The Honorable Judge Kim Melnick

By DBA Editorial Board Chair, Zach White Esq. | Coolidge Wall Co., LPA | White@coollaw.com

people don’t get to have and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My family and friends were amazing in their support and their help. I couldn’t have done it without them.

How do you believe your professional experience as a Prosecutor – mostly with the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office – prepared you for your current role as Judge?

As a prosecutor, I have handled thousands of cases in my career. My time was spent preparing and taking cases to trial for decades. I understand the dynamics that are involved with motion hearings, jury trials and bench trials. I have an in-depth knowledge of the Rules of Evidence and Procedure. This was invaluable in transitioning from a trial attorney to a trial judge. Fairness and reasonableness are still of utmost importance. That is now applied across the board in criminal and civil matters that come before my court.

How do you believe your personal experiences as a Montgomery County native prepared you for or otherwise shaped how you approach your role as a Judge in Montgomery County?

Living in Montgomery County almost my entire life has definitely influenced my approach as a judge. I care about what goes on in Montgomery County. I care about the people who live here and our community as a whole. I live here too. I want the reputation of our courts to be professional and highly competent. I want our citizens, my friends, family, and neighbors, to feel like our court system is knowledgeable, timely and fair. I will do all I can to promote that for our community.

What has surprised you most in your time on the Bench?

I knew that my perspective would change due to transitioning from an adversarial role to a judicial role. I had to get used to knowing very little about the cases that come before me. As a trial attorney, I knew every detail of my cases. Now, I only know what is shared by counsel in one form or another. Even the change in physical location from counsel table to the actual bench influenced that difference in perspective. They say that “Lady Justice” is blind. I was surprised how much that actually rings true.

When you are away from the office, what are some of your favorite things to do / hobbies you enjoy?

I have always loved the outdoors. My fiancé and I are also huge animal lovers. We have three rescue dogs and two rescue cats that keep us very busy. One of the dogs is a tireless frisbee dog. Other that that, we love our families and spend a lot of time with them

Any fun facts you would like to share about yourself?

I’m taking up wood working and am building a new table.