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Rosenthal Named New Chief Clerk for the District Court

(ANNAPOLIS, MD—November 21, 2003) Joseph P. Rosenthal, Administrative Clerk for Harford County, has been appointed by District Court Chief Judge James N. Vaughan as the new Chief Clerk of the District Court. Rosenthal will assume the position of Chief Clerk upon the retirement of Patti Platt in January 2004.

“I have every confidence that Joe will continue the District Court’s tradition of innovation and dedication to providing the highest quality of service,” said Chief Judge Vaughan.

Rosenthal began his service with the Maryland Judiciary as a fiscal administrator in 1990. In 1995, he became the chief internal auditor of the District Court.  In December 2001, Rosenthal assumed the responsibility of Administrative Clerk for Harford County, where he placed considerable effort in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the office through enhancing communication and training. Rosenthal, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Baltimore and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps after three years of service, will officially assume the role of Chief Clerk of the District Court on January 25, 2004—the same day his predecessor, Patti Platt, started with the courts 32 years ago. 

“I have the highest respect for Patti; for all her accomplishments and the advancements that she has made for the District Court,” said Rosenthal. “I’d like to continue the high standard that’s been established, especially the quality of service provided by the hard working employees who ensure that everyone gets a fair shake in the courts.”

Platt, the third Chief Clerk of the District Court, has witnessed, and is in many ways responsible for, the transformation of the court from the early days of manual typewriters and stenograph machines to digital recordings, computerized systems and electronic data files. In her seven years as Chief Clerk and 12 years as administrative clerk for Prince George’s County, she earned a reputation as a goal setter and as a “plan-for-tomorrow administrator.”


“There seems to be universal agreement concerning Patti’s most cherished contribution to the District Court,” said Chief Judge Vaughan. “Patti never settled for ‘what is,’ she pursued ‘what could be.’”

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