By John R. Byrne
Beautiful ceremony this Friday afternoon celebrating Judge Damian’s investiture. Judge Ungaro gave a heartfelt speech about her former law clerk followed by funny and poignant speeches from Melanie Damian and the judge herself.
Blogger David Markus was in absentia but received a shout out!
"Melissa" was one of many excellent law clerks I had the privilege of meeting and working with during my 28-year stint as Judge Ungaro's court reporter. I had intended to attend her investiture but was unable to. So I'm sharing a poem I wrote in Her Honor.
ReplyDeleteTRIBUTE TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE DAMIAN
My Dear Magistrate Judge "Melissa"
I have to say we sure did miss ya
When you left our chambers so long ago
After two years of clerking with Judge Ungaro
On you went to bigger and better things
The practice of law and all that that brings
Working diligently to file that legitimate motion
With confidence, intelligence, and great devotion
To the client who chose you for legal representation
To win their lawsuit and put an end to the litigation
Knowing you gave it your best with vigor and vim
Your reward being a judge's order that says you win
But who can forget your brownies that were so delish
And that secret recipe that you surely did relish
Myself perhaps the greatest fan of that sweet treat
Some might think that all we did in chambers is eat
But they will surely now soon discover
Their R&R has your name on the cover
Its content reflecting your expertise and precision
A judge seeing your name with deference to your decision
Knowing you rendered it with analysis and great thought
After listening to both sides in the courtroom where they fought
You exude great knowledge, forethought, and nothing less
So in this new position I know you'll give it your best!