Severna Park atty. picked for Court of Special Appeals

Daily Record, The (Baltimore), Jun 30, 2004 by Ann Parks

A successful and varied practice, along with mediation skills and volunteer work in the community, apparently tipped the scales in favor of the state's newest appellate judge.

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. yesterday named Severna Park attorney Timothy E. Meredith to the Court of Special Appeals, filling the vacancy created by Judge Clayton Greene Jr.'s appointment to the Court of Appeals in January.

The 53-year-old Meredith, a partner in the firm of Warfield, Meredith & Darrah, P.C., was chosen from among six nominees recommended to the governor by the Judicial Nominating Commission earlier this year. The pool included two circuit court judges, a county attorney and other lawyers in private practice.

The governor thought that he was the most qualified, that his experience and ability would further the interests of the citizens of Maryland and the judicial system, Shareese N. DeLeaver, spokeswoman for the governor, said yesterday, citing the variety of Meredith's practice, his experience in business litigation, mediation capabilities and significant community involvement. Mr. Meredith has big shoes to fill, replacing Judge Greene, but the governor felt that he is up to the task.

Meredith said yesterday he was thrilled by the opportunity, calling service on the bench a lifelong ambition.

It's certainly something that I hoped would happen, he said, noting that he has been nominated several times to fill vacancies on both of Maryland's appellate courts. He was among the final group of five candidates nominated last year for the position left vacant by retiring Court of Appeals Judge John C. Eldridge, the post that was eventually filled by Judge Greene.

His judicial aspirations realized, Meredith said, I hope to gain a reputation as a fair-minded judge who writes well-reasoned opinions, he said.

Robert W. Warfield, who has worked closely with Meredith for 25 years, says his colleague's fair temperament and superior research and writing skills make him an excellent choice for the job.

I've always relied on his judgment, Warfield said, adding that Meredith has a clear and concise writing style, which practitioners will undoubtedly be glad to hear. He's not overly wordy, [but] he gives the various issues the treatment they deserve.

Chief Judge Joseph F. Murphy Jr. of the Court of Special Appeals predicts that Meredith will write high-quality opinions consistent with the briefs he has filed with the court in the past.

Tim is well known to our court, as his practice includes appellate work, said Murphy, calling Meredith a hard-working, bright and thoughtful lawyer. We look forward to him joining us next month.

Meredith will likely be sworn in by the governor within the next 30 days, according to the judge.

Meredith graduated from Western Maryland College in 1974 and Duke University School of Law in 1977. He completed a one-year stint in 1977-78 as a law clerk to Court of Appeals Judge Marvin H. Smith before entering private practice.

At Warfield, Meredith & Darrah, his work focuses on business litigation, including contracts, real estate, fraud and other business torts. He is also a trained mediator, according to the firm's Web site.

He served two terms on the Maryland State Bar Association's Board of Governors and was a chairman of the Committee on Laws from 1997 to 2003. In the 1990s, Meredith served as president of both the Anne Arundel County Bar Association and the Anne Arundel Bar Foundation.

Meredith is also active in his local community, co-chairing the Anne Arundel County Equal Justice Council and serving the Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park.

Baltimore attorney Melvin J. Sykes, who knows his way around Maryland's appellate courts and has worked with Meredith on litigation matters in the past, called the appointment splendid.

He's a very effective advocate and student of the law, a scholar and a gentleman, Sykes said yesterday. I can't think of a better appointment.