New Circuit and County Administrative Judges Named

Judge W. Timothy Finan Named Fourth Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge
Judge Daniel P. Dwyer Named Washington County Circuit Court Administrative Judge

(ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, October 17, 2016) — In anticipation of his retirement, the Honorable M. Kenneth Long, currently serving as Administrative Judge for the Fourth Circuit and Washington County, has requested that his successors be designated effective November 1, 2016, in order to be able to effectuate a smooth transition. 

Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera today announced that the Honorable W. Timothy Finan, Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Allegany County, will serve also as Circuit Administrative Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit (Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties).  Chief Judge Barbera further named the Honorable Daniel P. Dwyer to serve as Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Washington County.  Judge Long will retire in 2017, but will continue to serve as a judge for the Washington County Circuit Court until that time.

Circuit Administrative Judges are generally responsible for the administration of the courts within the judicial circuit.  County Administrative Judges oversee the administration of the court, budget and procurement functions, and trial calendars to ensure the expeditious disposition of cases.

“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.  Judge Long has advanced access to justice in western Maryland, and the fairness and integrity he brings to the bench will continue as a valuable asset for the region and the state,” said Chief Judge Barbera.  “I am confident that Judge Finan and Judge Dwyer will continue and build upon the strong leadership and commitment of western Maryland’s Circuit Courts.”

Judge Finan was first appointed to the District Court of Maryland in June 1987 by then-Governor William Donald Schaefer.  He was elevated to the Circuit Court for Allegany County by then-Governor Parris N. Glendening in June 2002.  Judge Finan was designated Administrative Judge for the Circuit Court for Allegany County by Chief Judge Barbera in 2015 and serves on the Legislative Committee of the Maryland Judicial Conference.  After earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1975, Judge Finan was admitted to the Maryland Bar the same year.  He served as a law clerk to former-Chief Judge Robert C. Murphy of the Court of Appeals.  Judge Finan previously served as a member of the House of Delegates, District 1B, in Allegany County, 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.  “I thank Chief Judge Barbera for her trust and confidence and will work diligently to serve western Maryland in this role.” 

Judge Dwyer was appointed to the Washington County Circuit Court by then-Governor Martin O’Malley in 2009.  He serves on the Juvenile Law Committee of the Judicial Council.  Judge Dwyer earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1984 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar shortly after, in 1985.  Judge Dwyer was an assistant state’s attorney for Washington County from 1987 to 1994 and served as what was then referred to as a domestic relations master from 1996 until his appointment to the bench in 2009.

“I am honored to serve the people of Washington County as Administrative Judge.  I appreciate Chief Judge Barbera’s confidence and look forward to continuing the good work of Judge Long, who so ably preceded me,” said Judge Dwyer. 

The Maryland Judiciary advances justice for all who come to Maryland’s courts.  We are an efficient, innovative and accessible court system that works collaboratively with justice partners to serve the people with integrity and transparency.  Learn more at www.mdcourts.gov.

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