Governor’s Statement on Confirmations of Superior and Family Court Nominees

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.”

###


Governor Markell Announces Judicial Nominations for Superior and 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.

###