New federal judge sworn in
By Ken Kobayashi
Advertiser Courts Writer
J. Michael Seabright recalls his parents emphasizing to him as a youngster in Virginia that he get an education and pursue his dreams, and not necessarily follow the path that would earn him the most money. After graduating from George Washington University in the top 10 percent of his class, Seabright entered private law practice.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
But he then chose to follow his parents' advice. He entered public service.
New U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright, left, was administered the oath of office yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge David Ezra.
Today, after 18 years working with the U. S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., and here, Seabright is Hawai'i's newest full-time U.S. District Court judge.
"I really owe to them (his late father John and mother Joan) where I am today," Seabright yesterday told an overflowing crowd at the U.S. District Courthouse.
Seabright took office in May, but his public swearing-in ceremony was held yesterday.
Seabright, 46, fills the seat left vacant 5 1/2 years ago when U.S. District Judge Alan Kay took senior status. He is Hawai'i's fourth full-time U.S. District judge.
Key members of Hawai'i's legal and law enforcement community attended the ceremonies as Seabright was applauded by well-wishers ranging from the other federal judges and representatives of the American Bar Association and the Hawai'i State Bar Association.
They hailed him for his integrity, intelligence, discipline and compassion.
"You're a class act, Mike," Hawai'i Bar Association president Richard Turbin said.
Craig Nakamura, a state Appeals Court judge and Seabright's colleague at the U.S. Attorney's Office when Seabright first arrived here in 1990, said the new, bright assistant U.S. attorney soon became the "go-to guy" in handling high-profile and difficult cases, including public corruption prosecutions.
While he had all the qualities of a top-notch trial lawyer, "his ping-pong game really needs work," Nakamura said.
But Nakamura also said his friend is a dedicated family man and has a passion for contributing to the community.
"I know he's got a good heart," Nakamura said.
Chief U.S. District Judge David Ezra said federal judges from the Mainland have had to travel to preside over cases here during the long wait to fill Kay's vacancy.
While they provided appropriate services, Hawai'i's community and its lawyers are "unique" and that it's important to have a judge who understands the people, their customs and their way of life, Ezra said.
Although Seabright was not born in Hawai'i, Ezra suggested that the new judge will have that understanding.
"He has been a real member of the community, indistinguishable from those raised here," Ezra said.
Seabright married Margaret Ahn, who attended the University of Hawai'i law school before transferring to Georgetown University Law School. The couple have two children, Kate and Nick.
Seabright spent most of his speech thanking those who supported him, including his parents for their advice to him and his brother and two sisters; his in-laws who treated him like a son instead of a son-in-law, the U.S. attorneys here for whom he worked, the staff at the office, his now fellow judges whom he appeared before as a federal prosecutor and his wife and family.
He pledged to always strive to treat those before him fairly. And he expressed gratitude to be able to serve as a judge in the "most beautiful state: Hawai'i."
"I feel blessed to be part of this judicial family," he said.
Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.
