Judge Theodore D. Chuang: First Asian American on Maryland’s Court
Judge Theodore D. Chuang is honored in this AAPI Heritage Month spotlight by the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter. A trailblazer in the federal judiciary, Judge Chuang has built a legacy rooted in public service, constitutional integrity, and legal advocacy. He is the first Asian American to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, as well as the first in the Fourth Circuit. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to both the rule of law and the communities he serves.
Born in 1969 to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Judge Chuang excelled academically and professionally. His accomplishments—from law clerk to federal judge—are remarkable, but his advocacy beyond the bench is equally impactful. Judge Chuang has supported numerous legal organizations, mentored the next generation of attorneys, and elevated Asian American visibility within the justice system.
This AAPI Heritage Month, the FBA Maryland Chapter celebrates Judge Chuang not only as a jurist but as a symbol of progress and representation. His story inspires a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with integrity and inclusivity in the legal profession.
Academic and Early Legal Achievements of Judge Chuang
From the outset of his career, Judge Theodore D. Chuang demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and legal promise. He earned his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Harvard University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and served as a writer for the Harvard Crimson. He also received the Endicott Peabody Saltonstall Prize for top seniors. He later graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review and a finalist in the prestigious Ames Moot Court Competition.
After law school, he clerked for Judge Dorothy Wright Nelson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. From 1995 to 1998, he served as a trial attorney in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, working to enforce federal statutes against discrimination. He then spent six years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Massachusetts, handling complex litigation and gaining firsthand experience in criminal law and federal prosecution.
Judge Chuang also briefly entered private practice as counsel at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., before returning to public service. His intellectual rigor and commitment to civil rights law set the stage for the leadership roles he would later hold in Congress and the Department of Homeland Security.
Advancing Legal Access and AAPI Community Representation
A core theme throughout the career of Judge Theodore D. Chuang is his unwavering commitment to community service and advancing equity. Between 2002 and 2003, he served as President of the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts, actively advocating for inclusion and professional advancement within the legal industry. During that same time, he served on the Boston Bar Association’s Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.
Judge Chuang’s leadership continued at the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC), where he has served on the board since 2005 and was Chair from 2007 to 2009. APALRC provides direct legal services and language-accessible support to low-income Asian Americans across the DMV region. His work with APALRC has directly improved access to justice for limited English proficient communities.
He has also supported legal education and mentorship through speaking engagements with the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell. These contributions highlight Judge Chuang’s belief in empowering future lawyers while expanding the reach and voice of the AAPI legal community.
Judicial Appointment and Public Service Legacy
In 2013, Judge Theodore D. Chuang was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2014, making history as the first Asian American to serve not only on this court but in the entire Fourth Circuit. Judge Chuang currently sits in Greenbelt, Maryland, and has presided over a wide range of civil and criminal matters.
Before joining the bench, he held key government roles, including Deputy Chief Investigative Counsel for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. These positions allowed him to influence policy and ensure oversight during critical moments in government operations.
On the bench, Judge Chuang is known for his fair, thoughtful approach to legal interpretation and his dedication to upholding democratic principles. His presence in the federal judiciary has served to increase public trust and diversify the perspectives represented in the courtroom.
Celebrating Service During AAPI Heritage Month
The Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter is proud to feature Judge Theodore D. Chuang as part of its AAPI Heritage Month celebration. His distinguished service in all three branches of government, combined with his leadership in Asian American legal organizations, reflects a deep and enduring commitment to justice, public trust, and community impact.
Judge Chuang’s story serves as a beacon for aspiring attorneys—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—who seek to make meaningful contributions to both the legal profession and their communities. His advocacy, mentorship, and service go far beyond the bench and represent the values that AAPI Heritage Month seeks to elevate.
To learn more about our ongoing efforts to highlight diverse voices in the legal profession and support inclusive leadership, visit the Federal Bar Association Maryland Chapter events page to see upcoming programs and celebrations.
