New Cabell Circuit Judge Paul T. Farrell speaks Feb. 14 after he was sworn in. (Photos by Kyla Asbury)
The courtroom was packed for Farrell's swearing-in ceremony.
Senior Status Judge L.D. Egnor administered the oath of office to Farrell.
Cabell Circuit Judge David Pancake speaks during Farrell's swearing-in ceremony. He is flanked by fellow Cabell Circuit judges Alfred Ferguson and Jane Hustead. Below them are Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and state Supreme Court Justice Menis Ketchum.
State Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin speaks during Farrell's ceremony.
HUNTINGTON – Cabell County's newest circuit judge was welcomed by a packed courtroom Feb. 14 when he took the oath of office.
Paul T. Farrell said he was honored to serve the people of Cabell County.
"I pledge to do the best I can," Farrell said. "I have a lot to learn, and I promise I will do just. Being a judge is a lot different from being a lawyer, but I promise I will do the best I can."
State Supreme Court Justice Menis Ketchum said he believes Farrell will be an excellent judge.
"His strong point is ethics," said Ketchum, who lives in Huntington. "The attorneys who come into his courtroom will be able to depend on him to be fair."
State Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin said Farrell is an outstanding lawyer who always produced superior work.
"He's going to be a great judge," Benjamin said. "He's been a great lawyer, and he's a great person. It's exciting to serve with him."
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said it was a pleasure to be able to be in attendance at the ceremony.
"I'm honored to welcome our newest judge," he said. "I'm confident Mr. Farrell will serve well."
Senior Status Judge L.D. Egnor administered the oath of office, to which Farrell received a standing ovation from those in attendance. Farrell's son, Paul T. Farrell Jr., was the master of ceremonies for the event.
"It's an honor to be here," Paul T. Farrell Jr. said. "I am truly humbled on behalf of the entire family."
Farrell is a graduate of Xavier University and West Virginia University's College of Law. He is replacing Senior Status Judge Dan O'Hanlon, who retired last year after serving 25 years.
Farrell previously served as an assistant state attorney general, counsel for the West Virginia State Senate, counsel for the Senate President, administrative law judge for the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Division, assistant prosecutor in Cabell County and assistant U.S. attorney. At the time of his appointment to the bench on Jan. 21, he was practicing law at the Huntington law firm Farrell, Farrell and Farrell.
