New administrative judge named for Montgomery County Circuit Court

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Judge Karla N. Smith has been named the administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Her appointment begins March 14, 2026, and was announced via a news release from Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader.

She will replace Judge James A. Bonifant, who is retiring.

Administrative judges oversee the administration of the court, budget and procurement functions and manage trial calendars.

“I congratulate Judge Bonifant on his forthcoming retirement and thank him for his leadership while serving as both circuit and county administrative judge,” Fader said. “Judge Smith is an accomplished jurist and leader in Montgomery County. Her work on the bench and in this new role will continue to ensure fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.”

Smith was appointed to the District Court in Montgomery County in Aug. 2012 by Gov. Martin O’Malley. She served as member of the Judiciary’s Public Awareness Committee from 2013 to 2015, and the chair of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council from 2014 to 2017.

She was appointed to the Circuit Court bench in Jan. 2015 and has served as the presiding judge for the Montgomery County Adult Drug Court since 2021.

“I am honored to have been selected by Chief Justice Fader to be the next administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County,” said Smith. “The court has a long, proud history of diligently serving the citizens of Montgomery County. We will continue to honor that legacy by ensuring all county residents have efficient and equitable access to justice.”

Prior to her joining the bench, Smith served as a prosecutor for over 15 years in both Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1991 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995. She was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1995 and the District of Columbia Bar in 1997.