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Allen Superior Court announced Tuesday the retirement of Judge David Avery, whose last day on the bench will be Dec. 13 after 24 years.
He was appointed by Gov. Frank O’Bannon in 2000 and then re-elected four times.
“When I was considering the direction my career should take, I wanted a way to make positive change from within the system,” Avery said in the announcement. “I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to serve as a judge. I hope that I am remembered for promoting trust and respect for our system of justice by those who I was fortunate to have come before me.”
Avery currently handles requests for conditional driving privileges, allowing individuals with suspended licenses to drive to work, doctor’s appointments and other essential services.
Until September 2020, he oversaw mental health detentions and commitments. Avery was involved in development of the Crisis Intervention Team program for the Fort Wayne Police Department and he has assisted in the CIT training of law enforcement officers.
“Since his first day as Judge, Dave Avery has been a champion for people he would never meet and who might never know of his advocacy on their behalf,” Judge Andrew Williams said in the announcement. “Judge Avery’s desire to help those who otherwise might slip through the cracks is without equal.”
He has also been involved in the development of voluntary, pro-bono legal services on behalf of indigent people in need of legal services. Avery serves as a member of the board of directors of the Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeastern Indiana and is chair of the Board of Directors of Pro Bono Indiana.
“David Avery is the sort of public servant we all hope for and don’t find often enough,” Judge Jennifer DeGroote said in the announcement. “He quietly does his job and so much more. He has improved the lives of thousands of people in our community without fanfare or celebration. We will miss him enormously.”
Avery graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1976 and was admitted to the state bar in October 1976.
“Dave leaves a legacy of wisdom, fairness and integrity in the pursuit of justice,” Judge Craig Bobay said in the announcement. “He has made a profound impact on the legal profession and the community.”
His successor will be appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb from a group of finalists chosen by the Allen County Judicial Nominating Commission.
Applications for the vacancy will be announced by the Governor’s Office.
The person appointed will serve the remainder of Avery’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2028.
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