While we do our best to recognize the incredible attorneys and members of the judiciary we have the privilege of working with, it’s even more meaningful when the legal services community recognizes them too. One such opportunity came up with the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC)’s annual awards. The gathering brings together Maryland’s legal services community to recognize people and organizations that have contributed significantly to the provision of legal services and access to justice for low-income Marylanders.
In particular, we had our eyes on the Arthur W. Machen, Jr. Award, which is presented to an attorney or a judge who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to increasing access to justice and improving the civil legal services delivery system for low-income Marylanders.
One person matches that description perfectly: Judge Melvin J. Jews, Dorchester County District Court and Administrative Judge.
Judge Melvin J. Jews is an extraordinary leader in the judiciary who affords all who come before him dignity, respect, and compassion. His commitment to providing parties the opportunity to be heard is evident in his leadership, from mediation to eviction court hearings to launching a regional veterans treatment court. In each scenario, he is committed to making sure that all parties are aware of their options and have pathways to resolution.
Judge Jews had an especially positive impact for the tenants of an apartment building dedicated to serving older adults and people with disabilities in Cambridge. Judge Jews’ thorough examination and hearing of tenant concerns led to actions outside of court including formation of a tenant association, a community stakeholder meeting hosted by Mid-Shore Community Mediation, and ultimately resulted in a turnover in ownership allowing for the building’s significant problems with security and habitability to be addressed.
In 2018, he launched a regional veterans treatment court to address the needs of former military service members in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties. And he regularly shares access to services, especially in mediation and eviction court programs, to help parties understand their voice deserves to be heard too.
To put it simply, Judge Jews represents the Shore Legal Access ethos of ensuring justice truly is for all. His leadership and commitment is worthy of recognition and celebration — which is why we put him forward as our nominee for the 2025 Arthur W. Machen, Jr. Award. Much to our delight, we weren’t the only ones who felt this way and we’re looking forward to joining the celebration, where he will be recognized by MLSC on November 18, 2025.
Congratulations, and thank you, Judge Jews!