Hon. Diana Elise Smith

Associate Judge
District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City

Diana Elise Smith has seen a lot in her 10 years as associate judge for the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, but says she tries to weigh the merits of each case before her through a nonjudgmental lens.

Smith, who presides over the district court’s school attendance docket, said she sees a lot of families whose children have poor attendance.

“Navigating the difficult socio-economic circumstances that often contribute to poor attendance is challenging. My life experiences, and the unique lens through which I view the world, allow me to judge the merits of a case without being judgmental of a family’s personal circumstances. I strive to be firm, but also compassionate and fair,” Smith said.

Smith has also served for the past two years as judge-in-charge of Wabash District Court. She was previously an assistant state’s attorney for the Baltimore City Office of the State’s Attorney.

Smith said she gives back to her community by speaking at elementary schools for Law Day, allowing youngsters to wear a robe sitting in the trial of the Big Bad Wolf.

“I judge mock trial competitions for area high schools. To give the students the most realistic courtroom experience possible, I review all witness statements and relevant facts,” Smith said. “Additionally, I invite various student organizations to come to court and observe courtroom proceedings. Thereafter, I enjoy answering questions and taking pictures with the group.”

Smith, who was a teen parent, also takes time out to mentor youth. She remembers one such young mother who later showed up in court as a defendant; she hopes to see her make positive choices in the future.

Earlier in her career, Smith worked as an addiction counselor and assessor for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and as a District Court Commissioner in Baltimore.

For Smith, being named an outstanding alum at Morgan State University “is particularly meaningful given the perseverance that it took for me to graduate. One of the Deans at Morgan provided me with the encouragement I needed to convince me that I could attend law school and practice law,” she stated. “Being recognized by Morgan State University will forever be an honor that makes me proud.”