Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge Brett R. Wilson as the county administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Washington County. This appointment will take effect on September 3, 2021, coinciding with the retirement of Washington County Administrative Judge Daniel P. Dwyer, effective November 1, 2021.
“On behalf of the Maryland Judiciary, I thank Judge Dwyer for his service as a judge, and prior to that as a magistrate of the Circuit Court for Washington County,” said Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “His retirement this fall comes after a distinguished career as a jurist, and he will be missed. I am delighted to appoint Judge Brett R. Wilson as county administrative judge, and I am confident that through his leadership, the Circuit Court for Washington County will build upon its successes during Judge Dwyer’s tenure to ensure access to justice for all who come before the Circuit Court for Washington County.”
Judge Wilson takes over from Judge Dwyer who has held the position since November 1, 2016. Appointed by then-Governor Martin O'Malley in March 2009 and sworn in April of that year, Judge Dwyer has been involved with various committees including serving as chair of the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Washington County since 2007.
“I am honored and humbled to have served as a judge and a magistrate for the people of Washington County for more than 25 years,” said Judge Dwyer. “As I prepare for my retirement in November, I will work with Judge Wilson, my judicial colleagues, and court staff to ensure a smooth transition. It has been a privilege to serve in my hometown, serving both local residents and those throughout the state of Maryland.”
County administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration including budget management and trial calendars.
Judge Brett R. Wilson was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan in October 2017 following the retirement of Judge M. Kenneth Long Jr., officially taking office in November that year. He serves on several committees within the Judicial Council and chairs both its Self-Represented Litigant Subcommittee and Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.
“I am honored to be selected by Chief Judge Barbera for this new leadership role,” stated Judge Wilson. “It has been a privilege to work with Judge Dwyer for the past several years, and I am excited to build upon his legacy while also working with my judicial colleagues and court staff to serve the people of Maryland.”
Before his current role, Judge Wilson represented District 2B in Washington County's House of Delegates from January 2015 until November 2017 where he was part of the Judiciary Committee.
Wilson's legal career began after earning his Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland followed by his juris doctorate from University Of Baltimore School Of Law; admitted into Maryland Bar same year (1993). His experience includes roles such as assistant state's attorney (2002-2017), private practice lawyer (1997-2002), assistant public defender (1996-1997) among others.