Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has announced that Judge Brian D. Shockley will assume the role of Administrative Judge for the Worcester County Circuit Court starting August 6, 2017. He will take over from Judge Thomas C. Groton III, who is retiring after a long tenure of 34 years on the bench.
In his new position, Judge Shockley will manage court administration, including budget and procurement functions and trial calendars to ensure cases are resolved promptly.
Chief Judge Barbera expressed confidence in Shockley's capabilities: “I am confident Judge Shockley will serve the people of Worcester County and Maryland effectively as County Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, and I look forward to his contributions as a leader in this important capacity.” She also praised Judge Groton's service: “I thank Judge Groton for his distinguished service as Administrative Judge for the past seven years and for his work on the Adult and Juvenile Drug Courts, as well as the Family Recovery Court in Worcester County. Judge Groton has touched and changed many lives for the better.”
Judge Shockley shared his thoughts on being selected: “I am honored to be selected for this opportunity to serve as County Administrative Judge,” adding that he holds great respect for his predecessor: “I have the utmost respect for Judge Groton as a judicial colleague, and I plan to continue his legacy of excellence as I serve in this new capacity.”
Reflecting on his career, retiring judge Thomas C. Groton III stated: “Serving Maryland as an attorney and as a judge for more than 40 years has been an honor and a privilege. I have worked alongside the best colleagues in the entire Judiciary, from the judges to every local employee who contributes on a daily basis to providing justice in our communities. I am confident that Judge Shockley will be a great leader.”
Judge Shockley has been with Worcester County Circuit Court since January 27, 2011. He also serves on the Conference of Circuit Judges representing Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.
Before joining the Circuit Court, he was an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1995 to 1998. His legal career includes roles at Morrow & Hassani (1992-1995), private practice (1995-2000), and partnership at Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison LLP (2001-2011).
He holds degrees from Davidson College (1987) and University of Baltimore School of Law (1992). His early career included clerking for Baltimore County Circuit Court's Leonard S. Jacobson.
Judge Groton began serving in Maryland's District Court in 1983 before becoming District Administrative Judge from 1985 until his appointment to Worcester's Circuit Court in January 1990. He became Worcester's Administrative Judge on July 1, 2010. Notably, he established drug court programs within Worcester County.