Kirkendall
The judges of the Johnson Circuit and Superior Courts appointed the new judge to serve as the sixth Magistrate the courts.
The judges have appointed Brandi Foster Kirkendall as the new magistrate. The vacancy was created when former magistrate Douglas B. Cummins was appointed in late May to serve as the judge of Johnson Superior Court 3.
The county magistrate conducts hearings on court cases as assigned by the judges, which could include various pretrial hearings in criminal cases, small cases and petitions for protective orders, according to a news release from the Johnson County courts.
Kirkendall, of Trafalgar, has been Johnson County Court Administrator since 2019, during that time she has closely worked with the county’s judicial officers. Before she came to work for county, she spent 10 years in private practice with Van Valer Law Firm, LLC in Greenwood and several years working with Indiana legal services. She is a graduate of Franklin College and Indiana University’s Robert McKinney School of Law.
“I’m looking forward to continuing working closely with the judges and the other department heads in the county,” Kirkendall said.
Knowing there were many other qualified applicants for the magistrate seat, Kirkendall said she is honored to be selected.
“I’m extremely honored to serve as the next Johnson County Magistrate. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to work with the judges in the tradition of service that they demonstrate,” said Kirkendall in a statement.
Marla Clark, judge of Johnson Superior Court 4, said she is pleased to have Kirkendall join the county judiciary.
“She has demonstrated her commitment to serving the residents of Johnson County as well as her intellect and compassion. I believe she will be an outstanding judicial officer,” said Clark, in a statement.
Kirkendall will be sworn at a date to be announced later. She is expected to begin hearing cases in August.
