Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge H. James West as the new county administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Charles County, effective February 21, 2020. Judge West takes over from Judge Amy Janel Bragunier, who is retiring after nearly 18 years of service in the Circuit Court.
Chief Judge Barbera praised Judge Bragunier's tenure, stating, “Judge Bragunier has served the citizens of Charles County with distinction as a jurist and as an administrative judge.” She also expressed confidence in Judge West's capabilities, noting his qualifications and commitment to justice: “Judge West is a distinguished jurist and is highly qualified for this new assignment. He brings excellent leadership skills and a commitment to justice that will be an invaluable asset to the court.”
The role of county administrative judges includes overseeing court administration, budget management, procurement functions, and managing trial calendars to ensure efficient case disposition.
Expressing gratitude for his new role, Judge West said, “I am honored to have Chief Judge Barbera’s trust and support in this new chapter of service. It has been a privilege to work with Judge Bragunier, and I intend to build upon her wonderful example of thoughtful leadership.”
Judge West was appointed to the Circuit Court for Charles County in April 2014. His background includes serving as a U.S. Army Intelligence Analyst and paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2002 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in 2004.
Before his judicial appointment, he practiced law at Alpert Schreyer, LLC. Additionally, he served on The Jude House Board of Directors from 2009 to 2013 and was president from 2010 to 2013. He also taught as an adjunct professor at the College of Southern Maryland.
Judge Bragunier endorsed her successor by saying, “Judge West will do an outstanding job as administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Charles County. He is respected by his colleagues, attorneys, court personnel, and by judges across the state.”