Augusta native sworn in as newest Bankruptcy Court judge – The Augusta Chronicle

On Michele Kims first day clerking for U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge John S. Dalis, he told her he had the best job in the world, she later said. Kim is about to find out for herself.

On Friday afternoon in the historic federal courthouse in Augusta, Kim was sworn in as the newest Bankruptcy Court judge in the Southern District of Georgia.

An Augusta native, Kim graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law with honors in 2006 and was admitted to the bar the next year. In addition to clerking for Dalis, Kim clerked for Judge Anthony Alaimo. She worked for the King & Spalding law firm in its Atlanta office specializing in financial restructuring and bankruptcy law.

Get used to the view, District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall told Kim as she took a seat on the judges bench with Hall and Chief Bankruptcy Court Judge Susan D. Barrett.

Its important for a judge to have good character, integrity and ability, Hall said. Kim has all of those qualities and more, he added.

Dalis, who retired Jan. 31 after nearly 30 years on the bench, said Friday that he and his wife were as proud as parents. He has known Kim for more than 30 years and knows she will serve with honor.

With assistance from her husband, Ryan Babcock, and mother, Hyun-Sook Kim, Kim donned the black robe she will wear for her judicial career.

She will serve as the Bankruptcy Court judge in the Brunswick courthouse.

Reach Sandy Hodson at (706) 823-3226or sandy.hodson@augustachroncile.com.

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Augusta native sworn in as newest Bankruptcy Court judge - The Augusta Chronicle