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Ripley Circuit Judge Ryan King said time has certainly flown by since he became a judge almost a decade ago.
King said he always knew he wanted to stay close to his hometown roots — and he has.
“I’ve always thought that I’d be back here with my friends and family. So, that’s where we’re at,” King said.
The Hoosier native graduated from South Ripley High School, then went on to study psychology at Hanover College.
King knew he wanted to study law, so he earned his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2003.
“I’m not exactly sure why, but nearly for as long as I can recall, I’ve wanted to be an attorney,” he said.
Prior to joining the bench, King served as Ripley County chief deputy prosecuting attorney.
Then in 2014, he decided to run for judge. He was elected and has been serving for nearly a decade since.
“It’s a constant learning experience, I’ll say that. And I really enjoy that about it, too, because I think if it was just the same type of case over and over and over again, I might grow bored with it. But here I have general jurisdiction, which includes basically all legal matters,” the judge said.
King is the latest Indiana trial judge to be featured in Indiana Lawyer’s Spotlight series profiling jurists in more rural counties. Here is what he had to say about life on and off the bench.
If you hadn’t gone into the legal field, what job do you think you would be doing?
Probably something in the business world. Maybe working as a stock trader or perhaps in the investment field. Some people enjoy their “fantasy football team” — I’m much the same way with stocks. It’s a fun hobby.
What is one of your favorite things about being a judge?
Having the opportunity to convene community stakeholders — to bring people together — in order to partner to make a difference in our community. I feel fortunate that, in Ripley County, many community leaders have been great to work with. We’ve established a program to combat substance abuse and have also established some school-based programs, such as an alternative to suspension program and habitual truancy program. I’ve been fortunate to have had opportunities to work on youth initiatives, and it’s been quite gratifying to be a part of improvements made.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never rush into making a decision; take your time. If needed, take it under advisement, or even set it for a subsequent hearing. This is advice I received from Judge James D. Humphrey, the former Dearborn/Ohio Circuit Judge. He’s now a senior judge. These words frequently come to mind when things are getting hectic.
What is something you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a judge?
That I am, or have become, very patient. I don’t think I championed my patience as a prosecutor like I do as a judge. On the bench, I emphasize listening, patience and understanding. After each decision, it is of paramount importance to me to know that I made the best decision I could have. That’s probably the most important part of the business of judging — doing your best is not only in the party’s best interest, but also the judge’s.
What is your favorite memory since being on the bench?
My favorite part of being judge is swearing-in new CASAs for children. Practically all other matters are specific as to one specific case; however, when a CASA is sworn in, it is much different, because numerous children over the course of many hearings will receive the benefit of a CASA advocating on their behalf, and helping improve each child’s outcome.
What are some of your hobbies when you’re not on the bench?
Trying to stay healthy by being active, running and/or working out. Also, spending time with my family, preferably vacationing or going to Reds games. Currently, my wife, Lee Ann, and I are in the “the days are long, but the years are short” period, but although it’s a lot of running around, we love every minute of it. Our son is a competitive swimmer; he’s done multiple age group state championships and a zone championship. Our daughter is a competitive dancer, so our hobby time is a little scarce right now.
If you could change something about the legal system, that would you change?
Increase substance abuse and mental health services. If I only had a magic wand.•
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