Hogan names four attorneys to circuit-court judgeships

Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday appointed four veteran attorneys to circuit court judgeships in Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Howard counties.

Hogan named Donna McCabe Schaeffer and Stacy W. McCormack to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, filling seats left vacant by the retirements of judges Paul A. Hackner and Philip T. Caroom.

The governor also appointed Harry C. Storm to the Montgomery County Circuit Court, replacing Judge Audrey A. Creighton, who resigned earlier this year. Storm is also in the incoming president of the Maryland State Bar Association.

In addition, Hogan named Lisa L. Broten to the Howard County Circuit Court, filling the seat of retired Judge Sue-Ellen Hantman.

“After conducting a thorough vetting process, I am confident that Ms. McCormack, Ms. Schaeffer, Mr. Storm and Ms. Broten are the most qualified candidates to fill these vacancies,” Hogan said in a statement announcing the appointments. “Their extensive legal experience in our state has prepared them well and I offer my sincere congratulations.”

Schaeffer, a University of Maryland School of Law graduate who joined the state bar 30 years ago, was most recently a partner at Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan P.A. in Annapolis.

McCormack, an Annapolis solo practitioner, graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law and joined the Maryland bar in 1996.

Storm, a University of Baltimore School of Law graduate who joined the state bar 36 years ago, was most recently a partner at Lerch, Early & Brewer Chtd. in Bethesda.

Broten, who has served as an assistant Howard County state’s attorney since joining the Maryland bar in 1998, graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law.