ANNAPOLIS (May 28, 2010) - Governor O'Malley announced Thursday the appointment of Karen Christy Holt Chesser to the St. Mary's County District Court. Ms. Chesser will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John F. Slade, III.
Ms. Chesser has practiced law her entire career in St. Mary's County, and since 2006, she has been the County Attorney for St. Mary's County. In that capacity, she regularly represents the County in District and Circuit Courts, and she advises County departments and the Board of County Commissioners on topics such as land use, zoning, contracts, and public safety. Ms. Chesser spent 10 years as a prosecutor in the St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office, including 8 years as Deputy State's Attorney. Through the St. Mary's County Family Law Clinic, she spent several years assisting clients who represented themselves in court.
Ms. Chesser has been involved in community and professional organizations. For many years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Marcey House, a substance abuse treatment facility. Currently, she participates in the professionalism course given to all new lawyers admitted to the Maryland Bar. Ms. Chesser earned her J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law.
Ms. Chesser was nominated by the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commissions. More information about the nominating commissions can be found at http://www.gov.state.md.us/executiveorders/01.01.2008.04eo.pdf.