FARGO - When Shon Hastings was studying law at the University of North Dakota in the early 1990s, she never saw herself becoming a judge, let alone a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge.
Yet with little public fanfare but plenty of smiles and joy, Hastings was sworn in Friday as the next federal bankruptcy judge for North Dakota.
"I am extremely thrilled and honored to be selected," Hastings said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to serve the public."
Hastings is the first woman appointed to the position in North Dakota.
She succeeds Judge William A. Hill, who retired in August after nearly 30 years on the bench.
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Hill spoke highly of Hastings, who was then the front-runner for the job.
"She has lots of good experience," Hill told The Forum last month. "She's very nice, very kind, very capable."
Hastings now only needs to move her office within the federal courthouse in downtown Fargo.
She spent the past 14 years as an assistant U.S. attorney, tackling financial litigation cases and serving as the chief prosecutor and supervisor for the office's Civil Division.
The Hazen native admits she's come a long way from her small-town roots in western North Dakota.
Fresh out of law school, Hastings earned a two-year clerkship in the federal courts under North Dakota U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen K. Klein.
After two more years in private practice for a Minneapolis law firm, Hastings returned to Fargo as a federal prosecutor.
"Shon is an absolutely outstanding lawyer," current U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon said. "We're going to miss her a great deal, but our office's loss is a gain for the people of North Dakota."
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Audibly beaming, Hastings said she's eager for her new judicial post.
"My goal will be to treat everybody fairly," she said. "The unique thing about Bankruptcy Court is, it's an opportunity to give those people who are struggling with financial adversity a fresh start - and it's just an honor to serve North Dakota in that way."
Hastings was chosen by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to fill a 14-year appointment.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kristen Daum at (701) 241-5541
