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In August 2000, the country lost one of its most distinguished federal judges, Francis D. Murnaghan, Jr., who served for twenty years on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Judge Murnaghan brought to the bench the qualities that he developed as a reknowned lawyer and civic leader in Baltimore, Maryland -- a sharp intellect, sound judgment, high standards, and, above all, an unwavering commitment to justice for all people. During his judicial tenure, Judge Murnaghan became known for written opinions that elucidated difficult questions of law and that championed the constitutional promise of equal justice.
The Murnaghan Appellate Advocacy Fellowship, created by Judge Murnaghan's family, friends, and former law clerks as a living memorial to the Judge's life and work, is awarded annually to a lawyer who has completed a judicial clerkship and who has demonstrated a commitment to protecting and expanding the rights of poor and unrepresented people. Since the establishment of the Fellowship, the Fellow has worked in the Appellate Project at the Public Justice Center (PJC), a nonprofit organization in Baltimore that advocates on behalf of individuals who have been denied justice due to discrimination or economic status. In collaboration with colleagues at PJC, the Murnaghan Fellow represents parties and amici curiae in federal and state appellate courts in cases that will have a substantial impact on the rights of poor and disadvantaged people.
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