Andre Maurice Davis, senior judge of the U.S. 4th Circuit Court, has been tapped as Baltimore’s next city solicitor, a post that has been vacant since George Nilson was abruptly terminated by the Rawlings-Blake administration last August.

Judge Davis will assume his position on September 1, responsible for a department with more than 85 attorneys and a $10 million budget. As the city’s chief legal counsel, he also sits on the powerful Board of Estimates.

David Ralph said he will continue as interim city solicitor until Davis arrives, then will assume his former role as deputy solicitor.

In announcing Davis’ appointment today, Mayor Catherine Pugh said she will let the judge discuss his aims and policies in the future.

She added in a press release, “Baltimore is fortunate to have someone of Judge Davis’ caliber available to serve in this role at such a crucial time as we embark on implementing the federal consent decree and moving our city forward.”

Many Positions to be Filled

Pugh, who entered office last December 6, said she expects to announce other appointments in the near future.

Her cabinet contains a number of senior vacancies, including the directors of three agencies – Transportation, Housing, and Recreation and Parks.

There are also no permanent leaders for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods, Mayor’s Office of Human Services, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and Office of the Inspector General.

For housing, Pugh said she is splitting the department into two entities, with a director needed for public housing and a commissioner to run neighborhood and community development.

The mayor is also seeking a new chief of staff in her own office, which follows Tisha Edwards’ resignation after five months.