Del. governor nominates new Chief Justice

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has nominated Chancellor Leo Strine, Jr., to serve as the highest ranking member of the state’s judiciary. 

Gov. Markell made the announcement today, calling on Strine to serve as the eighth Chief Justice of Delaware’s Supreme Court, succeeding the Honorable Myron Steele, who retired in November. The Delaware Senate must confirm the nomination. 

“With his superior intellect, incredible work ethic, and substantial judicial experience, Leo Strine is well-positioned to build upon our courts’ deserved reputation for excellence if he is confirmed by the Senate,” said Markell.

Strine has served as a judge on the Court of Chancery since 1998 and as Chancellor since 2011. Prior to joining the bench, he was legal counsel and policy coordinator to then Gov. Tom Carper.

“For over 21 years, I have committed my professional life to serving the people of Delaware,” said Strine. “If the Senate confirms me to this important position, I will do everything I can to repay the confidence they and the governor will have entrusted in me by working cooperatively with my colleagues to preserve Delaware’s tradition of judicial excellence.”

The former corporate litigator graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1988, and received his Bachelor’s Degree summa cum laude from the University of Delaware.

Strine graduated from A.I. DuPont High School in 1982. He grew up in Hockessin, where he now lives with his wife Carrie and two sons, James and Benjamin.