For almost three years, Kevin Boxberger served as one of two Regional Defenders for IDS. And while we want to celebrate his appointment to the Wake County Bench, we also acknowledge that Kevin will be greatly missed.
His work as a regional defender was met with unprecedented challenges (and opportunities) as Odyssey/the eCourts “electronic court” platform was first piloted in Harnett, Lee, Johnston and Wake counties. Kevin provided quality, consistent support for attorneys in each of these counties as well as others under his coverage area. The initiative he demonstrated from the start of that rollout, along with an intense drive, in general, to be the most effective advocate he could be for the attorneys served, truly set him apart.
Kevin was a sounding board for questions and concerns from those directly in the field. It was from these attorneys and with other stakeholders, he heard questions, concerns, issues and needs and brought forth all of them to IDS for consideration—and action. This, in addition to assisting attorneys with managing caseloads, offering consultations on complicated court matters and working tirelessly to recruit others to take on court appointed work.
We are proud of Kevin. And some of the staff from IDS were able to join Kevin and his family, along with other special guests, on the day of his Investiture Ceremony. It was an appropriate show of support as he spent his first few minutes as a judge.
RALEIGH—On Monday, May 20, 2024, the Honorable Kevin Boxberger was sworn in as District Court Judge for the 10th Judicial District, after having been officially appointed to the office by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper May 3, 2024.
N.C. Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs administered the Oath of Office for Boxberger in Court Room 301 in the Wake County Justice Center. Boxberger’s wife, Cynthia, was by his side. After the oath was taken, the couple’s children, Chaz, Joslyn and Jaxon donned their father with the Robe.
Chief District Court Justice for the 10th Judicial District Margaret Eagles presided over the ceremony. She welcomed all elected officials and honored guests. Michael Frickey, Esq. and Jake Epstein, Esq. offered words to celebrate their longtime friend and professional colleague. Other special guests present included members from the Raleigh Fire Department, staff from Indigent Defense Services, Chief Public Defenders Dawn Baxton (Durham County) and Deonté Thomas (Wake County) and Beth Hopkins-Thomas, the executive director for the North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services.
Chief Justice Eagles read an historical account of district court in Wake County and shared the lineage of the seat Boxberger would hold.
Atty. Frickey described his friend and colleague as having an almost encyclopedic knowledge of relevant statues. “But more important than his legal aptitude is his temperament,” said Frickey. “You can’t make judgments in one day on someone’s integrity and their temperament… But I have noted through the course of 10 years of working with him on cases and listening with him on cases, this is someone who handles himself with upmost professionalism.”
“I have no doubt about his integrity, I have no doubt in his humility, and I have no doubt in his ability to faithfully administer the law,” he added.
Atty. Jake Epstein said, “The practice of law is a constant CLE. Every case is different and every case matters. Kevin knows that… He takes pains to make sure he thinks through every issue. He listens to every viewpoint and what everybody says matters. And he takes time to make the right decision—to come to the right decision.”
“As a judge,” he added, “Kevin will apply the law and he has no other agenda. He is a strong litigator. He can convince others; I know that. But he can also be convinced. And that is an important quality as a judge.”
Epstein said further, “He cares that every person and any party that comes before him is treated with fairness and respect… Kevin is ready for the district bench… we celebrate him and applaud him, but most of all, we thank him. We thank you, Kevin, for your commitment and dedication and for everything you will do on the bench.”
Before administering the Oath of Office, Justice Riggs said how impressed she was by Boxberger’s commitment to service. “This is not a resume builder,” she said. “This is about making North Carolina a place where every single person has equal access to justice under the law… I am also struck by Kevin’s compassion.” She went on to say that when people appear before him, they probably will be seeing him on the worst day of their lives. “Kevin has a deep well of empathy that informs his interpretation of the law, and it is so valuable that he brings that, and he has the support of his amazing family.”
In Boxberger’s words of appreciation, he thanked his predecessor, Raleigh firefighters, his wife and children, and he expressed appreciation for the Governor’s appointment. He said that to understand why he wanted to become a judge, it is important to understand where he came from and how he was raised. Growing up in Indiana as a member of a blended family, he said he is a product of two vastly different upbringings—one with minimal financial means, and one with more resources and disposable income. He came from a long line of service-minded professionals and hard workers, and from a multicultural background, which carried over into his own family.
“It is from my experience as a child, a service member, a firefighter, a father, and from life in general that have taught me that equality, equity and fairness are pillars of our society,” said Boxberger. “They are the same pillars that apply in the legal system,” he added. “Therefore, I make a commitment to ensure that every person who appears before me receives a fair trial. I will apply the law equally and equitably to every person—not showing any favor based on race, gender, political affiliation or status in society. Moreover, I will treat everyone with respect and dignity, recognizing that everyone has value.”
In closing, Chief Justice Eagles said, “I really appreciate your willingness to come and to serve the people of Wake County. You are going to do a great job.”
Congratulations to The Honorable Kevin Boxberger, 66th District Court Judge for the 10th Judicial District in Wake County!
