ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-64
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
May 2, 2023
To recognize and honor the contributions that Judge Mary Grace Rook has made to the District
of Columbia throughout her life and career.
WHEREAS, Judge Mary Rook was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey and graduated
from Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and went on to
receive a master’s in social work from the University of Connecticut;
WHEREAS, Judge Mary Rook received her law degree from Catholic University’s
Columbus School of Law;
WHEREAS, Judge Mary Rook worked as Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect, and also
worked with the Dalton and Dalton Law Firm on special education cases following graduation
from law school;
WHEREAS, Judge Mary Rook In 1999, served as special education attorney in the civil
division for the Public Defender Service, where she assisted the juvenile trial attorneys whose
clients had outstanding special education needs;
WHEREAS, Judge Mary Rook served as Coordinator of the Juvenile Services Program for
the Public Defender Service where she was responsible for training and supervising staff attorneys
and law clerks that worked with Public Defender Service at the Oak Hill Youth Center and the
Youth Services Center; and
WHEREAS, Judge Mary Rook was appointed by Chief Judge Rufus G. King, III and
installed as Magistrate Judge on August 18, 2006.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, T hat this
resolution may be cited as the “Judge Mar y Grace Rook Recognition Resolution of 2023”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Judge Mary Grace
Rook for her accomplishments and contributions to the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately .