Jenny Lancour | Daily Press Outgoing Delta County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Davis, at left, swears in John Economopoulos as the new 47th Judicial Circuit Court Judge during a ceremony at the courthouse Thursday. Davis retires Jan. 1 when Economopoulos begins his six-year term on the bench.

ESCANABA — There was standing room only in the Delta County Circuit Courtroom when John Economopoulos was sworn in as the newly-elected judge with his family by his side Thursday.

Prior to the official swearing in, out-going Judge Stephen Davis declared Economopoulos as the 12th circuit court judge in the history of the 47th Judicial Circuit Court.

Davis also noted that Economopoulos will be joining Delta County’s “Men in Black” and “he will also be the first judge in 69 years to sport a beard.”

After receiving a round of laughter from the audience, on a more serious note Davis said Economopoulos has the intelligence, sensitivity, patience, and professional competence for the office.

“The justice system is for the benefit of the public,” Davis said, concluding that Economopoulos is a true public servant.

Probate Court Judge Robert Goebel Jr., Economopoulos’ mentor, placed the traditional black robe on Economopoulos. Davis conducted the swearing-in ceremony, presenting the Oath of Office that was recited by Economopoulos. Beside him were his wife, Christina, their two daughters, Glykeria, 13, and Harekleia, 11, and son, Christos, 6.

The Honorable Judge Economopoulos then gave a speech which he began by describing his parents as his heroes who taught him to work through problems rather than complain.

He praised his wife and family. He thanked the people of Delta County and the county’s three judges — Davis, Goebel, and District Court Judge Steve Parks.

Economopoulos said his priorities as the new circuit court judge will be professionalism, service, and fidelity to the law.

Economopoulos commented, though crimes and injustices will continue, the court offers a promise that everyone will be heard and treated fairly to the letter of the law.

Thursday’s ceremony concluded with a reception in the courthouse lobby.

Prior to being elected circuit court judge in November, Economopoulos was serving his 18th year in private practice in Escanaba.

After closing his law firm, he began working in May as the domestic relations referee in the Friend of the Court Office, which is overseen by the circuit court judge. Perry Lund from probate court will replace him as the domestic relations referee.

Economopoulos began transitioning into his upcoming judicial role after it was evident he would be unopposed in the election. Since May, he has been working with Davis and his staff to become familiar with the circuit court office.

In his speech Thursday, Economopoulos mentioned that during this transitionary period he asked Davis how long it took before he had felt comfortable in the judge’s position.

Expecting an answer in “months” or “a year,” Economopoulos said Davis replied, “Eight years.”

“I haven’t had a full night’s sleep since,” the new judge joked.

Economopoulos is a lifelong resident of Escanaba where he graduated from Escanaba High School in 1989. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and went on to receive his juris doctor degree from Thomas Cooley Law School. He worked as a law clerk in Escanaba during the summers between his college and law school years.

After graduating from law school, he joined the law firm of Viau & Chapekis, P.C., where he became a partner before eventually establishing his own law office, Economopoulos Law Firm, P.C.

Economopoulos will officially begin serving as circuit court judge on Jan. 1.

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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net