NEW ULM, Minn. -
Robert Docherty is sworn in as judge of the fifth judicial district court.
Docherty took the oath of office in the Brown County Courtroom in front of more than a hundred family, friends and colleagues.
Prior to being sworn in as a fifth district judge in New Ulm today, Robert Docherty was working with the public defender's office.
Longtime colleague and law school chum Jim Fleming introduced Docherty today, and had glowing words for the new judge.
Attorney and friend, James Fleming says, "I grew up in a steel town, Joliet, Illinois. And they have an expression - the hotter the fire, the tougher the steel. Robert's work as a lawyer, his work in the trenches on the most difficult cases - let me assure you that this is one tough lawyer."
Judge Docherty replaces Judge John Rodenberg who was appointed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals earlier this year.
And he paid homage to those that came before him.
Judge Robert Docherty says, "Judges come and go, but the court remains as an institution. I look forward to my opportunity to continue to uphold the high standards that have been set by the judges who have served Brown County and the state of Minnesota."
Docherty comes from a family of nine, five of whom became lawyers, three others that married lawyers... and perhaps it runs in the genes... his daughter has a way for argument as well.
Docherty says, "This morning, Alex, my youngest daughter, who is kind of sarcastic at times, said, 'once you become a judge, the only people who don't have to listen to are me, mom and Lauren."
