New judicial appointments announced for Prince George’s County circuit court

New judicial appointments announced this week will alter the bench in Prince George’s County and could change who oversees pending local cases. The Maryland Judiciary posted a notice dated January 13, 2026 linking to the governor’s full news release, which lists the names of appointees and the effective dates of their service.

The announcements stem from the governor’s appointments to fill vacancies on the circuit courts serving Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The judiciary’s page points readers to the governor’s release for complete details on each appointment and the dates those judges will begin hearing cases. For county residents, the most immediate consequence is administrative: case assignments, courtroom schedules, and docket order can shift when a new judge takes the bench.

Locally, Prince George’s County litigants, attorneys, and court staff should expect routine reassignment of cases and possible short-term scheduling adjustments as chambers organize calendars. Changes in judge assignments can affect timelines for hearings, motions, and trial settings. Parties with active matters should verify which judge now handles their case by contacting the Clerk of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court or checking the court’s online docket. Attorneys who manage multiple cases in the county will want to confirm appearances and calendar entries to avoid missed dates.

Beyond scheduling, appointments can influence the court’s institutional expertise and the composition of specialty dockets. New judges bring varied professional backgrounds and courtroom practices, which may affect how certain matters are managed—family law calendars, criminal dockets, civil caseload priorities, and probation reviews among them. For community organizations that interact regularly with the court—victim advocacy groups, legal aid providers, and mediation services—early outreach to new chambers can smooth transitions and help maintain continuity of services.

These appointments also matter politically and institutionally because gubernatorial selections shape the judiciary’s profile for years. While the governor’s release contains the official names and start dates, the operational impacts will be most visible at the courthouse level: who hears your case, how calendars run, and how courtroom resources are deployed across Prince George’s County.

Our two cents? If you have an upcoming hearing in Prince George’s County, verify the judge and time now, call the clerk’s office if anything seems different, and touch base with your attorney to confirm your case status. Small steps like checking the docket can save you a last-minute scramble.