From journalism to justice: Judge Kimberly C. McBride’s path to the bench

By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com

Judge Kimberly C. McBride did not always plan to pursue a career in law and justice. She studied journalism at the University of Maryland, but upon graduation, the field was no longer appealing to her. 

While exploring her options at a career seminar, she spoke with an attorney who told her she could put her writing skills to use in law school. This advice put her on a path to where she is today. 

In 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore appointed McBride to the Baltimore City Circuit Court— an accomplishment she said she was elated about. 

“I knew that to whom much is given, much is expected, and I also knew that I asked for this job. I pursued it fervently, and I knew that I was going to be the best judge that I could be and not let him down,” said McBride. “When the governor told me that he was very proud that I was one of his judges, it was life-changing for me. I have never had a more proud moment.” 

Before achieving this post, McBride spent a year as a U.S. immigration judge for the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. Prior to that, she served as a family magistrate for the Baltimore City Circuit Court for 13 years. 

One of her early mentors in her journey to pursuing a judgeship was Judge David W. Young. McBride said he told her that if she ever became a judge she could never experience “Black robe disease,” a term used to describe judicial arrogance and a decline in empathy. 

“He told me that I am to always treat litigants who appear before me fairly and with kindness and respect and to never let the fact that I’m wearing a robe give me a sense of entitlement,” said McBride. 

This helped to shape her judicial philosophy. In her position as a Baltimore City Circuit Court judge, McBride said there is no “typical” day. She primarily hears criminal cases but also spends some time presiding over civil cases. Even when a case comes to her set for trial, she also has to be prepared for a plea or settlement. McBride said she takes things one day at a time and on a case by case basis. 

Though rewarding, the judgeship does not come without its struggles. There is no shortage of cases to preside over.

“It’s a huge job, and it’s challenging for me to know that most of the decisions I make affect people’s lives. That effect may be favorable or it may be adverse,” said McBride. “It’s challenging to know that even though I think what I’m doing is right, fair and impartial, there are some individuals who may not like the decisions that I make.” 

She believes the biggest fallacy about being a judge is that her decisions are made rashly without careful consideration. 

“It’s one thing to hear what the media has to say about a case, but it’s another thing to actually be in a courtroom with a jury, listen and apply the evidence to the facts and make a decision,” said McBride. “To think that we don’t take certain factors into consideration is a gross misconception. Judges on this bench, and I’m sure throughout our state, take our responsibilities very seriously because the court system as a whole is critical.” 

As a Black woman in this space, it’s important to McBride that people who look like her follow in her footsteps. She recently judged a mock trial where every party, including the bailiff, witnesses and attorneys, were young women. 

“It’s critical that Black women—and all women for that matter— continue to pursue careers in law and justice,” said McBride. “Our perspective matters.”