Tyler

By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer

Local, state and federal dignitaries packed the central jury room at the Smith County Courthouse Thursday morning for the swearing-in ceremony of 114th District Judge Christi Kennedy.

Sheriff J.B. Smith led the ceremony and reflected on Smith County's history, pointing out that Judge Kennedy is only the fifth judge to preside over that court since 1935.

The former Tyler civil attorney will replace retired Judge Cynthia Stevens Kent, who stepped down from the bench Wednesday, wrapping up 24 years of public service.

Judge Kennedy said she hopes to continue the dedication to public service and be a judge for all the people.

"It's just such an honor," she said. "I am looking forward to doing what a judge is supposed to do which is being fair, impartial and providing a level playing field for litigant. It's really an unbelievable responsibility and I'm really overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and confidence the voters have placed in me."

Kennedy was also praised by U.S. Congressman Louie Gohmert, U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie and 241st District Judge Jack Skeen, who administered the oath of office.

Judge Kennedy, 51, beat out Tyler civil attorney Alan Brown in the Republican Primary in March.

A licensed attorney since 1993, she has worked at the Potter Minton Law Firm. She also worked as a briefing attorney to the justices of the 12th Court of Appeals in Tyler before joining the Flowers Davis Law Firm in Tyler eight years ago. Judge Kennedy graduated from Louisiana State University and Baylor University School of Law.

She has volunteered in the community and is a member of several organizations. Mrs. Kennedy has been married to attorney Richard Kennedy for 10 years, has a 13-year-old stepson and is active at First Presbyterian Church.

Kennedy said she has kept three "tools," or rules, she adopted to guide her through her judicial career.

Following years of having direct contact with clients and winning cases, she pondered where she would find victory as a judge.

"The win for me is employing those same three rules," she said. "The win for me is providing you and all of the citizens of Smith County with a fair and impartial trial: being on time, being prepared, not leaving matters lingering. I'm looking forward to serving each of you."

Judge Christi Kennedy greets family and friends after taking the oath of office on Thursday in Tyler. Kennedy will be the new judge for the 114th District in Smith County.
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)