In a recent ceremony at the Hamilton County Government & Judicial Center, Magistrate Aaron "A.J." Johnson was formally appointed to his new role. He fills the position previously held by Valorie Hahn, who is now the county's juvenile magistrate. Johnson was selected by Hamilton County’s eight elected judges, as reported by the Hamilton County website.
"Becoming a judge has been a life-long dream of mine," said Johnson, his words resonating within the courthouse during the ceremony. Charged with handling local legal matters, he looks forward to "serving my community," where he is also raising his family. His journey from growing up with a dozen siblings in Gary, Indiana, to the halls of justice highlights the development of his skills, shaped by daily experiences in family diplomacy, according to the Hamilton County website.
Before becoming a judge, Johnson worked as General Counsel at the Indiana Supreme Court, handling legal matters for the court staff. He also served as trial counsel for the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, dealing with cases of attorney misconduct for six years. Johnson earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Indiana University Bloomington.
“Aaron will be a spectacular addition to the judiciary of Hamilton County,” said Superior Court Judge Jonathan Brown. Johnson, with experience in employment law, landlord-tenant issues, contract law, and criminal law, is well-prepared to contribute to the bench and serve the people of Hamilton County. As of Monday, August 5, the justice system now includes five magistrate judges, including Johnson, who work under the eight standing judges, as noted on the Hamilton County website.
