Roger Warren Titus, a retired judge for the U.S. District Court for Maryland and mentor for countless GW Law alumni, passed away on March 3, 2019, at the age of 77.
Judge Titus served as a federal judge for Maryland’s Southern Division from 2003 until early 2019, assuming senior status in 2014. During that time, he hired 17 GW Law alumni to serve as law clerks, a number higher than any other federal judge in the nation. This is all the more remarkable because he received his JD from Georgetown Law. In addition to providing alumni with invaluable experience, Judge Titus also served as a mentor and friend throughout their careers.
Bradford R. Clark
William Cranch Research Professor of Law & Chair of Faculty Clerkship Committee
“Judge Titus was a remarkable judge, and more importantly, a remarkable human being. He cared deeply about his community and was instrumental in convincing Congress to establish a new federal courthouse in Montgomery County to serve southern Maryland. He was an amazing mentor to his law clerks both during their clerkships and throughout their careers. Judge Titus was a great friend to GW Law, and I am honored to be working with our alumni to establish the Judge Roger W. Titus Prize.”
Sonia W. Nath
JD '06, Former Law Clerk
"I feel fortunate to have started my legal career clerking for Judge Titus. He was a phenomenal judge and a wonderful mentor who stayed in touch with his clerks long after our clerkships ended. Being Judge Titus’ clerk meant becoming part of his family. He was always available to listen and provide advice on what was important in law and in life."
Emily A. Farmer
JD '17, Current Law Clerk
"While Judge Titus enjoyed his time on the bench, he relished even more his role as a mentor for young lawyers. Although my time with him was cut short, I will always remember the advice he gave me and be guided by it throughout my career. This is not only true for me but for so many GW Law graduates he hired as law clerks."
As a tribute to the Judge, Professor Clark and Judge Titus' GW Law law clerks are establishing the Judge Roger W. Titus Prize. Once fully funded, it will be awarded annually to a graduating student who seeks or obtains a federal district court clerkship and who embodies the qualities of academic excellence, personality, and humility that Judge Titus sought in his law clerks.
For more information about or to donate to the Judge Roger W. Titus Prize Fund, click the link below.