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Virginia's New Chief Justice Sworn In
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February 16, 2011
In Richmond, Cynthia Kinser was finally sworn in on February 16, 2011 as Virginia's Chief Justice and the first woman to lead Virginia's highest court.
"I am deeply honored to be the 25th person to serve as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. Many years ago, when I was admitted to practice law in this Commonwealth, I never imagined that I would be a member of this court, much less its Chief Justice." Kinser stated in remarks during the investiture ceremony.
Governor George Allen appointed Kinser to the Virginia Supreme Court in 1997, and her colleagues elected her Chief Justice last August. She took over on February 1, 2011, succeeding Justice Leroy Hassell Sr., who passed away February 9, 2011 .[1]
A moment of silence was observed for Justice Leroy Hassell Sr. at the investiture ceremony, and Kinser, choking back tears, told the courtroom full of political and judicial dignitaries that she will "always be indebted to him for the many acts of kindness he extended to me over the years."[2]
Footnotes
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