by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

David Najjar has been appointed judge of Hamilton Superior Court 5. Gov. Eric Holcomb made the appointment Friday filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Wayne Sturtevant in August. For 12 years Najjar has been the county court’s magistrate. Previously he served as a deputy prosecuting attorney.

A 30-year resident of Hamilton County, he lives in Carmel and graduated from Carmel High School and Indiana University. The new judge and his wife, the former Karen Philllips, have three children. He is active in Scouting and his church.

He takes office immediately, becoming only the second judge in Superior 5 history.

Najjar will serve out the remainder of the current term which runs through Dec. 31, 2020.

He was one of 17 local attorneys who submitted applications for the post. The new judge had made an unsuccessful run for judge of Superior Court 2 last year. Jon Brown won that contest.

Local attorneys generally expressed satisfaction with Najjar’s appointment, saying they believe him to be qualified and fair during his tenure as magistrate.

“David Najjar is an exceptional judge who will be able to draw upon his experience as he continues to serve Hamilton County in his new and honorable role as a superior court judge. There were 17 other very worthy candidates vying for this position, and Mr. Najjar’s selection is a testament to his integrity and fairness. Congratulations, Mr. Najjar, I wish you well and know you will do a great job.”

– Rep. Kathy Richardson’s statement on David Najjar’s
appointment to Hamilton County Superior Court