Alice G. Pollard Clark
MSA SC 3520-2649
Extended Biography:
After devoting 20 years to public school education, Alice Pollard Clark has succeeded admirably in her second career as an attorney and judge. In 1990 she became the first African-American attorney in the Howard County Office of the Public Defender before advancing in 1997 to become the county's first African American District Court Judge at the age of 57. According to Clark, "[t]he process of reaching this pinnacle has been long and arduous," but her ascent proves that "[i]t's never to later to dream."1
Judge Clark was born in Washington, DC on February 12, 1940. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Howard University in 1961, followed by a Master of Arts from Catholic University of America two years later. After 20 years as a science teacher, department head, and counselor for the District of Columbia Public School System, Clark herself went back to school., earning her law degree from the University of Maryland Law School in 1982.
Clark spent seven years in private practice before moving into the Howard County Office of the Public Defender. In 1997 she rose to her current position as District Court Judge. Her elevation to the bench was hailed as a significant victory for African Americans in Howard County. The county's first African American judge, Donna Hill Staton, was defeated in a controversial election in 1996 in which race was alleged to be a deciding factor. Clark's appointment and her strong ties to Howard County helped restore positive feelings in the county.2
Commenting on her appointment, Clark said, "I think it is another important step forward for women as well as African-American minorities." She added, "I feel grateful I got so much support from so many people in the community."3 The community has also received much from Clark. After leaving the DC public school system, Clark has continued to work to educate local youths. She participates in the Shadowing Project of the Law-Related Education Program, under which two students accompany her while she goes through her daily routine, and she has been involved in other mentioning programs with Howard County Schools.4 Delegate Frank S. Turner, an East Columbia Democrat who recommended Clark for the job, said Clark's appointment places a role model for local children in the courthouse. "The 50,000 or 60,000 children in this county will see that anyone who works hard and achieves can be rewarded," Turner said. "I think she will be an excellent judge and deserves the admiration of the entire community." Governor Parris Glendening noted that Clark's "spirit of community involvement makes her particularly well-suited to the District Court, which is normally the only contact most people experience with the judicial system."5
In addition to her community involvement, Clark has been very active in professional organizations. She is a member of the National Association of Women Judges; the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys; the Waring Mitchell Law Society; the District Court Commissioner Education Committee; the Joint Committee on Parole Issues; the Regional Advisory Board for the Maryland Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission; and the Maryland State, District of Columbia, Howard County, Monumental City and Women's Bar Associations. In addition, Clark has been involved with editing two newsletters: "Justice Matters" for the Maryland judiciary and "The Back Bench" for the Joint Committee on Parole Issues.6
Clark's legal colleagues praised her involvement in Howard County along with her intelligence, integrity and temperament. "Gail is a symbol of progress. Because of her success, a once invisible community has become visible," said Donna Hill Staton.7 Since being named judge of the District Court, Clark has received much respect and recognition. This past spring she was inducted into The Daily Record's Circle of Excellence, an honor reserved for those who have been named one of "Maryland's Top 100 Women" three times. Clark was so honored in 1998, 2000, and 2002. She has also been recognized by the National Black State Troopers Coalition Inc. and was named the Outstanding Assistant Public Defender of the Year in District 10 for 1995.8
Clark has certainly made her mark in the legal profession and in the Howard County community. It seems likely her dedication and many successes will help inspire and pave the way for future African American women to follow in her footsteps.
Judge Clark retired from the bench on February 11, 2010, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Notes:
1. Shanon D. Murray, "Clark sworn
as judge in District Court; She becomes first African-American on district
bench; 'Never too late to dream'; Emotional ceremony a step in healing
racial divisions." The Baltimore Sun, 12 June 1997.
2. Ibid.
3. "Clark named to District Court
bench; She will become 1st African-American to serve in post; 'Important
step forward;' Her appointment viewed as a victory for black advocates."
The Baltimore Sun, 23 May 1997.
4. Maryland's Top 100 Women (2002), The Daily Record.
5. "Clark named to District Court
bench; She will become 1st African-American to serve in post; 'Important
step forward;' Her appointment viewed as a victory for black advocates."
The Baltimore Sun, 23 May 1997.
6. Maryland's Top 100 Women (2002), The Daily Record.
7. Shanon D. Murray, "Clark
sworn as judge in District Court; She becomes first African-American on
district bench; 'Never too late to dream'; Emotional ceremony a step in
healing racial divisions." The Baltimore Sun, 12 June 1997.
8. Maryland's Top 100 Women (2002), The Daily Record.
Biography written by Jennifer Copeland, Summer Intern, Maryland State Archives.
Return to Alice G. Pollard Clark's Introductory Page
© Copyright Maryland State Archives