Westfield attorney strongly endorses Barrows for Superior Court 9 judge

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Dear Editor:

Court Commissioner Chris Barrows is the right choice for Judge of the newly created Hamilton County Superior Court 9.

I have been practicing law in Hamilton County for over 20 years. I have spent that time in Hamilton County courts and advising local businesses and organizations. Our county has benefited from excellent judicial leadership including Mr. Barrows’s leadership since he was appointed to our Title IV-D child support court. He will continue that tradition of excellence and common sense as the first Judge of Superior Court 9.

I have known Chris for decades as a lawyer, judicial officer, community board member, and volunteer coach. Since being appointed by the elected judges of Hamilton County in 2022, he has presided over the county’s Title IV-D Child Support Court and regularly serves as judge pro tem resolving civil, family law and criminal matters.

Chris has served our community with compassion as a volunteer, youth coach, as a guardian ad litem representing the best interests of children, and as a board member in various charitable organizations. I have personally seen his years of dedication. Currently, he serves on the Westfield Youth Assistance Program board and as an advisory member of the Westfield Education Foundation.

Court Commissioner Barrows is also widely respected as a legal educator. He has taught mediation practice to generations of mediators. He is also regularly called upon to provide continuing legal education to lawyers and legal stakeholders.

Superior Court 9 is a new court that will need an experienced hand at the helm as it is created from scratch. The newly elected judge will need to understand the administrative side of presiding over a court as well as the courtroom management side.

Hamilton County is lucky to have such an accomplished attorney and judicial officer on the ballot this primary season. His deep respect for the rule of law, his judicial experience, and his extensive litigation experience demonstrate that he is ready to handle the responsibilities of the position. He serves our community with integrity, applying the law as it is written to the facts as presented to him. He is known as a judicial officer who makes sure everyone has a fair opportunity to present their cases in front of him with civility and respect.

For these reasons, I am strongly endorsing Court Commissioner Chris Barrows to be the first judge of Hamilton County Superior Court 9.

Eric Douthit
Westfield