and manage trial calendars to ensure the expeditious disposition of cases.

“I am confident that Judge Jews will continue to advance the Judiciary’s mission in this leadership role,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. “In his jurisdiction, he helped create the first Veterans Treatment Court to provide services to those who served in the military and suffer from conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, other mental health issues, and substance misuse. Judge Jews is a stalwart in Dorchester County, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Judge Jews was appointed as an associate judge to the District Court in Dorchester County in June 2014 by then-Governor Martin O’Malley.

“It is an honor to be recognized for this expanded role by Chief Justice Fader and Chief Judge Morrissey,” said Judge Jews. “I look forward to working with the judges and staff throughout District 2 and continue our efforts to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.”

Judge Jews began his legal career as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Bureau from 1986-1987. He then served as an assistant state’s attorney in Baltimore City from 1987-1990 before becoming a senior solicitor for Baltimore City’s Department of Law from 1990-1995. He then served as chief of litigation for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City from 1995-2001 and then a sole practitioner until 2014 before being appointed as a judge.

Judge Jews earned a Bachelor of Arts in government and politics from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1982, a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1986 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar that same year.