Whether they be coworkers or clients, friends or family, the list is long of colleagues who helped Bret Heim in his journey to become Allen County’s next magistrate judge.
“You’ve all played a part in me getting to this point. So I guess it’s also your responsibility, too, if I screw it up,” Heim joked Thursday.
Heim’s comments came in a special ceremony in a packed Allen County District Courtroom.
After taking the oath of office, administered by Judge Daniel Creitz, Heim was assisted by wife Angelea as he donned his judicial robe for the first time.
Heim replaces the retired Judge Chuck Apt, who stepped down in June.
Heim begins full time next week, noted Creitz, chief justice of Kansas’s 31st Judicial District, which includes Allen County.
“I want to thank everyone for taking time today to come and attend this,” Heim said. “Thanks to all the judges. I’ve learned a lot over the years. Thank you for all the support and encouragement. And thanks to all of my friends for everything you’ve done, and all the lessons you’ve taught me.
“I appreciate everything this community’s given to me, and I appreciate this opportunity to be of service,” he continued. “I can’t promise I won’t make mistakes, but I’ll certainly do my best.”
PRIOR TO the oath and robing ceremony, Creitz presented Heim with a special plaque in recognition of Heim’s volunteer efforts within the 31st Judicial District.
Creitz spelled out the circumstance:
If an active attorney dies, falls ill or for whatever reason can no longer practice the law, the attorney’s office likely has reams of important documents that need to be returned to their rightful owners.
“All of those items are the property of the client, not the attorney,” Creitz explained.
That means a laborious effort to inventory each form and identify and return the items to the clients, whenever possible.
“It was a horrific problem, to say the least.”
As chief justice, Creitz must find volunteers to handle the task.
“I emphasize volunteers,” Creitz said. “It’s not paid. It’s a pro bono service.”
