Judge Joseph S. Michael: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Joseph S. Michael is an associate judge for the Washington County Circuit Court in Maryland. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Larry Hogan on February 17, 2022, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Daniel P. Dwyer.

Prior to his appointment, Michael served as a deputy state’s attorney for the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office, a position to which he was named in 2004. During his tenure there, Michael supplemented his service with a part-time private civil practice, handling domestic cases and business matters.

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He then completed a J.D. at Washington and Lee University School of Law.

After graduating from law school, Michael began his legal career as an associate at Montedonico, Hamilton & Altman. He worked in that capacity until 1993, at which time he joined the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office as an assistant state’s attorney.

His memberships have included the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association and the Maryland State Bar Association. He also sat on the boards of the Maryland Association for Wildlife Conservation, the Arc of Washington County, and the Washington County Community Partnership for Children and Families.