Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has announced the appointment of Judge Ruth A. Jakubowski as the county administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Baltimore County and circuit administrative judge for the Third Judicial Circuit, covering Baltimore and Harford counties. This new role will take effect on December 19, 2020.
Judge Jakubowski will take over from Judge Kathleen Gallogly Cox, who has served in these roles for seven years. Judge Cox is set to retire on February 2, 2021, after nearly 22 years with the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Her judicial career began with her appointment to the court on February 10, 1999. Since August 27, 2013, she has held dual roles as circuit and county administrative judge. Additionally, she was vice chair of the Conference of Circuit Court Judges from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016, and chaired it from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018.
“On behalf of the Judiciary, we are grateful to Judge Cox for her exceptional service as circuit and county administrative judge,” said Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “Judge Cox is a distinguished jurist who has provided exemplary service and leadership to the Judiciary, the residents of Baltimore County, and the people of Maryland.”
Regarding Judge Jakubowski's new position, Chief Judge Barbera expressed confidence: “Judge Jakubowski is an experienced judge and adept manager whose dedication, commitment, and integrity will serve her well in carrying out the multiple demands of this important administrative assignment.”
Administrative judges have responsibilities that include overseeing court administration functions such as budget management and trial calendar coordination.
“I am honored to be selected by Chief Judge Barbera for this new responsibility and I appreciate her trust and support,” said Judge Jakubowski. She also acknowledged her predecessor's contributions: “It has been a privilege to have worked with Judge Cox.”
Judge Jakubowski joined the Circuit Court for Baltimore County in May 2002. She graduated cum laude from William Smith College in 1975 before earning both an M.P.A. and Juris Doctor from Syracuse University in 1978. She was admitted to practice law in Maryland that same year.
Before joining the bench, she was a partner at Dugan, Jakubowski and Babij LLC. Her professional involvement includes active participation in both the Maryland State Bar Association and Baltimore County Bar Association.
Reflecting on her tenure at the Circuit Court for Baltimore County upon retirement announcement earlier this year, Judge Cox stated: “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Maryland... The professionals at the Circuit Court for Baltimore County have been a pleasure to work with."