Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath was at the Lake County Courthouse Monday to administer the oath of office to Polson attorney John Mercer as he donned a black robe and the responsibilities of a District Court judge.

Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Mercer last week to fill the vacancy created by Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher’s retirement. Christopher withdrew her bid for reelection in March, leaving just one candidate on the November ballot, Polson attorney Britt Cotter.

“A Polson native, John is an accomplished attorney distinguished by his extensive legal experience and commitment to his community,” Gianforte said in a press release announcing the appointment.

Mercer graduated from the University of Montana in 1979 and the Northwestern University School of Law in 1982. He’s served as an attorney for 42 years with the law office of Turnage Mercer & Wall in Polson, and previously as president of Heritage Management Co., also in Polson. He also spent eight terms in the Montana Legislature, including four terms as House Speaker and a fifth as minority leader, and was chair of the Montana Board of Regents and served on the Polson School Board.

He was the only applicant for the eight-month appointment, which concludes Jan. 1 when the newly elected judge will be seated.

Most seats in the third-floor court room were filled with family, friends and colleagues – including District Court Judges Molly Owen and Amy Eddy, as well as Christopher.

McGrath congratulated Christopher on her retirement, “well-earned after 24 years on the bench,” and noted that the two of them had served as county attorneys during the same period of time.

He also thanked Mercer for stepping up to fill the vacancy, and said it demonstrates “the stability of the judicial branch, the fact that we are strong, moving forward.”

“It's a commitment on his part to maintain the rule of law,” he added. “And it's much appreciated, John.”

Mercer, in turn, voiced his appreciation to Chief Justice McGrath for traveling from Helena and delivering the oath of office. “It’s a big honor.”

 “Something that I can tell you that I noticed is the respect for a judge exceeds everything else that I've ever experienced,” said Mercer, who has held his fair share of high-profile positions. “I think that says a lot about our community and the belief in the rule of law. And I'm going to give it the very best I can.”

On a lighter note, his son, Mike, stepped to the front of the courtroom and presented his dad with an honorary gavel from his four kids. “Everybody else will get used to you ordering them all around,” he said. “But we've been ordered around for a long time.”

He also counseled his father to “remember your best quality, other than your sarcasm, which is just your true love to help people, which is something I've witnessed my whole life.

“Whether that's because I forgot my lunch and I need a Subway sandwich, or somebody's wrecked their boat in a storm, he’s always just so excited to help,” Mike said. “So yeah, carry that through and we're really proud of you.”

    John Mercer's son, Mike, handed his dad an honorary gavel Monday, in honor of Judge Mercer's appointment to the 20th Judicial District Court. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)