Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Paul A. Hackner as the new administrative judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard counties. Judge Hackner will also assume the role of Anne Arundel County Circuit Court administrative judge.
Judge Hackner will succeed Judge Nancy L. Davis-Loomis upon her retirement on January 1, 2014. Judge Davis-Loomis has served on the bench since 1996 and held various positions, including Anne Arundel District Court judge from July 1996 to August 2000 before being appointed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. She became county administrative judge in May 2007 and circuit administrative judge in November 2011.
“It’s been a great privilege to serve the citizens of Maryland. I retire knowing that my esteemed colleague and successor, Judge Hackner, will do a wonderful job,” said Judge Davis-Loomis.
Chief Judge Barbera praised Judge Davis-Loomis' service: “Judge Davis-Loomis has provided exemplary service to the Judiciary and the people of Maryland for the past 17 years.” She expressed confidence in Judge Hackner's capabilities: “I know that Judge Hackner, with his impressive record of service and leadership, will build upon Judge Davis-Loomis’ fine example of management.”
Circuit administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, budgetary functions, procurement processes, and trial calendars to ensure efficient case resolution. They supervise county administrative judges and may also oversee other judges, officers, and employees.
“I am honored that Chief Judge Barbera has selected me for this position," stated Judge Hackner. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the high standards established by our courts to ensure timely and fair access to justice." He added his enthusiasm about participating in "the Maryland Electronic Courts project and the transition to a fully electronic court."
Judge Hackner joined the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in June 2002 after serving five years as a District Court judge in the same county. His roles have included criminal case management judge and business/technology judge for Anne Arundel County. He has participated in various committees within the Judiciary system.
His academic background includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland followed by a J.D. from Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law obtained in 1975; he was admitted to practice law in Maryland that same year. Prior to his judicial career, he practiced law focusing on complex civil litigation for over two decades across Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Laura S. Kiessling commented on his appointment: “It has been an honor to serve with Judge Davis-Loomis, and Judge Hackner is a worthy successor. He will provide valuable expertise and leadership particularly with regard towards projects like Maryland Electronic Courts.”