BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The investiture of new Family Court Judge Leigh Lefler took place on Friday.
The ceremony saw leaders from throughout the Beckley area, including Delegates and judges, gather in the courtroom of Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Kirkpatrick, who proceeded over events.
“I’m delighted with this turnout here today, because that attests to the love and respect that we all have for Leigh,” said Judge Kirkpatrick, who recalled his initial experience meeting Lefler decades ago.
Following her graduation from West Virginia University College of Law, Lefler worked under current Circuit Court Judge Robert Burnside and also worked in the Kanawha County area for a time.
More recently, she served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney taking on abuse and neglect cases, and according to Judge Kirkpatrck, has been instrumental in the setup of the Family Treatment Court.
Representative for US Senator Joe Manhcin, Ben Spurlock was in attendance for the ceremony and delivered a congratulatory message from the Senator which read in part,
“The State of West Virginia is truly fortunate to retain such a dedicated and experienced professional. She has spent her career working hard to serve her community through the development of treatment courts and the litigation of a variety of these cases. Her very extensive professional background and dedication of public service is highly admirable. I’m sure that she will continue to be an outstanding leader for the people of this region as she serves in her new role.”
Following her swearing in, Judge Lefler addressed those in attendance with a few words regarding all she’s learned from those she has served with throughout the state.
“All of you all have taught me what it means to support your community, to be advocates for your constituents and community members, and how to truly give back and set an example of leadership and justice here in Raleigh County, and of course, in Summers and Wyoming county. I look forward to serving you all and hope to emulate what I’ve learned from all of you all.”