Circuit Judge S. James Sarbanes has been appointed as the administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, starting October 1, 2015. He takes over from Judge Kathleen Leonard Beckstead, who will return to her role as a trial judge and presiding judge of the Wicomico County Adult Drug Court Program after serving as administrative judge since September 2010.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera praised Judge Sarbanes for his leadership and management skills. "Judge Sarbanes has demonstrated the extraordinary leadership and management acumen that is requisite to the administration of a Circuit Court," she said. "In his tenure as a judge, Judge Sarbanes has quickly proved he is an asset to the Maryland Judiciary."
Chief Judge Barbera also expressed gratitude towards Judge Beckstead for her contributions. “I am grateful to Judge Beckstead for her leadership and commitment to the Circuit Court for Wicomico County and the Maryland Judiciary,” she stated.
As administrative judge, Sarbanes will manage court administration, budget, procurement functions, and trial calendars to ensure effective case resolution. “I am truly honored to be selected for this appointment,” said Judge Sarbanes. “I was born and raised in Wicomico County, and I am delighted to continue to serve the residents of the county.”
Judge Sarbanes joined the Circuit Court on February 24, 2014, after working at Laws & Sarbanes, P.A., Adkins, Potts and Smethurst LLP, and serving on various committees including the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Judicial Process.
Reflecting on her term as administrative judge, Beckstead remarked: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as the administrative judge for the last five years.” She looks forward to continuing her work with Drug Court while supporting a smooth transition for Judge Sarbanes.
Judge Sarbanes holds a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law (1999) and a Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury University (1993). His community involvement includes roles with Life Crisis Center, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Fruitland Little League baseball coaching among others.