Governor Martin O’Malley has made two judicial appointments for Charles County. Hayward James “Jay”: West has been appointed to the Circuit Court for Charles County and Andrea R.S. Watkins has been appointed to the District Court.
West has practiced with the law firm Alpert Schreyer, LLC since 2005. He has represented clients in both civil and criminal matters. He received his law degree from University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to earning his degrees, West served as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army and a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He is a member of the Board of Directors and former President of The Jude House, Inc., an organization providing services for individuals struggling with chemical dependencies.
Master Andrea R. S. Watkins has served as a Master for Domestic Relations and Juvenile Causes in the Circuit Court for Charles County since 2007. Prior to her service as master, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Charles County and practiced family law. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and Mount St. Mary’s College.
The two appointments were among 23 announced Monday. “The appointment of judges is one of the most important responsibilities of any chief executive,” O’Malley said. He interviewed every candidate recommended by the trial court and appellate judicial nominating commissions. All of the judges were recommended by the commissions.
