Leonardtown, Md. — Kevin R. Hill was sworn in as a St. Mary’s County judge on August 14, 2025, during a ceremony at the Circuit Court in Leonardtown. The event marked his transition to the bench, filling the vacancy left by the death of Judge Michael J. Stamm in October 2024. Governor Wes Moore appointed Hill to the position in June 2025, selecting him from candidates to serve on the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which includes St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, and Prince George’s counties.
Hill, who had served as the family law magistrate in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court since 2020, assumes responsibilities that include overseeing a range of cases in this rural Southern Maryland jurisdiction. The appointment followed Stamm’s unexpected passing, which created an immediate need for continuity in the court’s operations. A reception for investiture guests followed the swearing-in at St. Clair West in Clements, Md.
Before his role as magistrate, Hill built a diverse legal career rooted in public service across Southern Maryland. He worked as an assistant public defender for several years, representing clients in criminal misdemeanor, civil, and serious felony cases in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties. Later, he transitioned to the prosecutor’s side, serving as an assistant state’s attorney in the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. In that capacity, he was recognized as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2017 for his contributions to the legal system.
Hill’s path to becoming a St. Mary’s County judge also includes unique experiences outside the courtroom. Prior to law school, he managed his family’s restaurant businesses for more than 15 years, first at Hill’s Halfway House in Mechanicsville, Md., and then at St. Mary’s Landing Restaurant in Charlotte Hall, Md. During his investiture remarks, Hill noted that these years shaped his work ethic and deepened his understanding of the needs of St. Mary’s County citizens, gained from serving the public and collaborating with his parents to sustain a local family-owned enterprise.
In addition to his judicial duties, Hill contributes to education and community initiatives. He currently holds a position as an adjunct associate professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where he instructs courses in business law, litigation, and professional development. His involvement extends to serving on two local nonprofit boards of directors, volunteering with the W.A.R.M. program — which provides winter shelter and assistance to those in need in St. Mary’s County — and leading a mentorship program for recent law school graduates. These efforts highlight his commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals and addressing community challenges in Southern Maryland.
Hill’s academic credentials further prepared him for his role as a St. Mary’s County judge. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, achieving the distinction of being the institution’s first graduate with a triple major in political science, public policy, and economics with a business concentration. He then obtained his law degree with honors from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. There, he received recognition as Washington Area Clinical Law Student of the Year, won the school’s Dean’s Cup, and served as an associate editor on the law review.
The vacancy Hill fills stems from the loss of Judge Michael J. Stamm, who served as the county administrative judge for the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court from March 2018 until his death on October 2, 2024, at age 68. Stamm, a resident of Hollywood, Md., had been on the bench since 2006 and was known for his work in judicial reform, particularly in youth-related matters. He advocated for programs aimed at juvenile justice, leaving a lasting impact on the court’s approach to such cases in Southern Maryland. Flags were lowered to half-staff across the state in his honor, reflecting his contributions to the judiciary. Local officials and the legal community expressed condolences, noting Stamm’s dedication over nearly two decades.
As a newly appointed St. Mary’s County judge, Hill faces a structured onboarding process through the Maryland Judiciary. Over the coming months, he will complete mandatory orientations and instructional sessions, including multi-day courses in family law, criminal law, new judge orientation, and the Office of Administrative Courts judicial conference on child abuse, neglect, and dependency. These requirements ensure judges are equipped to handle the diverse docket in a circuit court serving Southern Maryland’s communities.
Looking ahead, Hill must stand for election in the 2026 cycle to retain his seat for a full 15-year term, as per Maryland’s judicial selection process where appointees face voters in the next general election. This system balances gubernatorial appointments with public accountability, a framework that has shaped the state’s judiciary for decades.
Hill’s elevation to St. Mary’s County judge represents a continuation of public service in a region where the circuit court plays a key role in resolving disputes and upholding justice. His background in both defense and prosecution, combined with local ties, positions him to address the needs of residents in this part of Southern Maryland effectively.
