CHARLESTON — Kanawha Circuit Judge Dan Greear says he has enjoyed his first several weeks on the bench while learning the ropes.
Greear was sworn in July 23 to replace retired Circuit Judge James Stucky, who announced his retirement in April.
Greear said it's fast-paced. When he was sworn in, the following day he held his first hearing and moved forward from there.
"It's been a lot of what I expected — it's a lot of hard work," Greear said in an interview with The West Virginia Record. "You get out in the deep in and you sink or swim."
Greear said it's an enjoyable process.
"I've enjoyed getting to dig into the different legal issues, reading briefs and conducting hearings," Greear said. "I'm looking forward to my first trial."
Greear said when talking to a lot of the circuit judges, they told him it would be eye-opening with the amount of abuse and neglect cases the judges deal with.
"Most people wouldn't realize what a large percentage of time is spent on abuse and neglect cases," Greear said. "It's certainly a sobering part of the job."
Greear is running in November to secure the circuit judge seat for the remaining six years of Stucky's term. He said his campaign is focused on grassroots.
"That's my strength here in Kanawha County," Greear said. "I've grown up here and lived here my whole life. I know people all over the community and that's really what we're focusing on right now."
Greear said his campaign has been going door-to-door on weekends and will continue to do so until the election.
"I'm very hopeful about how we're going to do in November," Greear said. "I certainly don't take anything for granted. We're going to work extremely hard until the election."
Greear said the last few weeks on the job have reinforced him how important the role is.
"I think sometimes people overlook how important the role of a circuit judge is," Greear said. "It's certainly humbling to be in this position and emphasizes the need to have someone in this role with the experience and temperament. I'm working hard to show Kanawha County that I have those qualities and that I'm up to the challenge."
Greear attended Liberty University, graduating with a degree in political science. He received his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law.
Greear and his wife have two sons and are active in their church and the community.
Greear was previously chief counsel for the West Virginia Attorney General's Office and chief of staff for the West Virginia House of Delegates.