Bar Backs Two For Judgeship
Albertson, Helsley Looking To Replace Judge Lane In July
Posted: November 9, 2012
HARRISONBURG — The Harrisonburg-Rockingham County Bar Association endorsed two local attorneys Wednesday as candidates to succeed retiring Rockingham County Circuit Court Judge James Lane.
The bar association recommended that either Bruce Albertson or Bill Helsley fill the void on the bench.
Attorney Grant Penrod, president of the bar association, said he takes several factors into consideration when nominating someone for a judgeship. Patience, he said, is a big one.
Often, he explained, those who stand before a judge in a criminal or civil proceeding are not familiar with the judicial process.
“It’s often a very big event in their life,” said Penrod. “We want judges that understand that.”
Lane, who announced last month that he plans to retire from the bench July 1, was chosen in 2001 to replace the late Judge Porter Graves on the 26th Judicial Circuit bench.
Lane’s retirement leaves Judge T.J. Wilson, who replaced Judge John McGrath in 2008, as the district’s senior judge.
Helsley, who was endorsed by the bar association for McGrath’s spot, said he was glad his peers think he is qualified.
“It’s an incredible honor just to be endorsed by the local bar association a second time in just a few years,” said Helsley. “I’m deeply humbled.”
Albertson shared Helsley’s sentiments.
“It’s a great honor,” said Albertson.
The association also endorsed attorney James Clough to replace Judge William Heatwole, a general district court judge who represents the 25th Judicial District. He is based in Waynesboro, but presides over cases in Rockingham County General District Court.
“It’s an honor,” said Clough, who added that he’s more concerned about whether there is a judge appointed in a timely manner than who that judge is.
In recent years, the General Assembly, citing tight budget constraints, has delayed filling judicial vacancies to save money. However, it’s likely the local general district judgeship will be filled because Harrisonburg and Rockingham County have a higher caseload than the state average.
Penrod said 101 ballots were submitted Wednesday during the association’s meeting. Six attorneys made presentations to the association members. To be endorsed, an attorney must receive a two-thirds vote. Members could vote for as many of the six as they wanted to.
According to association bylaws, Penrod said, only the names of those endorsed are made public.
Largely Symbolic
The two recommendations will now be sent to Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, because he is the senator who represents the 26th district.
Obenshain will then bring a recommendation to the General Assembly, which elects judges.
On Thursday, Obenshain said the nominees are all qualified.
“They will be in the mix and will be considered,” he said. “Whether there are others will be the question.”
In addition to Harrisonburg, the 26th District also includes circuit courts in Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah and Warren counties and the city of Winchester.
Obenshain anticipates the General Assembly will name a replacement during its 45-day session that begins Jan. 10.
While the bar association endorsements are a feather in the cap for the attorneys, the endorsements are largely symbolic. None of the sitting judges were candidates endorsed by the bar association.
Obenshain can submit his own choice for consideration by the General Assembly too. In previous years, Obenshain’s selections have gone on to be named judge.
Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or pdelea@dnronline.com
The bar association recommended that either Bruce Albertson or Bill Helsley fill the void on the bench.
Attorney Grant Penrod, president of the bar association, said he takes several factors into consideration when nominating someone for a judgeship. Patience, he said, is a big one.
Often, he explained, those who stand before a judge in a criminal or civil proceeding are not familiar with the judicial process.
“It’s often a very big event in their life,” said Penrod. “We want judges that understand that.”
Lane, who announced last month that he plans to retire from the bench July 1, was chosen in 2001 to replace the late Judge Porter Graves on the 26th Judicial Circuit bench.
Lane’s retirement leaves Judge T.J. Wilson, who replaced Judge John McGrath in 2008, as the district’s senior judge.
Helsley, who was endorsed by the bar association for McGrath’s spot, said he was glad his peers think he is qualified.
“It’s an incredible honor just to be endorsed by the local bar association a second time in just a few years,” said Helsley. “I’m deeply humbled.”
Albertson shared Helsley’s sentiments.
“It’s a great honor,” said Albertson.
The association also endorsed attorney James Clough to replace Judge William Heatwole, a general district court judge who represents the 25th Judicial District. He is based in Waynesboro, but presides over cases in Rockingham County General District Court.
“It’s an honor,” said Clough, who added that he’s more concerned about whether there is a judge appointed in a timely manner than who that judge is.
In recent years, the General Assembly, citing tight budget constraints, has delayed filling judicial vacancies to save money. However, it’s likely the local general district judgeship will be filled because Harrisonburg and Rockingham County have a higher caseload than the state average.
Penrod said 101 ballots were submitted Wednesday during the association’s meeting. Six attorneys made presentations to the association members. To be endorsed, an attorney must receive a two-thirds vote. Members could vote for as many of the six as they wanted to.
According to association bylaws, Penrod said, only the names of those endorsed are made public.
Largely Symbolic
The two recommendations will now be sent to Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, because he is the senator who represents the 26th district.
Obenshain will then bring a recommendation to the General Assembly, which elects judges.
On Thursday, Obenshain said the nominees are all qualified.
“They will be in the mix and will be considered,” he said. “Whether there are others will be the question.”
In addition to Harrisonburg, the 26th District also includes circuit courts in Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah and Warren counties and the city of Winchester.
Obenshain anticipates the General Assembly will name a replacement during its 45-day session that begins Jan. 10.
While the bar association endorsements are a feather in the cap for the attorneys, the endorsements are largely symbolic. None of the sitting judges were candidates endorsed by the bar association.
Obenshain can submit his own choice for consideration by the General Assembly too. In previous years, Obenshain’s selections have gone on to be named judge.
Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or pdelea@dnronline.com