News release from Allen Superior Court:
David Zent named new Allen Superior Court Magistrate
Attorney, experienced Judge Pro Tem, will hear Criminal Division cases
(May 6, 2015) – David M. Zent, 39, of Fort Wayne has been named a Magistrate in the Allen Superior Court Criminal Division.
Zent is currently an attorney with the law firm of Leonard, Hammond, Thoma & Terrill. He also serves as a deputy Allen County Public Defender and as an attorney representing indigent clients in the federal courts. A 1998 graduate of Indiana University and 2002 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, Zent was admitted to the Indiana Bar in October 2002.
“David brings to the court an immense portfolio of skills and experiences, including approximately 100 occasions in which he has already served on the bench in this division,” said Judge Frances C. Gull, Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division. “He is qualified to serve and ready to contribute to the effective delivery of justice in our community.”
Zent will serve as a Magistrate in the Misdemeanor and Traffic Division, at the Charles “Bud” Meeks Justice Center. He has served on numerous occasions as a Judge Pro Tem in the Misdemeanor and Traffic Division, substituting in the absence of the presiding Magistrate. His first day as Magistrate is anticipated to be June 1, 2015.
Seven candidates for the position were interviewed on Tuesday, May 5, by Judge Gull, Judge Wendy Davis and Judge John Surbeck. Their choice of Zent was unanimous.
“We had an enormously difficult choice to make,” said Judge Davis. “The legal community in Allen County is rich in talented individuals who are eager to contribute in any way they can. We are grateful for their interest and support as we worked to fill this important position.”
Added Judge Surbeck: “Superior Court has had the opportunity of late to add several new Magistrates to its team of judicial officers. This provides us with an opportunity to capitalize on the many fresh perspectives and new ideas they will bring to the Court.”
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