Governor Meyer Nominated New Delaware Chancery Vice Chancellor
The nomination of a prominent firm partner to the state's influential business court now moves to the Senate.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in People
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Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has nominated Kyle Lachmund to serve as a vice chancellor on the Delaware Court of Chancery. The appointment requires confirmation by the Delaware Senate before the nominee can take the bench.
Why it matters
The Delaware Court of Chancery serves as the primary forum for corporate law disputes in the United States, making the composition of the court a critical factor for business entities incorporated in the state. New appointments impact the court's judicial philosophy on corporate governance, mergers, and shareholder litigation.
The nomination fills a vacancy on the five-judge Delaware Court of Chancery, which is the nation's premier venue for corporate litigation. The court hears cases ranging from complex mergers to internal governance disputes for a vast majority of U.S. publicly traded companies.
The players
Matt Meyer
The current Governor of Delaware who holds the executive authority to appoint state judges.
Kyle Lachmund
A partner at the corporate law firm Richards, Layton & Finger PA and a former clerk for the Court of Chancery.
Delaware Court of Chancery
The premier U.S. trial court for corporate and business law matters, known for its expertise in governance disputes.
J. Travis Laster
A presiding Vice Chancellor on the Delaware Court of Chancery who previously employed the nominee as a clerk.
Delaware Senate
The legislative body with the constitutional authority to confirm or reject gubernatorial judicial nominations.
The details
Kyle Lachmund, currently a partner at the Wilmington-based firm Richards, Layton & Finger PA, is a former clerk for Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster. If confirmed by the Delaware Senate, Lachmund will join the bench that dictates the standards for corporate conduct and fiduciary duties. The court functions without juries, meaning the vice chancellors' interpretation of Delaware law provides the final word for many high-stakes business conflicts.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Governor Matt Meyer announced the nomination of Kyle Lachmund.
Market Landscape
The selection of a partner from a major Wilmington law firm to the Delaware Court of Chancery follows the established appointment process for maintaining the bench's legal expertise. This nomination continues the court's tradition of selecting judges with deep backgrounds in corporate litigation and fiduciary law.
Business operators with entities incorporated in Delaware should monitor the Senate confirmation proceedings to track potential shifts in judicial doctrine. While the nominee has deep roots in local corporate law, outcomes in future governance disputes may depend on the new vice chancellor's specific approach to case law.
The takeaway
Judicial appointments in Delaware define the legal boundaries for corporate governance and shareholder rights nationwide. Operators should monitor the Senate confirmation hearings for any testimony regarding the nominee's view on current corporate litigation trends.
Further reading
For more on shifts in judicial and corporate leadership, visit the Delaware People section.
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