Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Judge S. James Sarbanes Named Administrative Judge for Wicomico County Circuit Court

Circuit Judge S. James Sarbanes has been named administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County effective October 1, 2015. Judge Sarbanes succeeds Judge Kathleen Leonard Beckstead, who will return to full-time service as a trial judge and presiding judge of the Wicomico County Adult Drug Court Program after having served as administrative judge since September 2010.

“Judge Sarbanes has demonstrated the extraordinary leadership and management acumen that is requisite to the administration of a Circuit Court. His prior experience as a fine lawyer and effective manager will benefit the Circuit Court for Wicomico County and the people it serves,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “In his tenure as a judge, Judge Sarbanes has quickly proved he is an asset to the Maryland Judiciary. I look forward to working with him in this new role.”

“I am grateful to Judge Beckstead for her leadership and commitment to the Circuit Court for Wicomico County and the Maryland Judiciary. Judge Beckstead has made invaluable contributions to the people and State of Maryland through her excellent work with the adult drug court, as a member of the Maryland Judicial Council’s Specialty Courts and Dockets Committee and a variety of commissions and committees,” said Chief Judge Barbera.


As administrative judge, Judge Sarbanes will oversee the administration of the court, its budget and procurement functions, and trial calendars to ensure the effective and expeditious resolution of cases.

“I am truly honored to be selected for this appointment,” said Judge Sarbanes. “I was born and raised in Wicomico County, and I am delighted to continue to serve the residents of the county, and the entire state of Maryland, in this capacity. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in this public service role, where I can support the Judiciary’s mission to provide fair, efficient and effective justice.”

Judge Sarbanes was appointed to the Circuit Court for Wicomico County on February 24, 2014 and sworn in on March 21, 2014. He joined the bench after serving as a partner at the law firm of Laws & Sarbanes, P.A. He also served as an associate at Adkins, Potts and Smethurst, LLP and is a former member of the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Judicial Process.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve as the administrative judge for the last five years,” said Judge Beckstead. “I am very grateful for the support and superb work of my judicial colleagues and the excellent court staff during my term as administrative judge. I look forward to resuming my duties as presiding judge of Drug Court and my other judicial functions. I am delighted that Judge Sarbanes, with whom I am working closely to ensure a smooth transition, will be the beneficiary of that same excellence and support in the years to come.”

Judge Sarbanes earned a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law in 1999 and a Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury University in 1993. He served as a law clerk to Judge Daniel M. Long, Circuit Court for Somerset County, and Judge Dale R. Cathell (ret.) of the Court of Appeals. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and as President of Life Crisis Center, an organization serving individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. In addition, Judge Sarbanes served as vice president of the Wicomico County Optimist Club and is a member of the Salisbury Elks Club. He is active as a baseball coach with Fruitland Little League and Man Up and also coaches football with the Fruitland Falcons.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does this mean another opening that MJ Caldwell possibly could fill? I still would like to see him as a local judge.

Anonymous said...

The whole court system is a racket and a joke. Just give them your money that's what they want. With this appointment they continue to show just what a joke they are all the way to the supremes!

Anonymous said...

Sarbanes politics. The gift that keeps on giving. 50 years now I believe too long!!!

Anonymous said...

Judge Sarbanes will do a wonderful job for the citizens of Wicomico Co.! The staff can rest comfortably now with a good leader !

Anonymous said...

WTF is going on here? Why am I not understanding all of this?

Is Judge Beckstead getting demoted?

Unknown said...

She should

Anonymous said...

If you only knew the truth...

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Does this mean another opening that MJ Caldwell possibly could fill? I still would like to see him as a local judge.

July 17, 2015 at 8:58 AM

If not there is a soon to be retirement that he can fill, but he has to apply for it again.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Judge Sarbanes will do a wonderful job for the citizens of Wicomico Co.! The staff can rest comfortably now with a good leader !

July 17, 2015 at 9:22 AM

OH BARF!!

I heard enough of this crap during the elections. Nothing but lies from his few circle of friends and his daddy Tony.

Anonymous said...

Has Judge Jimmy paid any of his bills yet? Is his house still in foreclosure?

Anonymous said...

mark jones said...
She should

July 17, 2015 at 9:59 AM

Aw, did she sentence you?

Anonymous said...

Isn't there something Governor Hogan can do about this? This guy is a poor example to the good citizens of Wicomico County. He refuses to pay his own bills.

Anonymous said...

The Sarbanes dynasty is so political and politically connected, they can get any position they choose. Every appointment for S. James is just a stepping stone. This is just the beginning.

Anonymous said...

Nepotism at its best.

Anonymous said...

Just a few months ago I saw his name published for not paying his real estate taxes for this past year.

What is the problem? I am sure he makes about five times what I make in a year and for some reason,

I pay my taxes on time and I am just a one income homeowner. I thought that I saw his wife is in real

estate so between the two of them, they can't pay their taxes on time???????

Anonymous said...

Is that a demotion for judge Beckstead?She always seem fair,really more fair than most of the men judges.

Anonymous said...

Judge Beckstead has been a bright light on the Wicomico Circuit Court Bench, but can't restore the luster it had under Travers, Pollitt (Richard, not rick) and Truitt because of the incompetence of the other sitting members.

Anonymous said...

Judge Beckstead has been a bright light on the Wicomico Circuit Court Bench, but can't restore the luster it had under Travers, Pollitt (Richard, not rick) and Truitt because of the incompetence of the other sitting members.

Anonymous said...

No comment I like her but right move at this time. If the public knew the truth they would be on board.

Anonymous said...

I heard a car leaked oil and left a spot....

Anonymous said...

The spot was you.