Remembering Judge John McAuliffe
MSBA mourns the loss of the Honorable John Francis McAuliffe, a distinguished jurist, renowned trial lawyer, and devoted public servant who passed away peacefully at his home in Germantown, Maryland, on October 25, 2024, at the age of 91.
Born on November 4, 1932, in Washington, D.C., to Colonel James S. McAuliffe and Grace Morningstar McAuliffe, Judge McAuliffe was deeply rooted in Montgomery County, where he resided throughout his life.
A Life Devoted to the Law
Judge McAuliffe’s legal journey began after graduating from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and earning his J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law in 1955. Following his service in the U.S. Army, John returned to Montgomery County, where he became a respected trial lawyer, practicing with the firms Fairbanks, Heeney & McAuliffe and later Heeney, McAuliffe & McAuliffe alongside his brother, Judge James S. McAuliffe, Jr.
Known for his brilliant legal mind and unmatched trial skills, Judge McAuliffe was appointed to the Montgomery County Circuit Court in 1972, where he served with distinction for 13 years. In 1985, he was elevated to the Maryland Court of Appeals (now the Maryland Supreme Court), earning accolades for his sharp intellect, fairness, and dedication to justice. He retired in 1993 but continued to serve as a senior judge, providing judicial assistance until his full retirement in 2022.
A Legacy of Leadership and Teaching
Judge McAuliffe was not only a jurist of the highest caliber but also a gifted teacher and mentor. He shared his expertise as a faculty member at the National Judicial College and an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the Washington College of Law at American University. His commitment to shaping the future of the legal profession was evident in his work with the Maryland Rules Committee, where he played
a key role in rewriting the Maryland Rules of Procedure, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s judicial system.
A forward-thinking leader, Judge McAuliffe was ahead of his time in hiring women and minorities as his law clerks, embodying the principles of inclusion and equality. His colleagues and students alike admired his sharp wit, resonant voice, and warm demeanor, which combined to make him a beloved figure in the legal community.
Remembering an Icon
Upon his retirement, Chief Judge Robert C. Murphy aptly described Judge McAuliffe as “one of the most remarkable lawyers and jurists I have ever known. He is a man of the most outstanding ability, and if you asked 100 lawyers and judges, they would tell you the same thing.” Judge McAuliffe’s legacy is one of excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
He is survived by his children, John (Lina) McAuliffe and Mary (Paige) Wood, his grandchildren, Hannah (Brad) Smith, Margaret Shows (Josh Conrad), John McAuliffe, and Kathryn McAuliffe, and his great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the profound impact he had on the Maryland legal community. Judge John McAuliffe was truly one of a kind. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a brilliant jurist, a dedicated teacher, a loving family man, and a cherished friend.