NORRISTOWN >> With heartwarming remembrances of his late father and expressions of gratitude to friends and colleagues who helped him on the road to his dream of becoming a jurist, newly installed Judge Joseph P. Walsh took his place on the Montgomery County bench for the first time.
“It feels good up here … very comfortable chairs up here,” Walsh joked Friday as he sat in a leather chair beside President Judge William J. Furber Jr.
As his 93-year-old mother, Margaret, held the Bible on which he placed his hand and his three daughters, Shannon, Bridget and Margaret, surrounded him, Walsh took the oath of office, administered by county Judge Risa Vetri Ferman.
Spectators erupted with thunderous applause as Walsh, with the help of his wife, Nancy, whom he called “the love of my life,” officially donned his black robe for the first time and joined his judicial colleagues on the bench.
As a lawyer, Walsh said he traditionally began and ended his trials with a quote from great leaders and writers. He quoted one of his favorite books, “The Great Gatsby,” and President John F. Kennedy during the hour-long swearing-in ceremony.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them,” said Walsh, reciting Kennedy’s 1963 Thanksgiving proclamation.
Walsh, who will sit in Family Court, made a promise to those who supported him on his journey to the bench, saying he will be “attentive, reflective and compassionate” in his new role.
“I will do my very best … I do work hard and no one is ever going to outwork me. I’m a good listener. I’ll do my very best to listen to people and to appreciate the situations that they’re in and do my best to give them some guidance,” Walsh told the standing-room-only crowd of more than 250 people who attended the ceremony. “I’m looking forward to the future.”
Walsh ended his speech with a poignant nod to his late father, Richard, who passed away in 2006 and whose words of advice, “Keep the faith,” Walsh had on a plaque in his office.
“My father was a great role model for me, as a man and as a parent. I’m sorry dad couldn’t physically be here today, but I know he’s up there,” said Walsh, his voice trembling at times.
U.S. District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney read the official commission from Gov. Tom Wolf that declared Walsh a judge. The Rev. John J. Nordeman of Lansdale Catholic High School gave the invocation during the ceremony.
Immediate Past President of Montgomery Bar Association Bruce Pancio, Walsh’s dear friend and colleague, shared numerous humorous moments from their 25-year friendship, eliciting laughter from spectators.
On a more serious note, Pancio said, “It has been a privilege to work with Joe. I can tell you he’s a hard worker. I can tell you, the citizens of Montgomery County and the members of the bench will all be better with him.”
Walsh, a Lansdale area lawyer, comes to the bench with an extensive background in public service.
Walsh was elected to a six-year term on the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors in 2009 after a previous stint on the North Penn School Board, and he was re-elected again last fall.
During his time on the board, Walsh, a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and Widener University School of Law, served as the supervisors’ liaison to the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority, its environmental advisory committee, the township historical society and an advisory committee gathering feedback for the construction of the township’s recreation center.
Walsh last served as supervisors’ chairman and he led his final meeting last month.
When Walsh learned about several county judicial posts becoming available due to retirements, he expressed his interest to local lawmakers. After an interview process earlier this year, Walsh was among a group of judges nominated by the governor and confirmed unanimously by the state Senate in June.
Walsh, who officials said has an expertise in insurance, municipal and land development law, can run for a full 10-year term as a judge in 2017.
Furber said “it’s always an exciting time for the bench to welcome a new judge to help us manage and resolve an increasing number of cases.”
“We look forward to working with our new colleague and benefitting from his input and contribution to the administration of justice in Montgomery County,” Furber addressed the crowd. “Joe has been a trial lawyer for many years and brings with him vast experience as a litigator. He is no stranger to the courtroom. I welcome his input and the positive contribution I know he will make in any division in which he serves.”
