Providence Journal / Steve Szydlowski
U.S. bankruptcy Judge Diane Finkle was formally sworn in today in courtroom one of the U.S. Courthouse by the Honorable Sandra L. Lynch.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Diane Finkle began serving in September, but officially donned her robe as federal bankruptcy judge Friday with the assistance of her two daughters, husband and mother.
A celebration of Finkle's appointment took place in U.S. District Court that was overseen by Sandra Lynch, chief judge of the 1st Circuit, and attended by judges, state officials, and lawyers.
The court, which hears sensitive cases involving people's lives, homes and livelihoods, has 3,000-plus cases pending.
"I can provide them with the ability to tell their story," Finkle said. "I hope I will always remember that."
A lawyer with 30-plus years experience in the bankruptcy field, Finkle replaced Judge Arthur Votolato, the nation's longest continuously serving active bankruptcy judge, with more than 40 years. The appointment is for 14 years.