CHARLESTON — Dan Greear is looking forward to taking office as one of the first three judges on West Virginia's Intermediate Court of Appeals after his appointment was announced early Tuesday.
Greear said the next step in the process is being confirmed by the Senate and he looks forward to everything being finalized.
"I look forward to working with the Supreme Court justices and getting up to date with their plans, where they are and hopefully the three of us can get with them and see where and how we can be helpful prior to taking office," Greear said in an interview with The West Virginia Record.
Greear said he can't wait to be a part of the new court
"As far as once we get there, my hope for this is that we’re able to streamline this process and be able to turnaround these cases in a timely fashion so that we can get these civil cases to a resolution in a fair manner and bring some stability and predictability to West Virginia, even more than we have now," Greear said.
Greear said he is excited to get the chance to serve West Virginia again as a judge.
"I’ve wanted to be a judge since I’ve been a lawyer," Greear said. "I got the brief opportunity in 2018 and it’s my favorite job I’ve ever done. I’m looking forward to having another chance for a few years to be on the court and to have the opportunity to create something from scratch such as this."
He also said he hopes the court will have a positive impact on the state.
"It’s tremendously exciting and it will be challenging but I look forward to the ability to help build something and to make a positive difference in our legal system," Greear said.
Greear said it was an honor to even be considered and a tremendous honor to be chosen.
"I really enjoy this aspect of public service and serving in this way," Greear said. "This is another avenue to take that a step farther and be able to contribute to something and give back to the state and to the community. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve West Virginia in this way."
Greear said he is extremely thankful to everyone who has helped him along the way.
"I just want to thank the governor for his faith in me and giving me this opportunity," Greear said. "I also want to thank JVAC for submitting my name and considering me worthy of that. I want to thank my family for supporting me through the years and enabling me to do this."
Greear will assume his duties on July 1, 2022, along with Thomas Scarr and Donald Nickerson. Greear's appointment will be a 4.5-year term and will conclude on Dec. 31, 2026.
The Intermediate Court of Appeals was created from Senate Bill 275 and was signed into law in April.