Remembering and honoring US Judge Catherine Blake

The recent death of Senior United States District Judge Catherine C. Blake was a terrible loss for our legal community. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Judge Blake dedicated her life to public service in Maryland, leaving an indelible stamp on the federal judicial system here.

Judge Blake attended Radcliffe College and then Harvard Law School, from which she received her Juris Doctor degree with honors in 1975. After a brief tour of duty in private practice in Boston, she joined the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland in 1977. There, she served with distinction as an Assistant United States Attorney, rising to First Assistant, and eventually becoming the court-appointed United States Attorney for the District of Maryland.

In 1987, Judge Blake was appointed to be a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Maryland, a role she held until 1995, when she was nominated by President Clinton to become a United States District Judge.

Judge Blake was the Chief Judge of the District of Maryland from 2014 to 2017. She was one of only two women ever to serve in that capacity, even until now. In her nearly 40 years on the bench, both as a federal judge and a magistrate judge, she brought a degree of intellectual power and level-headedness to the job that was remarkable, applying meticulous mastery of the facts and the law to her cases. Early in her career on the bench, she spearheaded an effort to modernize the local rules so as to provide better compensation to attorneys who prevailed in fee-shifting cases.

RELATED: MD federal judge Catherine Blake dies at 75

Among her most notable cases, Judge Blake presided over the Baltimore Gun Trace Task Force case, a high-profile, multi-defendant police corruption matter that received national attention. She presided over a long-running civil suit alleging program duplication by Maryland state universities that worked to the disadvantage of local historically black colleges and universities. But in less publicized circumstances, she also handled dozens of employment cases, including one involving minors who alleged that they were sexually harassed on the job at a local restaurant chain.

To appear before her was a privilege, as she always was very organized and well-prepared, with a tireless work ethic. At a motions hearing, it was not out of character for her to produce a written opinion, pre-drafted but updated on the spot to conform to what was said at the hearing. She was known for her unflagging courtesy, compassion and respect toward counsel and the parties. On the other hand, she was not afraid to be tough when the circumstances warranted it. Off the bench, she was a truly interesting and engaging person who hosted memorable events at her home.

In an era when real opportunities for women to advance in the legal profession were much more limited, Judge Blake was an admired role model for many lawyers and judges in our community. We convey our deepest condolences to her family and colleagues.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

James B. Astrachan, Chair

Gary E. Bair

Jill P. Carter

Arthur F. Fergenson

Nancy Forster

Susan Francis

Julie C. Janofsky

Ericka N. King

George Liebmann

George Nilson

Steven I. Platt

Angela W. Russell

Debra G. Schubert

Jeff Sovern

H. Mark Stichel

The Daily Record Editorial Advisory Board is composed of members of the legal profession who serve voluntarily and are independent of The Daily Record. Through their ongoing exchange of views, members of the board attempt to develop consensus on issues of importance to the bench, bar and public. When their minds meet, unsigned opinions will result. When they differ, or if a conflict exists, majority views and the names of members who do not participate will appear. Members of the community are invited to contribute letters to the editor and/or columns about opinions expressed by the Editorial Advisory Board.