ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointments of James J. Dietrich to the Montgomery County Circuit Court and Kristina L. Watkowski to the Worcester County Circuit Court.
“The Montgomery County and Worcester County Circuit Courts are gaining two remarkable servants of the law,” said Gov. Moore. “Throughout their legal careers, James Dietrich and Kristina Watkowski have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to integrity and justice that will serve the people of Maryland well for years to come. I thank them for raising their hands to serve on the bench.”
James J. DietrichJames Dietrich has worked as a prosecutor with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for the past seven years, managing some of the most difficult cases as a member of the major crimes and post convictions units. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, where he teaches courses on evidence, criminal procedure, and trial practice. Dietrich began his career as a prosecutor with the Howard County State's Attorney's Office, where he served as assistant state’s attorney for 21 years and served as the circuit court trial team leader for over ten years.
Dietrich earned his bachelor’s degree from Lemoyne College and his law degree from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.
Kristina L. WatkowskiKristina Watkowski has worked as an attorney with Booth, Cropper & Marriner since 2022, with a practice primarily focused on civil litigation with a concentration in land use and zoning. Watkowski began her legal career clerking for Judges Theodore R. Eschenburg Sr. and Thomas C. Groton III in the Worcester County Circuit Court. She went on to work with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender where she ultimately became the supervising attorney for the Worcester County office. During her time with the public defender’s office, Watkowski developed long-lasting relationships with partner agencies while representing clients charged with both minor and serious criminal offenses.
Watkowski earned her associate’s degree from Howard Community College, her bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University, and her law degree from Delaware Law School.