Cleopatra Campbell Files to Run for Orphans Court Judge

George Wenschhof

Yesterday, long time Frederick County attorney Cleopatra Campbell filed the paperwork to become a Republican candidate for Orphans Court Judge.

In Frederick County, Maryland there are three Orphans Court Judges who are elected every four years. These Judges handle issues surrounding the disposition and administration of Wills.

Cleopatra Campbell and Mary Storm were the first two women lawyers to practice law in Frederick County, both in 1967. Ms. Campbell, who is the widow of G. Eugene Anderson, first worked as an associate at the firm; Mathias, Mathias, and Michel.

After five years, she became the first assistant State's Attorney working with State's Attorney Bob Rothenhoefer and Deputy State's Attorney Tommy Dorsey. Ms. Campbell informed me that in addition to being the first woman prosecutor, she practiced civil law. At the time the assistant State's Attorney was a part time 35 hour per week job which paid $8,500.00 with no benefits.

Several years later, she resigned and took up private practice, including partnering with local attorney Tom Slater for ten years. While, she held a retirement party five years ago, she is still practicing law.

When asked why she was running, Ms. Campbell "said she was knowledgeable in this area of law and should she be elected, it would allow her to be of benefit to the community".

The deadline for candidates to file is July 6. The primary election will be held on September 14 and the General Election will follow on November 2.

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