Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader: Leading the Supreme Court of Maryland

Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader serves as the highest judicial officer in Maryland, leading the Supreme Court of Maryland since April 15, 2022. With a career spanning elite private practice, federal service, and state government, Fader brings a multifaceted legal perspective to the state’s court of last resort.

Academic Foundation and Early Legal Career

Born in 1973 in Towson, Maryland, Matthew J. Fader established a strong academic record early in his career. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in 1995, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He subsequently attended Yale Law School, graduating with his Juris Doctor in 1998 and serving as a senior editor of the Yale Law Journal.

Fader’s professional entry into the law began with a clerkship for Judge Leonie M. Brinkema of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 1998 to 1999. He then transitioned into public service as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Division between 1999 and 2002.

Private Practice and Executive Legal Service

From 2002 to 2010, Fader worked in the private sector with K&L Gates. He started as an associate, became a non-equity partner in 2006, and ascended to equity partner from 2008 until 2010.

In 2010, Fader returned to public service within the office of the Maryland Attorney General. His tenure there included several leadership roles:

• Assistant Attorney General: 2010–2012
• Deputy Chief of the Civil Litigation Division: 2012–2017
• Chief of the Civil Litigation Division: 2017

Judicial Ascent and Leadership

Fader’s judicial career began on November 1, 2017, when he was appointed as a judge for the Appellate Court of Maryland (known at the time as the Court of Special Appeals). His rise through the judiciary was rapid; he became the Chief Judge of that court on November 28, 2018.

On April 15, 2022, Fader was appointed Chief Justice of the court that is now the Supreme Court of Maryland. It’s vital to note that prior to December 14, 2022, this body was named the Court of Appeals, and its justices were referred to as judges.

Administrative Contributions

Beyond his judicial opinions, Chief Justice Fader manages significant administrative responsibilities to ensure the efficiency and safety of the Maryland court system. His current and past leadership roles include:

• Chair of the Maryland Judicial Conference: 2022–Present
• Chair of the Hall of Records Commission: 2022–Present
• Task Force to Ensure the Safety of Judicial Facilities: 2023–Present
• Chair of the Special Projects Committee: 2023–Present

Key Takeaways: Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader

• Current Role: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland (Assumed office April 15, 2022).
• Education: University of Virginia (BA) and Yale Law School (JD).
• Prior Judicial Experience: Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland (2018–2022).
• Professional Background: Experience in the U.S. Department of Justice, K&L Gates, and the Maryland Attorney General’s office.
• Bar Admissions: Admitted to the Virginia (1998) and Maryland (1999) bars, with inactive status in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Matthew J. Fader grow Chief Justice?

He assumed the office of Chief Justice on April 15, 2022.

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What was the Supreme Court of Maryland previously called?

Until December 14, 2022, the Supreme Court of Maryland was known as the Court of Appeals.

Where did Chief Justice Fader attend law school?

He received his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1998.