Judge Pete Foley selected as next member of Indiana Court of Appeals

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced his selection of Judge Pete Foley to serve on the Indiana Court of Appeals Wednesday afternoon.

The governor noted Foley has the “patience and passion for people” required for the job.

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“Public service, itself, and the love of the law, quite frankly, are both in (Foley’s) blood,” Holcomb said.

Foley is a 1993 graduate of Indiana University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Criminal Justice.

In 1997, he graduated from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law.

After graduation, Foley practiced law at the firm now known as Foley, Peden & Wisco, P.A. in downtown Martinsville, which was started by his grandfather, Charles H. Foley, in 1930.

Foley’s father, Ralph, also practiced law at the firm and served for many years in the Indiana House of Representatives.

“Judge Foley has demonstrated throughout his 25 years of legal practice, including 14 years as the county attorney and then seven on the superior court as judge there in Morgan County, that a few things have remained constant,” Holcomb said. “That has been his calm and considerate and collaborative approach to everyone who you have been around and who is in front of you.”

Foley replaced former Morgan County Superior Court 1 Judge G. Thomas Gray in January 2015.

Gray had decided to step away from the position.

Foley was unopposed in the 2014 November election.

According to Holcomb, Foley has helped establish programs with folks battling addiction.

“You’ve led them to programs to realize that there is not just hope, but there is healing out there,” Holcomb added.

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Foley thanked Holcomb for his confidence to serve as the next judge on the Indiana Court of Appeals.

He also thanked the legal community and local government officials in Morgan County.

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“All of you have made working in Morgan County a wonderful experience,” Foley said. “I have learned from you, benefited from you mentorship, valued your friendship and share your commitment to our community.”

Foley pointed back to his home as the reason for his success, noting he had to come back to Morgan County to find himself.

“And I’m forever grateful that I did,” Foley noted. “The only changes now (is) the county has expanded from one to 92, and we’re changing the courthouse for the statehouse.”

Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush also offered comments during Wednesday’s announcement.

“I’ve watched you in your seven years on the bench, you’re the best of what we have,” Rush said. “I’ve read a lot of your opinions, they’re solid (and) they’re principled.”

In a statement released Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, said he has known Foley for several years.

“I have always been impressed by his intellect, professional demeanor and deep understanding of the law,” Bray said in his statement. “He has the respect of the Bar Association and his peers, and has a great judicial temperament.”

Foley will replace retiring Judge Edward W. Najam, Jr.

Just before making his announcement, Holcomb offered comments on similarities between Foley and Najam.

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“I’m confident that the individual that is going to be following in your footsteps, who will receive the baton that was firmly in your steady grip for so many years, is equally grounded in his home community and in his commitment to our state,” Holcomb said to Najam.

Foley and his wife Jill are the parents of two daughters, Anna and Maggie.

The Indiana Court of Appeals will determine a date for Foley’s robing ceremony.

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: Pete Foley picked as next member of Indiana Court of Appeals