Dover, DE – The Delaware Senate today confirmed the nomination of Abigail Legrow to serve as Judge on the Superior court, filling the vacancy that was created by the retirement of the Honorable Fred S. Silverman as well as Kim DeBonte to serve as Commissioner of the Delaware Family Court, filling the vacancy that was created as a result of the retirement of the Honorable Pamela Holloway. The Governor issued this statement following the confirmations:

“Abigail Legrow will be a great addition to the Superior Court where I know she will continue to be an outstanding public servant to Delawareans. I appreciate the Senate showing their support and confirming her.”

“Kim DeBonte is a strong and dedicated advocate for Delaware families.  I thank the members of the Senate for showing their support and confirming such an experienced attorney to the Family Court.”

###

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today announced he will nominate Abigail Myers Legrow, who currently serves as a Master in the Court of Chancery, to become a Judge of the Superior Court. He also announced he will nominate Kim DeBonte, who currently works for the State of Delaware’s Office of the Child Advocate, to become a Family Court Commissioner in Sussex County. If confirmed by the Senate, Legrow will fill the vacancy that resulted from the retirement of the Honorable Judge Fred S. Silverman in late November, and DeBonte will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Pamela Holloway.

As a Master in Chancery since her 2012 appointment to that position, Legrow has presided over hearings and written dozens of recommendation opinions on a wide variety of time-sensitive legal disputes, including business disputes, trusts and estates, and guardianships.

Prior to her appointment as a Master in Chancery, Legrow served as a corporate litigation associate at the Wilmington-based law firm Potter Anderson & Corroon. Before joining Potter Anderson, Legrow served as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice Jack B. Jacobs of the Delaware Supreme Court. LeGrow graduated in 2004 from the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, where she was the valedictorian of her class and the Editor of the Penn State Law Review. Legrow earned her Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Susquehanna University.

“Abigail Legrow has demonstrated the work ethic, intellect, ability to make timely and well-informed decisions, and professional demeanor that is required for a Judge of the Superior Court,” said Governor Markell. “Her three years of judicial experience in her prior role as a Master in Chancery make her uniquely qualified to immediately excel as a Superior Court Judge. If confirmed by the Senate, the State of Delaware would be fortunate to retain Abby as a dedicated public servant in this new role.”

“I am honored to have been selected by Governor Markell to join the Superior Court,” said Legrow. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity that I have had as a Master of the Court of Chancery and, if confirmed by the Senate, I very much look forward to making the transition to the Superior Court.”

Through her work as an attorney at the State of Delaware’s Office of the Child Advocate, DeBonte has directly participated in a wide variety of issues that regularly come before the Family Court. Prior to her time at the Office of the Child Advocate, DeBonte worked in private legal practice, focusing on litigation and family law. In addition to her legal work, she has taught classes as an adjunct professor at Delaware Technical & Community College, where she also is a past member of the Advisory Committee for the Office and Administrative Technology Program. DeBonte graduated from Widener University School of Law in 1997.

“Kim DeBonte is a dedicated and talented attorney and advocate, with extensive experience in the very issues she will be considering as a Family Court Commissioner,” said Governor Markell. “She has demonstrated the desire, skills and work ethic necessary to succeed in her role addressing the Family Court’s challenging docket. I believe the Senate’s approval of Kim as a Family Court Commissioner will strengthen an already deep bench of dedicated jurists.”

“I am honored to have been selected by Governor Markell to join the Family Court,” said DeBonte. “If confirmed, I understand the hard work and commitment that will be necessary to make sure that anyone appearing before me in my new role receives all of the attention and services that they deserve.”

The Senate is expected to consider both nominations when legislative session resumes in January 2016.

###

Dover, DE – The Delaware Senate today confirmed the nomination of Natalie Haskins to serve as a Judge on the Delaware Family Court, filling the vacancy that was created as a result of the death of the Honorable Alan Cooper. The Governor issued this statement following the confirmation:

“Natalie Haskins is dedicated to serving Delaware’s families and her commitment will only be further strengthened as she assumes the role of a Family Court Judge. I thank the members of the Senate for showing their support.”

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today announced the nomination of Natalie J. Haskins, a native Delawarean and talented and dedicated public servant, to serve as a judge of the Family Court. If confirmed by the Senate, Haskins would fill the vacancy that was created as a result of the death of the Honorable Alan Cooper.

In her current position as an Assistant Public Defender representing juveniles in criminal litigation, and in her previous roles as a Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice’s Criminal and Family Divisions and in the Office of the Child Advocate, Haskins gained a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Family Court system and a passion for public service. Haskins began her legal career as an Associate at the Wilmington law firm Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, where she handled civil litigation matters.

“Natalie’s experience in the various parts of the Family Court system, intellect, work ethic and passion for public service will make her an excellent addition to the Family Court,” said Governor Markell. “If confirmed by the Senate, I am confident Natalie will be able to hit the ground running and continue her hard work on behalf of children and families in Delaware.”

Haskins, a native Delawarean, is a graduate of Newark High School and the University of Delaware. She received her law degree from American University. She currently resides in Wilmington with her husband and three children.

“I am honored to have been selected by Governor Markell to join the Family Court,” said Haskins. “If I am confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Delaware in my new role as a Judge of the Family Court.”

The Senate is scheduled to consider this nomination, along with the nomination of Carla Benson-Green as Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families during a special session on Monday, November 30.

###

Dover, DE – The Delaware Senate today confirmed nominations for three open judicial positions as well as nominations for re-appointment of three respected members of the judiciary.  The confirmations are as follows (more information on each of the appointees is pasted below and pictures are available here):

Tamika Montgomery-Reeves was confirmed by the Senate to become Vice Chancellor of the Court of Chancery, succeeding Vice Chancellor Donald F. Parsons, Jr., whose term expired on October 22^nd.

“Tamika is an accomplished corporate lawyer whose experience and passion for service will be a tremendous asset on Delaware’s Court of Chancery,” said Governor Markell. “I thank the members of the Senate for showing their support.”

Jennifer Ranji was confirmed by the Senate to serve as a judge on the Delaware Family Court, replacing Judge William L. Chapman Jr., who announced plans to retire and return to private practice earlier this month.

“Jennifer has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others, making her an excellent addition to Delaware’s Family Court,” said Governor Markell. “I thank the members of the Senate for considering her nomination and I’m confident she will continue to serve the children and families of Delaware well in her new role.”

Danielle Blount was confirmed by the Senate to serve as a commissioner on the Delaware Family Court. She will succeed Commissioner Mary Ann Herlihy, who is set retire from state service at the end of this month.

“Danielle’s courtroom experience as well as her intense knowledge of and passion for the issues impacting our most vulnerable citizens have earned her the respect of her colleagues and members of the community she serves,” said Governor Markell. “I have every confidence she will serve our state well as a member of the Delaware Family Court and thank the Senate for confirming her nomination.”

The Senate also confirmed three judicial officers for re-appointment:  Superior Court Judge Mary Johnston, Family Court Judge Arlene Coppadge, and Justice of the Peace Court Chief Magistrate Alan Davis.

“Today’s reappointments by the Senate of three respected members of Delaware’s courts speak to the quality of our judiciary,” said Governor Markell. “I am confident each of them will continue to serve with distinction and appreciate the Senate’s consideration.”

###