Judge Eric W. Schaffer named District Administrative Judge for Frederick and Washington Counties

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Frederick County District Court Judge Eric W. Schaffer has been named administrative judge for District 11 (Frederick and Washington counties) of the District Court of Maryland. 

After consulting with and receiving the approval of Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey named Judge Schaffer district administrative judge, effective August 1, 2020.

“Judge Schaffer is an exemplary jurist, and his leadership on the local bench makes him a strong choice for the role of district administrative judge,” said Chief Judge Morrissey. “I look forward to continuing to work with Judge Schaffer in this expanded leadership role.”

Judge Schaffer will succeed Judge Dino E. Flores, Jr., who was appointed to the District Court in Frederick County on July 29, 2016. Judge Flores served two years as the administrative judge for District 11 and will assist Judge Schaffer with the transition to his new responsibilities.

“We are grateful to Judge Flores for his service as district administrative judge of the District Court in Frederick and Washington counties and the state of Maryland,” said Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “I am confident Judge Schaffer will build on his achievements to provide strong leadership and vision for the court to serve the people of Frederick and Washington counties and Maryland.”

District 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 honored by the trust and support Chief Judge Barbera and Chief Judge Morrissey have shown in me in this new chapter of service,” said Judge Schaffer. “It has been a privilege to work with Judge Flores, and I intend to build upon his example of thoughtful leadership. I look forward to this opportunity to serve Frederick and Washington counties and the Maryland courts in a new role.”

Judge Schaffer has served the District Court in Frederick County since October 19, 2018. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University, he earned his Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law, Pennsylvania State University, in 1991, and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in the same year. Before joining the bench, Judge Schaffer was a founding partner of Schaffer and Black, P.C. (1999-2018) and was assistant public defender in District 11, Frederick and Washington counties, from 1992 to 1995. He also served as assistant state’s attorney in Frederick County from 1995 to 1999 and was a member of the Peer Review Committee of the Attorney Grievance Commission from 2004 to 2012 and the Frederick County Affordable Housing Council from 1998 to 2002.

“I have known Judge Schaffer for 25 years, having served with him in the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office and having partnered with him in law practice,” said Judge Flores.  “Judge Schaffer will be an outstanding administrative judge, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and the wonderful District 11 staff.”

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