Todd Kirby takes oath of office for Raleigh County Circuit Court judge

BECKLEY, WV (WNVS) — Todd Kirby was sworn in as the newest judge on the 10th Judicial Circuit in Raleigh County on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Kirby, who served in the West Virginia House of Delegates as a Republican representing District 44, had a private attorney’s practice in Beckley and also served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, covering child abuse and neglect cases, before winning an unopposed race in May for the judgeship.

Kirby was taking the seat left vacant by Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Robert Burnside, who retired.

Judge Burnside left the bench before completing his term, so Governor Jim Justice appointed Kirby to fulfill the remainder of Judge Burnside’s term, starting on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

After being sworn in by Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Dimlich in the ceremonial courtroom at Raleigh County Courthouse, Kirby donned a judge’s robe, with Judge Dimlich’s help, for the first time.

Judge Kirby said he would look to the other 10th Circuit judges for advice.

“It’s a real honor and a huge benefit to me, as a new judge, to have these amazing judges that I can go to and ask for advice and help, which I’ve already done,” said Judge Kirby. “I’ve probably driven Judge Dimlich crazy over the past two weeks asking him questions, but it’s nice to have that.”

Kirby said his wife, who attended the ceremony with the couple’s two children, has been his biggest supporter.

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