Hon. Jeannie J. Hong: Maryland’s First Female Asian Pacific American Judge
In recognition of AAPI Heritage Month, the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter would like to spotlight Hon. Jeannie J. Hong, who holds a distinguished place in Maryland's judicial history as the first Asian Pacific American female judge. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1965, one of two daughters in a family that placed great value on education. Her parents immigrated to the United States in pursuit of greater educational and professional opportunities for their children. That foundation shaped the path she would later follow into public service and the law.
Her journey from immigrant to respected jurist reflects decades of dedication to the legal profession and her community. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Judge Jeannie J. Hong has served as a prosecutor, a District Court judge, and a Circuit Court judge in Baltimore City. She has also championed diversity within the courts and the broader Asian Pacific American community. Her story offers a fitting subject for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of the contributions AAPI leaders have made across American public life.
Education and Early Career of Jeannie J. Hong
Judge Hong graduated from the University of Virginia in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in foreign affairs. Her father held a longstanding interest in the law and aspired to become a judge himself. His influence inspired her to pursue a legal career. At his encouragement, she prepared for the Law School Admission Test and applied to law school.
She earned her Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law in 1992. The following year, she was admitted to the Maryland Bar and began her career in public service. Her first role was as a Staff Attorney for the Child Care Administration within the Maryland Department of Human Resources, a position she held from 1993 to 1994.
In 1994, Judge Hong joined the Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City. She served as an Assistant State's Attorney for the next eight years. Her assignments traced a steady rise through the office. She prosecuted cases in the Juvenile Division, then the Misdemeanor Unit, and later the General Felony Unit. From 2000 to 2002, she served as a Senior Prosecutor in the Vehicle Analysis Unit. These years gave her broad courtroom experience across the criminal justice system. They also prepared her for the judicial appointment that would soon make history.
Hon. Jeannie J. Hong Receives a Historic Appointment to the Maryland Bench
On August 15, 2002, Judge Hong made history as the first female Asian American judge appointed in Maryland. She became an Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland, District 1, Baltimore City. From 2004 to 2011, she also served as Judge-in-Charge of the North Avenue District Court. During these years, she contributed to several statewide judicial bodies. She served on the Court Commission on Professionalism, the Court Interpreters Committee, and the Family Law Committee of the Maryland Judicial Conference.
On October 19, 2011, Judge Hong was elevated to the Baltimore City Circuit Court. She has served as an Associate Judge for the Eighth Judicial Circuit since that date. Her work on the Circuit Court bench has extended well beyond individual cases. She served on the Equal Justice Committee of the Maryland Judicial Council from 2020 to 2022. In 2025, she joined the Council's Education Committee and now chairs its Diversity and Inclusion Education Subcommittee.
Judge Jeannie J. Hong has also dedicated significant time to her community. She served on the Governor's Commission on Asian-Pacific American Affairs from 1999 to 2003. She has held leadership roles with the Coalition for Korean-American Organizations and the Korean-American Coalition. Within the legal profession, she has been an active member of the Korean Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association of Maryland, and the Maryland State Bar Association, where she served on the Asian-American Bar Committee and the Board of Governors.
Hon. Jeannie J. Hong’s Recognitions & Lasting Influence
Throughout her career, Judge Jeannie J. Hong has earned recognition for her leadership and service. In 1999, she received the Award of Excellence from Women in Government Service. In 2002, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association named her one of its "Best Lawyers Under 40." In 2005, the same organization presented her with its prestigious Trailblazer Award. The honor recognized her contributions to the legal profession and her role in opening doors for others.
Her influence reaches beyond the awards she has received. As the first female Asian American judge in Maryland, she set a precedent that continues to inspire attorneys and aspiring jurists across the state. Her ongoing leadership on diversity and inclusion within the judiciary demonstrates a lasting commitment to that cause. Judge Hong's path from a young immigrant in Seoul to an esteemed member of the Maryland bench reflects resilience, discipline, and a deep dedication to public service. Her story stands as a meaningful tribute during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and as a continuing source of inspiration for the legal community she serves.
The Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter continues to make strides in the state’s legal community. To learn more about opportunities within our chapter, please explore our FBA membership benefits.
