Suzanne C. Johnson has been appointed as the clerk of the Maryland Court of Appeals. She will officially assume her duties following a swearing-in ceremony by the governor on December 13, 2018.
Johnson has been with the Court of Appeals since October 11, 2017, serving as chief deputy clerk and later as acting clerk from October 1, 2018, after Bessie Decker's retirement. Decker dedicated over three decades to the Maryland Judiciary, including more than ten years in her role as clerk.
In her new position, Johnson will oversee various functions within the Clerk’s Office for Maryland's highest appellate court. Her responsibilities include managing staff and operations, maintaining court records, and overseeing attorney grievance and judicial disabilities dockets.
Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera expressed confidence in Johnson's capabilities: “Ms. Johnson brings a wealth of experience in the appellate courts to the role of clerk of court,” she said. “Her appellate legal expertise, education, background, and work ethic make her an outstanding choice to serve as clerk of the Court of Appeals.”
Before joining the Clerk’s Office, Johnson worked extensively within Maryland's judicial system. She served as senior law clerk for Judge Kathryn Grill Graeff at the Court of Special Appeals from 2012-2017 and for Judge James R. Eyler from 2006-2012 after initially working as a law clerk from 2004-2005.
Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in jurisprudence from the University of Baltimore (cum laude) and a Juris Doctor from its School of Law (magna cum laude). She was involved with both the University’s Law Review and Heuisler Honor Society during her studies. In addition to these qualifications, she earned a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Maryland in 2017 with a focus on self-represented litigants and access to justice.
Reflecting on her appointment, Johnson stated: "I am honored to be selected as the clerk of the court, and I hope to build on Bessie Decker's legacy of excellence. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Maryland in this capacity."