Baltimore City District Court Judge Halee F. Weinstein has been appointed as the new administrative judge for District 1 of the District Court of Maryland, effective January 25, 2021. This appointment follows the retirement of Judge Barbara Baer Waxman, who will retire on March 1, 2021, after serving for three decades.
Judge Weinstein's appointment was confirmed by Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera and announced by District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. "Judge Weinstein is an exemplary jurist with nearly 20 years of service in the District Court in Baltimore City," said Chief Judge Morrissey.
As a district administrative judge, Weinstein will oversee court administration, budget management, procurement functions, and trial calendars to ensure timely case resolutions. She has been part of the Baltimore City District Court since her appointment in 2002 by then-Governor Parris N. Glendening and holds the distinction of being the first openly LGBTQ person appointed as a judge in Maryland.
In addition to her judicial duties, Judge Weinstein founded and presides over the Baltimore City District Court Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), which provides treatment-based programs for veterans with legal issues related to substance use or mental health disorders. Her contributions also include establishing Courting Art Baltimore, an art program connecting students with the legal community.
Chief Judge Barbera praised both judges: “On behalf of the Maryland Judiciary, I congratulate Judge Waxman on her distinguished judicial career... I know that the transition... will be seamless as Judge Waxman passes the mantle to... Halee F. Weinstein.”
Reflecting on her new role, Judge Weinstein expressed gratitude: “Being chosen as administrative judge is an honor and a privilege... I am humbled by Chief Judge Barbera and Chief Judge Morrissey’s support.”
Judge Waxman commended her successor: “I have known Judge Weinstein since 1991... She has been an exemplary judge... I have complete confidence in her leadership abilities.”
Weinstein's career includes service as Assistant State's Attorney in Baltimore City from 1991-2002 and Assistant Division Chief from 2000-2002. She graduated magna cum laude from Campbell University and earned a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law.
Throughout her career, she has received several awards recognizing her leadership at VTC and contributions to law and justice.