Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is set to swear in the first black woman to an appellate court in the state Tuesday.

Judge Michele Hotten says she’s still in shock over her nomination to the the Court of Special Appeals, in Prince George’s County.

“It is such an honor, such a privilege. I still keep pinching myself,” says Hotten.

For the last 15 years Hotten has served as an associate judge on Prince George’s circuit court. She’s also worked as a prosecutor in the state attorney’s office and in private practice.

Hotten says she has plenty to learn from her colleagues, but she says she brings a lot to the court as well.

“The ability to listen, understand and discern the soul of each case,” she says. “The issues are different depending upon the players that are involved.”

Hotten is set to hear her first case in mid-September.