Judge Brett R. Wilson named Washington County administrative judge

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has named Judge Brett R. Wilson as county administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Washington County. The designation is effective on September 3, 2021, when Washington County Administrative Judge Daniel P. Dwyer will step down in preparation for his retirement, which will be 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 Maryland Court of Appeals 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 will succeed County Administrative Judge Daniel P. Dwyer, who has served in that capacity since November 1, 2016. Judge Dwyer was appointed to the circuit court by then-Governor Martin O'Malley on March 12, 2009, and was sworn in as a judge on April 3, 2009. Judge Dwyer serves as a member of the Juvenile Law Committee of the Judicial Council. Prior to his appointment to the circuit court bench, he served as an assistant state's attorney for Washington County from 1987 to 1994 and as a domestic relations master, now known as a family law magistrate, for the Circuit Court for Washington County from 1996 to 2009. Judge Dwyer has served as chair of the Mental Health Advisory Committee for Washington County since 2007 and as a member since 2002. Since 2016, Judge Dwyer has served as a member of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council in Washington County and as chair of the Western Maryland Children's Center Advisory Board.

“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 Washington County Administrative Judge Daniel P. 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 oversee the administration of the court, budget, and procurement functions. They also manage trial calendars to ensure the expeditious disposition of cases.

Judge Brett R. Wilson was appointed to the Circuit Court for Washington County by Governor Larry Hogan on October 23, 2017, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge M. Kenneth Long, Jr. Sworn in on November 17, 2017, Judge Wilson currently serves as a member of the Court Access and Community Relations Committee of the Judicial Council and chair of its Self-Represented Litigant Subcommittee. In addition, Judge Wilson is chair of the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.

“I am honored to be selected by Chief Judge Barbera for this new leadership role,” said 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.”

Judge Wilson formerly served as a member of the House of Delegates, representing District 2B, Washington County, from January 14, 2015 to November 17, 2017. He served as a ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.

Prior to his appointment to the Circuit Court for Washington County, Judge Wilson served as an assistant state’s attorney for Washington County from 2002 to 2017. He also served as a supervising attorney on the Narcotics Task Force from 2004 to 2008 and as lead prosecutor at the Child Advocacy Center from 2007 to 2015. Judge Wilson worked in private practice from 1997 to 2002 and served as an assistant public defender for Washington County from 1996 to 1997.

Judge Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1989 and a juris doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1993. He was admitted to Maryland Bar that same year.

Judge Wilson served as a law clerk to Judge Cypert O. Whitfill, Circuit Court for Harford County, from 1993 to 1994, and as a law clerk to Judge William W. Wenner, Court of Special Appeals, from 1994 to 1995.

Judge Wilson is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association and was formerly a member of its Young Lawyer’s Association. He is also a member of the Washington County Bar Association and a former member of its Board of Directors. Judge Wilson also served on the Judicial Nominating Commission for Washington County from 1998 to 2002. In addition, he has served on several boards and commissions, including serving as chairman of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Hagerstown from 2004 to 2014; member of the Ethics Commission for the City of Hagerstown from 2011 to 2014; chairman of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission from 2007 to 2013; member and chairman of the PenMar Development Corporation from 1997 to 2003; and member of the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association Subcommittee for Legislative Issues, Child Abuse, from 2010 to 2014.