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Judge praises lawyers at opening-of-courts ceremony
By PETER H. MILLIKEN
YOUNGSTOWN
Lawyers are in a unique position to safeguard the fundamental principles of a democratic society, Mahoning County’s longest-serving judge said at the annual opening-of-courts ceremony.
“It is the greatest profession on Earth because lawyers really do make a difference in this world. Lawyers stand up for individual rights. They protect life, liberty and property,” Judge R. Scott Krichbaum said during the county courthouse ceremony Monday.
“No other profession on Earth offers the same opportunity to make a positive difference in our society,” said Judge Krichbaum, who has been a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge since February 1991.
Lawyers represent poor people for very little compensation and donate their time, money and talent to many community and charitable causes, the judge said.
“Lawyers stand up to big corporations and insurance companies and even the government,” he added.
Judge Krichbaum spoke to an audience of about 60, including trial and appellate judges, lawyers and court personnel.
Recognized at the ceremony were 23 people who recently joined the Mahoning County Bar Association, including many who have recently passed the bar exam.
The ceremony used to mark the return of jurors and jury trials each fall after a summer recess in a time with fewer court cases and no air conditioning, Judge Krichbaum said.
At a luncheon after the ceremony, the bar association presented Atty. Eldon S. Wright with its professionalism award, which is given to a lawyer who embodies the qualities set forth in the Lawyer’s Creed and has practiced law for 30 years or more.
Wright is a retired associate of the law firm of Harrington, Hoppe and Mitchell.
Judge Krichbaum urged the new lawyers to discuss their work with other lawyers and learn from their colleagues. He also urged them to attend court proceedings where they can see and hear their colleagues in action.
Judge Krichbaum, who has written and graded bar exams for the Ohio Supreme Court for the past 13 years, urged the new lawyers to excel in their chosen profession.
“Your client is always entitled to your very best effort,” he said. He concluded: “Fulfill your duty. Do honor to your profession, and you’ll be proud to be a lawyer.”