Elected in last June’s primary election
Monongalia County’s newest magistrate heard his first case and several more besides Monday.
“I’ve got some law background but I’m also figuring out that this is a brand new monster and there is experience that is just getting into it and figuring it out,” Magistrate Phillip Todd Gaujot said.
Gaujot was elected in June’s primary election and replaced Tim Pocius on the bench.
Gaujot took the magistrate classes virtually rather than in Charleston and said there was a lot of information presented in the training process.
“By and large I’m feeling good,” Gaujot said. “I’m ready to do this and I’m honored that the people of the county have faith in my abilities and I’m not gonna take it lightly. I’ll work hard.”
Attorney Scott Radman was the first to present a case — a request for a protective order — before Gaujot. Radman said Gaujot listened to the facts, was articulate and acted like a veteran.
“I feel very good about the new magistrate,” Radman said.
Gaujot was sworn-in by his father, Circuit Court Judge Phillip Gaujot. Gaujot said his dad has given him fatherly advice and there’s an open door for professional advice.
“At this point I want to keep things a little separate,” he said. “This is its own thing and I want to be a team player here.”
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