In a formal ceremony at Slidell City Court, Slidell City Court Judge James “Jim” Lamz took his oath of office a few days before the new year began. The oath was for his second term of office, which began on Jan. 1, 2009 and runs for six years.

The oath was administered by his wife, Deanna Hamilton-Lamz, a local attorney and also a public notary.

Since Judge Lamz took office in 2004, the case load of Slidell City Court has increased more than 40 percent, with the most dramatic increase coming post-Katrina. Even with this significant jump in the number of cases heard before the Court, Judge Lamz’s efforts to streamline the Court’s processes have continued to benefit users of the Court with shorter wait times, faster scheduling of trials and increased bench hours. “My belief has always been that our focus is to serve our community. That’s why I have worked hard to make the Court more convenient and more welcoming to those who need its services,” Judge Lamz said. “The Court’s budget and attention to courteous, professional customer service have been maintained, even as the number of cases have greatly increased. The quality of our staff also remains high, both through the retention of experienced employees and the hiring of appropriately credentialed new employees for open positions.

“But above all, Slidell City Court has played an integral role in keeping our community safe and preserving our high quality of life. I remain grateful for the community’s faith in me as Judge.”

Although by statute Slidell City Court Judge was established as a part time position when the court opened almost 45 years ago, the court’s case load had grown considerably even as the community it serves has grown. After his first election to the position, Lamz voluntarily retired from private practice, to devote himself to the position of Judge on a full time basis. He believed the community deserved this commitment. He increased the hours and days in which court was held. Additional successful initiatives by Judge Lamz include improved security at the court, reduced waiting times for witnesses and people awaiting trial, enforced victims’ rights, development of a proactive disaster plan, improved procedures and outcomes of Juvenile Drug Court, and improved Juvenile case file security.