Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge James A. Bonifant as the circuit administrative judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, which includes Frederick and Montgomery counties. He will also serve as the county administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, starting July 6, 2021.
Judge Bonifant will take over from Judge Robert A. Greenberg, who is retiring on August 27, 2021, after more than 15 years at the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Judge Greenberg was appointed to this court on January 11, 2006. He has been a member of the Equal Justice Committee of the Judicial Council and chaired its Operations Subcommittee. Additionally, he served as vice-chair of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities from 2011 to 2015 and currently chairs the Judicial Inquiry Board. He received the Anselm Sodaro Judicial Civility Award from the Maryland State Bar Association.
"Judge Greenberg has been a dedicated and effective leader," said Chief Judge Barbera. "His service to the people of Montgomery County and Maryland has been exemplary." She expressed confidence in Judge Bonifant's ability to fulfill his new role with dedication and integrity.
Reflecting on his tenure, Judge Greenberg stated: “It is truly an honor and a privilege to have served the people of Montgomery County for more than 15 years.” He praised his colleagues in Frederick and Montgomery counties for their contributions during challenging times and expressed confidence in their continued success under Judge Bonifant’s leadership.
County and circuit administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, budget management, procurement functions, and trial calendar management to ensure efficient case resolution.
Judge Bonifant commented: “For many years, I have admired Chief Judge Barbera’s thoughtful and effective leadership.” He acknowledged his predecessor's work during difficult times and expressed gratitude for this opportunity to serve both counties.
Appointed to the Circuit Court for Montgomery County on July 6, 2017, after four years as a family magistrate there, Judge Bonifant serves on several committees within the Judicial Council. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Virginia (1978) and a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law (1982). Before becoming a judge, he worked at various law firms until joining Debelius Clifford Debelius Crawford & Bonifant in 1994.