In lieu of the traditional President’s Message, I have decided to share with you a letter from The Honorable Edward A. DeWaters, Jr., announcing his retirement. Judge DeWaters has been a constant presence in our Circuit Courthouse for over twenty-five years. After his retirement, he hopes to be "welcomed back" a day or two a week to work in the family law settlement court.

The Circuit Court for Baltimore County
THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF MARYLAND
August 14, 2001

J. Calvin Jenkins, President
Baltimore County Bar Association
100 County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Dear Nip:

My first contact with this Court was in 1960 as an unpaid assistant to the law clerk of the late Judge James J. Lindsay. Judge Lindsay appointed me as his law clerk in 1961. I have practiced law before this Court. I was an Assistant State’s Attorney for several years before being appointed to the District Court of the State of Maryland in July of 1972. I was appointed to the Circuit Court of Baltimore County in December of 1975, and for the past 12 years or so, have been the Chief Judge and Circuit Administrative Judge of this Third Judicial Circuit. All of this amounts to approximately 41 years, and I think the time has come for me to allow someone else to do that which I have enjoyed for so many years. Accordingly, I will be retiring as of the end of the business day on October 31, 2001.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have benefited from the unique relationship that exists between this Court and the Baltimore County Bar Association. There has always been, before and during my tenure as Chief Judge and Circuit Administrative Judge, an environment of cooperation which has made matters much easier for me over the years. We have an excellent Bar Association, and I have enjoyed their assistance. I am sure this attitude will continue to exist in my successor.

With warm personal regards, I am,

Sincerely,
Edward A. DeWaters, Jr.