Judge Kevin P. Braig intends to bring a personal touch to the bench.
The incoming Logan County Common Pleas Court judge was sworn in Tuesday before a standing-room only crowd inside the main courtroom in the Logan County Courthouse.
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat Fischer administered the oath of office to Braig, as his wife Dr. Kristen Braig stood next to him. The couple’s children, Ryan and Annie, also were in attendance.
Judge Braig’s parents and mother- and father-in-law, too, were among those packed inside the courtroom alongside a number of local officials, attorneys and current and former judges.
The intimate atmosphere of Tuesday’s ceremony fits Judge Braig — a family man with a servant’s heart, committed to helping others.
“It feels very gratifying, and I’m very excited to get started with the work,” Judge Braig said. “It’s an honor to be asked to it.”
Judge Braig epitomizes the notion that, “to whom much is given, much is demanded,” Justice Fischer said, detailing the new judge’s commitment to his work, faith and family.
It will be the goal of the Logan County Common Pleas Court that each appearing defendant feel heard, and feel like they were given fair treatment under the law, Judge Braig said at the conclusion of the ceremony.
“We’re going to be fair to everyone so that everyone feels listened to, and their position was considered fairly,” he said.
Judge Braig emphasized a commitment to ruling consistent with the law and facts of each case.
Braig, 52, from rural Belle Center, was appointed Oct. 28 as Common Pleas Court Judge to fill the term vacated following the resignation of William T. Goslee. His first day in office is Monday, Dec. 2.
The existing term in office expires next year, and Braig will run in the Nov. 3, 2020, election for a four-year term.
“It’s a very personal job here in Logan County,” Judge Braig said, adding that he looks forward to familiarizing himself with the docket and the, “judicial needs of the county.”
Judge Braig has earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University, and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati.
He has 26 years of private law experience, and most recently was as a partner at the firm Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, LLP in Columbus, focusing on farming and agribusiness-related issues.
Judge Braig concluded by saying he intends to stay in the position as long as he remains elected to the bench, stressing that he does not view the judgeship as any sort of ladder to a higher position.