Lengthy judicial selection process keeps Judge Thomas Marshall on court

February 28, 2011

Harford County, Maryland: Judge Thomas E. Marshall retired from Maryland's Third Circuit, Harford County on January 10, 2011, but he will remain on the court for awhile longer. In fact, the vacancy he created on the court has not even been officially announced. Although this announcement is expected in March, it is unknown how long it will take for a new judge to be appointed. Until then, Marshall will continue to hear cases on the court. He also plans to serve as a part-time judge after the new judge is appointed.

The judicial selection process in Maryland takes several months, according to Laura Bearsch, chairwoman of the Harford Judicial Nominating Commission. First, the Commission members must be appointed by the governor's office. This is expected to take place in the next few weeks. Once all the members are appointed, the Commission has 85 days to review applications, make interviews and send a short-list of nominees to the Governor, who makes the final appointment. Regarding the Commission's methods, Bearsch explained, “We are generally looking at [the applicant] both as an attorney and in the community, and the reason why they want to be in the position. We’re obviously looking to keep the bench appropriate, diverse and skilled."