Kathaleen St. J. McCormick, the Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery, has taken a temporary leave of absence due to surgery on her spine the court announced Tuesday.
The Court of Chancery, known for its expertise in business law matters, expects Chancellor McCormick to resume her duties by the end of September 2023.
Chancellor McCormick’s departure for medical reasons is not expected to significantly disrupt the functioning of the Court officials said in a statement. The Court’s operations will proceed during her absence. Chancellor McCormick expressed gratitude toward her judicial colleagues and the court staff for their support, expressing confidence that the Court will continue to operate effectively in her absence.
“I want to thank all my judicial colleagues and the court staff while I take time to address medical
issues and I know the court will be in good hands until my return,” she said.
During Chancellor McCormick’s leave, the Court’s functioning will be as follows: Cases that were under her consideration before her temporary departure will experience a slightly extended timeline for resolution. Matters that lack urgency will continue to be managed by the Chancellor’s colleagues and will remain on her docket. Urgent matters will be reallocated to other judicial officers within the Court as necessary. Parties affected by case reassignments will receive notifications from the court regarding these changes.
Chancellor Kathaleen St. J. McCormick has a notable history within the Delaware Court of Chancery. She was initially appointed as a Vice Chancellor in November 2018, and in May 2021, she achieved the significant distinction of becoming the first woman to lead the Court in its 231-year history when she was elevated to the position of Chancellor.