Judge Bios

Judy Retchin grew up in West Babylon New York. She received her BA from George Washington University in 1974 and her JD degree from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law in 1978.

Judy Retchin’s entire professional life has been committed to government service. From 1978-79, she was a trial attorney with the Civil Aeronautics Board. She next served as a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice from 1979-1983. From 1984 until the time of her appointment, Ms. Retchin was an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. During that time she prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases both in the United States District Court and in Superior Court. She served with distinction in many divisions of the United States Attorney’s Office, including Misdemeanor Trial, Grand Jury, Felony Trial, Appellate and Public Corruption Sections. During her tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney, she received four special achievement awards from the Department of Justice and numerous commendations from law enforcement agencies.

Aside from her prosecution duties, Ms. Retchin has participated in Georgetown University’s University’s Continuing Legal Education Program, and she has been active in the Edward Bennett Williams Inn of Court, serving on the Inn’s executive committee this past year.

Ms. Retchin is also committed to public service in our community. She is a volunteer with Food and Friends, a local organization which provides meals to homebound people living with AIDS. She also has given her time to the Capital Area Food Bank. Additionally, Ms. Retchin is a tutor at a local elementary school.