Judge William V. Tucker named Administrative Judge of Howard County
Circuit Court

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has named Judge William V. Tucker administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Howard County.

Judge Tucker succeeds outgoing Howard County Administrative Judge Lenore R. Gelfman, who is retiring after more than 29 years on the bench. Judge Tucker’s designation is effective September 30.

“Judge Gelfman led the Circuit Court for Howard County through the complex planning and successful implementation of the Maryland Electronic Courts,” Chief Judge Barbera said. “We were fortunate to have her as a member of the Judiciary’s leadership. We are equally fortunate in her successor. Judge Tucker, who has served Howard County as a judge since December 2011, has the experience to lead the court into the next era. I am confident he will excel in this important leadership role, as he has in so many others,” she added.

County administrative judges oversee the administration of the court, budget, and procurement functions. They also manage trial calendars to ensure the expeditious disposition of cases.

“I am grateful to Chief Judge Barbera for her trust and support,” Judge Tucker said. “I also want to thank Judge Gelfman for her exemplary leadership of the Howard County Circuit Court. She has been county administrative judge since I began my time on the bench and has set an excellent example of effective leadership,” he said. “I am looking forward to this new responsibility, and I thank Chief Judge Barbera for her support and trust.”

Judge Tucker earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1991 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar the same year. He was a law clerk to Judge James B. Dudley, Howard County Circuit Court, from 1991 to 1992. Judge Tucker was an assistant state’s attorney for Howard County from 1992 to 1998 and was chief of the juvenile division from 1995 to 1998. He was an attorney with Shapiro & Tucker, P.A., from 1998 to 2001, and was a sole practitioner from 2001 to 2004. He was master in chancery for the Howard County Circuit Court from 2004 until his appointment as associate judge for the Circuit Court for Howard County on Dec. 29, 2011.

Judge Tucker has been a member of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council in Howard County since 2013 and serves as a member and the subcommittee chair for the Judicial Council’s Juvenile Law Committee. Most recently, Chief Judge Barbera named Judge Tucker to serve on a new state task force that will study gangs and make recommendations to Gov. Larry Hogan about enhancing laws to better deter, prosecute, and punish gang-related criminal activity.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a judge and to serve my community,” Judge Gelfman said. “It has been exciting to move forward with the new circuit courthouse to better serve the legal community and the public at large. The colleagues and court staff with whom I have had the privilege to work on both the circuit and district courts are dedicated professionals,” she said. “I know Judge Tucker will excel as county administrative judge as I have worked with him for many years and admire his temperament, kindness, intellect, and work ethic.”

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