In Annapolis, Maryland, changes in judicial leadership have been announced by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Maryland Court of Appeals. Effective November 1, 2016, Judge W. Timothy Finan will assume the role of Circuit Administrative Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Concurrently, Judge Daniel P. Dwyer will become the Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Washington County.
These appointments follow a request from the retiring Honorable M. Kenneth Long to ensure a smooth transition. Although he is set to retire in 2017, Judge Long will continue his duties at the Washington County Circuit Court until then.
Circuit Administrative Judges manage court administration within their circuits while County Administrative Judges handle court operations, budgets, procurement functions, and trial schedules to expedite case resolutions.
Chief Judge Barbera expressed gratitude for Judge Long's contributions: “We are grateful to Judge Long for his service both as Circuit Administrative Judge and as Administrative Judge for Washington County and appreciate that he will continue to preside over cases in Washington County.” She also voiced confidence in Judges Finan and Dwyer’s abilities to uphold strong leadership within western Maryland’s Circuit Courts.
Judge Finan has an extensive legal background beginning with his appointment to the District Court of Maryland in 1987 by Governor William Donald Schaefer. He joined the Circuit Court for Allegany County in 2002 under Governor Parris N. Glendening and became its Administrative Judge in 2015. A graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, he served as a law clerk to former-Chief Judge Robert C. Murphy and was a member of the House of Delegates from 1983 to 1987.
“I am honored to serve as Circuit Administrative Judge and hope to continue the tradition of thoughtful justice and leadership for the people of western Maryland,” said Judge Finan.
Judge Dwyer was appointed by Governor Martin O’Malley in 2009 and serves on the Juvenile Law Committee of the Judicial Council. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1984 and previously worked as an assistant state’s attorney for Washington County before becoming a domestic relations master.
“I am honored to serve the people of Washington County as Administrative Judge,” stated Judge Dwyer.
The Maryland Judiciary aims to provide efficient and transparent justice services across its courts statewide.