Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge John P. Morrissey as the new Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland. This appointment will take effect on June 1, following the retirement of current Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn on May 31.
Judge Morrissey, who was appointed as an associate judge in 2005, will now oversee operations across 34 locations with nearly 2,000 employees and 116 state judges. He is tasked with managing a $165 million annual budget and handling over 1.7 million cases each year. His responsibilities also include leading the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) initiative to enhance e-filing and online capabilities within the court system.
Judge Morrissey expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “It is a great honor to be selected for this key leadership position, and I look forward to supporting the mission and vision for this branch of government.” He also acknowledged Chief Judge Clyburn's leadership: “I thank Chief Judge Clyburn for his tremendous leadership and I look forward to working with him to ensure a seamless transition.”
Chief Judge Barbera praised Morrissey's qualifications, stating, “He is a seasoned jurist with an exceptional background in complex administrative and civil litigation who can provide an invaluable perspective on many policy and fiscal matters facing our state courts.” She also commended outgoing Chief Judge Clyburn for his service: “Chief Judge Clyburn has established a tremendous legacy of fiscal responsibility and accountability, enhanced access to justice, and the integration of technology to streamline court processes.”
In addition to his new duties, Judge Morrissey will serve on several committees including the Judicial Cabinet, Judicial Council, Judiciary’s Legislative Committee, and Maryland Access to Justice Commission. These roles will allow him to advise on policies affecting the judicial system.
Chief Judge Clyburn endorsed Morrissey's appointment by saying: “I believe Judge Morrissey is a great selection. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is a person of great integrity and is a staunch advocate for judicial professionalism.”
Judge Morrissey brings extensive experience from presiding over various case types since his initial appointment in 2006. His contributions have been recognized by several legal organizations including being named "Judge of the Year" by the Maryland State Bar Association Litigation Section in 2013-2014.
Born in Washington D.C., Morrissey has lived in Prince George’s County for over four decades. He holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of Baltimore School of Law.