San Bernardino Superior Judge Michelle Lauron took her oath of office Jan. 10 in a crowded courtroom.
Lauron, formerly a supervisor at the District Attorney’s Office, won the March judicial race with 194,000 votes out of 251,000.
San Bernardino Superior Judge and Lauron’s former DA office friend Cara Hutson administered the oath of office, and Assistant Presiding Judge Rod Cortez presided. Hutson, Lauron’s two daughters and husband spoke of her faith, her selflessness and her work ethic.
She was assigned to a family law courtroom.
Twenty-one judges were present in the room of about 150 attendees.
“I am sure 18 years from now, you will be remembering this experience, and the love and support from the people here,” said Cortez.
Grace and Genevieve Fermin, Lauron’s daughters, testified to her dedication.
“Today is not just marking the professional achievement, it is also a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and the sacrifices she has made for both her family and her community,” Grace said.
“I have had the privilege of seeing the kind of person my mom is. Not just the extraordinary leader she’s becoming today, but the compassionate, hard working and brave woman she has always been. My mom does not take shortcuts. She pours herself fully into everything she does, whether it’s her work, her family or the people she serves. I have seen her make countless sacrifices, working long hours.” Grace said.
When considering running, Lauron was worried the new position would prevent her from mentoring people, Genevieve said.
“That her concern was that she wouldn’t be as accessible to help others, I think, speaks volumes to who she is: truly very selfless,” Genevieve said.
Michael Fermin, Lauron’s husband, described her as a selfless angel whose life reflects the qualities important in a judge: intelligence, hard work and humility.
“She realized that which was most important to the both of us, our faith, is easily reconcilable with the passion that we have for the law, and for doing that which is true and just,” Michael said.
The ceremony was attended by high school classmates, college classmates, professional colleagues and co-volunteers who became a part of their family, he said.
“To you, the wind beneath my wings, that angel, thank you for saying yes to (God), thank you for allowing him to make you a blessing, not just to all of us from all these different communities, but now to this wonderful community, and to join what I know to be one of the most honorable professions that I have seen in my life, and I am so blessed and thankful that you’ve said yes to joining,” Michael said.
Judge Hutson, who was a prosecutor with Lauron, said Lauron has an unparalleled moral compass, and is one of the smartest people she knows.
“Michelle will bring this energy, dedication, hard work, passion, loyalty and justice to the bench. It won’t matter where you put her. She will put the work in until the job is done right,” Hutson said.
Lauron herself thanked God, the county’s judicial officers, District Attorneys Jason Anderson and Michael Ramos, her friends, family and husband for their support.
She said her strength came from her father, a doctor, Filipino immigrant and World War II veteran whose faith in God was central to his decisions.
He once told her that he could have done more, and could have stepped on people to get ahead, but that he could sleep peacefully knowing he did the right thing for the right reason, Lauron said.
“I hope my running for judge inspires others who feel they are not worthy,” she ended her speech.
