Family, state officials, and members of the Delaware Bar Association were at the New Castle County Courthouse on Friday morning for the ceremonial swearing in of André Bouchard as Chancellor of the Delaware’s Court of Chancery.
Bouchard was sworn in by his predecessor, Leo Strine, who left the post earlier this year to become Delaware’s new Supreme Court Chief Justice.
Bouchard humbly accepted his new position, thanking his family, friends and business partners who have helped him along the way.
He also highlighted the accomplishments of his predecessors like Collins J. Seitz, whose 1952 ruling from the Chancery bench helped desegregate public schools, noting that he might not ever match their historic significance.
“But what I can tell you and what I can promise you is I will work hard each day that I serve as your chancellor to be prepared, engaged, to understand the arguments that are presented, to treat litigants with respect, and to do my level best to administer justice with fairness for all concerned.”
Governor Jack Markell said 28 years of experience in corporate law were not the only reason he nominated Bouchard, noting his community service through various organizations also made him an attractive candidate.
“In that work he has shown his very special personal qualities, his virtuous character and his desire to see justice done in all facets of society. And that is just as important as his skills as a corporate lawyer.”
Bouchard was nominated in late March and unanimously confirmed by the State Senate in mid-April. He was officially sworn in May 5th in a private ceremony.
The new Chancellor was the managing partner of a firm specializing in corporate law litigation that he founded with former Vice Chancellor Stephen Lamb in 1996.
He also served as the chair of the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission until resigning that post earlier this year.