The Hon. Michael Dumitru began 2025 not with a resolution but with an oath.
During a private ceremony Jan. 1 in the Joel W. Solomon U.S. Courthouse in Chattanooga, Dumitru pledged to “administer justice without respect to persons,” to “do equal right to the poor and to the rich” and to “faithfully and impartially discharge and perform” his duties.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee then welcomed Dumitru as its newest magistrate judge. He succeeds Magistrate Judge Susan K. Lee, who is retiring after serving the court since 2004.
Dumitru has worked as a circuit court judge in Hamilton County since Sept. 1, 2022. Before becoming a judge, he worked as a litigator for more than 10 years, including eight years with Miller & Martin in Chattanooga.
Dumitru graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2011, earned a master’s degree in global affairs from New York University in 2006 and a degree in political science from Fordham University in 2004.
District judges appoint magistrate judges for terms of eight years. They have authority to issue warrants, conduct preliminary criminal proceedings and to hear cases involving petty offenses committed on federal lands.
In many districts, magistrate judges handle pretrial motions in both civil and criminal cases. While district judges try most civil cases, magistrate judges may also preside over civil trials if all parties consent.
Dumitru bid farewell to his fellow jurists via the following statement, which he shared through the Chattanooga Bar Association’s newsletter.
“The day Judge Hollingsworth swore me in was one of the most important days of my life. I have done the best I can to honor his legacy and approach all of your cases with the diligence, patience and thoughtfulness they deserve, keeping in mind the fact that the individuals impacted by each stroke of my pen are human beings with their own families, friends and stressors.
“From the trials to the informal telephonic conferences, working with you on a daily basis has been the greatest professional privilege of my life. Thank you for your zealous advocacy of your clients, your commitment to the judicial process and your candor and patience with the court.
“I leave you with two thoughts as you continue in your respective practices. First, I urge you to recognize and embrace the importance of civility and effective communication, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Neither will ever hurt your case, but their absence can set you back significantly. Second, while you might chuckle or find them counterintuitive, I point you to the following words of wisdom from Abraham Lincoln:
“’Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, expenses and waste of time. As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.’”
A public investiture for Dumitru will take place in the coming months.