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New Circuit Administrative Judge Named
Judge Paul A. Hackner to lead Circuit Courts for Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard counties

(ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Sept. 27, 2013) Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has named Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Paul A. Hackner as the new administrative judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit (Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard counties). Judge Hackner will also serve as the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court administrative judge.

Judge Hackner will replace Judge Nancy L. Davis-Loomis when she retires Jan. 1, 2014. Judge Davis-Loomis has been on the bench since 1996. She served as judge for the Anne Arundel District Court from July 1996 to August 2000, when she was appointed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. She has served as county administrative judge since May 2007, and became circuit administrative judge in November 2011.

“It’s been a great privilege to serve the citizens of Maryland. I retire knowing that my esteemed colleague and successor, Judge Hackner, will do a wonderful job,” Judge Davis-Loomis said.

“Judge Davis-Loomis has provided exemplary service to the Judiciary and the people of Maryland for the past 17 years,” Chief Judge Barbera said. “I know that Judge Hackner, with his impressive record of service and leadership, will build upon Judge Davis-Loomis’ fine example of management.”

Circuit administrative judges oversee the administration of the courts, budget and procurement functions, and trial calendars to ensure the expeditious disposition of cases. They supervise county administrative judges, and may also supervise judges, officers, and employees.

“I am honored that Chief Judge Barbera has selected me for this position, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the high standards established by our courts to ensure timely and fair access to justice,” Judge Hackner said. “I am particularly excited to be part of the Maryland Electronic Courts project and the transition to a fully electronic court.”

Judge Hackner has been a judge for the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court since June 2002, joining that court after five years as judge for the county’s District Court. He serves as a criminal case management judge and has been designated as one of the business/technology judges for Anne Arundel County. Judge Hackner has served as a member of the Judiciary’s Interpreter and Translations Committee and has been specially assigned to hear cases in the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.

After completing his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland, Judge Hackner earned his J.D. from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, in 1975, and was admitted to the Maryland Bar the same year. Before becoming a judge, he practiced law in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties for 22 years, concentrating on complex civil litigation. He served in the State’s Attorney’s Office from 1976-1977 and in the Office of the Public Defender from 1985-1987.

Judge Hackner is a member of the Maryland State and Anne Arundel County bar associations, and is a past member of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association’s Board of Trustees.

“It has been an honor to serve with Judge Davis-Loomis, and Judge Hackner is a worthy successor. He will provide valuable expertise and leadership, particularly with the Maryland Electronic Courts project,” said Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Laura S. Kiessling.

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