Associate Judge Kevin R. Hill of the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court has been selected for The Daily Record’s 2026 Leaders in Law recognition, honoring his contributions to Maryland’s legal community.
The announcement came on March 2, 2026, from Baltimore-based The Daily Record, in partnership with presenting sponsor Maryland State Bar Association. Leaders in Law celebrates professionals who demonstrate excellence while serving businesses, clients, individuals, and strengthening communities statewide. Honorees span categories including Leadership in Law, under which Judge Hill is recognized for his dedication to the profession and public service.
Hill, appointed to the bench in July 2025 by Governor Wes Moore to fill a vacancy in the 7th Judicial Circuit, previously served as a family magistrate in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court since November 2020. His career emphasizes public service, including time as a public defender representing indigent clients in Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties’ circuit and district courts. Before law school, he managed his family’s restaurant business for over 15 years.
The 2026 class includes distinguished members across Maryland’s legal field. Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/The Daily Record, noted the honorees’ impact. “The 2026 Leaders in Law are distinguished members of the Maryland legal community who are committed to professional excellence. They are dedicated to the businesses, clients, and individuals they serve,” she said. “Their commitment to public service is impressive, and we at The Daily Record are pleased to join with Presenting Sponsor the Maryland State Bar Association in recognizing them.”
A celebration event is scheduled for April 20, 2026, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport in Linthicum Heights. The Top Leader in the Law Award winner, chosen by vote among the 2026 honorees, will be revealed that evening. Profiles of all recipients will appear in a special magazine insert in The Daily Record’s April 21 issue and online at TheDailyRecord.com.
Judge Hill’s recognition highlights ongoing judicial leadership in Southern Maryland, where St. Mary’s County Circuit Court in Leonardtown handles a broad caseload including family, civil, and criminal matters critical to residents. His elevation from magistrate to associate judge followed a competitive application process and swearing-in ceremony on August 14, 2025, reflecting his courtroom experience in guiding families through challenging cases.
This honor arrives amid broader efforts to acknowledge Maryland’s legal professionals who advance justice and community welfare, particularly in rural and suburban jurisdictions like St. Mary’s County, facing unique demands in family law and public defense.
