Robert Ilderton swearing to up hold the Constitution as the new Ninth Family Court Circuit Judge in Logan County on Friday, September 16 at the Logan County Courthouse. (PHOTO | AM Stone)
AM STONE | WVOW News
LOGAN A long-time attorney in Logan is now a judge in Logan’s family court
Governor Jim Justice appointed attorney Robert Ilderton to the Ninth Family Court Circuit in August. Ilderton was sworn in Friday, September 16.
Ilderton has nineteen years of legal experience in both private practice and public service. Since 2017, he has maintained a private practice in Logan providing legal representation in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury.
Family, friends and colleagues packed the third-floor courtroom of the Logan County Courthouse to witness the swearing in conducted by former Family Court Judge Kelly Gilmore Codispoti.
He is a graduate of Capital University Law School and served as Law Clerk to Judge O’Briant. Ilderton has served as the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Logan County. He was a partner at the law firm of Abraham & Ilderton before establishing his solo practice.
Chief Judge Joshua Butcher welcomed Ilderton onto the bench.
“I’ve seen Robert practice either before Judge Perry or myself for a great many years now,” Judge Butcher. “He is a fierce advocate and I’m sure he will be a thorough and fair judge.”
Judge Chris Workman, Ilderton’s senior colleague in Logan Family Court, told the new judge the job is rewarding. Workman stressed how the job can be overwhelming at times.
“Having been the only family court judge for the last two and a half months, you may think you’re the most excited person,” Workman said to uproarious laughter. “No, that’s me.”
Judge Ilderton thanked all of the judges and magistrates and other lawyers he has encountered over his career. He said all of them had a part in the making of the lawyer he is today.
“If anyone knows me,” Ilderton told the crowd, “this is my rock,” he said while embracing his family in front of the bench.
Ilderton’s appointment filled the vacancy left by the appointment of former Family Court Judge Codispoti to the unexpired term of retired Judge O’Briant on the Seventh Circuit Court.
Ilderton and his wife reside in Logan with their three children. Ilderton spends his time away from the bench active as youth sports coach.