Surrounded by family, friends, co-workers and other Third Judicial Court judges, former Albert Lea City Attorney Steve Schwab became the newest Freeborn County District Court judge Friday at the Freeborn County Government Center.

“I am still somewhat in shock and awe at this whole process,” Schwab said.

He noted his appreciation for the full-house crowd in attendance for taking time out of their busy Labor Day weekends to attend the ceremony.

The No. 1 rule in his new courtroom, he said, will be that all parties show respect to each other and to the court — even if they don’t like each other.

For those watching from the audience, it seemed as if Schwab fit right into the new position. Judges from the stand also showed their approval of the new judge.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome a new colleague to the bench …” said Minnesota Chief Judge Bill Johnson, who officiated at the event. “I have no doubt Steve will be an excellent addition.”

Schwab, 51, replaces Judge James E. Broberg, who retired April 29. Broberg is now serving as a senior judge.

Schwab served as Albert Lea City Attorney since Jan. 3, 1989. His last day as city attorney was Thursday, just a few months short of his 20-year anniversary in the position.

“I can say without question my 20 years of being a city attorney has been a pleasure,” he said.

While he was in that position there were 472 Albert Lea City Council meetings, and out of all of those meetings, he only missed two.

“I’m hoping to make that same record of attendance to the bench,” he said. “I will be here.”

He credited his parents who allowed him from a young age to take part in speech, debate and FFA programs.

“Without question I would not be sitting here today without my parents,” he said.

Because of them, he noted, he learned of a hard work ethic and drive to succeed.

Schwab earned his juris doctorate degree from St. Louis University Law School in St. Louis in 1982, and his bachelor of science degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville in 1979.

Prior to his city attorney position, he was a corporate attorney with Farm Credit Service of Mankato from 1986 through 1988. From 1982 to 1986, he served as an associate attorney, as well as an assistant Brown County attorney, with the Berens, Rodenberg and O’Connor Law Firm in New Ulm.

Schwab said he has a lot to live up to in becoming a new Third Judicial Court judge, and he looks forward to overcome the challenges facing the judiciary system in today’s age.

“I can’t even explain what I’m feeling,” Schwab’s mother, Mary Ann, said. “I’m very happy, but again I’m not surprised.

Mary Ann and Broberg helped Schwab put on his new robe.

Schwab said he wanted Broberg to assist because he learned many difficult lessons while in his courtroom.

“The system works best when the parties treat each other with respect,” Schwab said.

City manager Victoria Simonsen said she thinks Schwab will be an excellent judge, as he brings the qualities the position needs.

“We’re proud of him, but it will be a loss to the city,” City Clerk Shirley Slater-Schulte said.

Simonsen said the city has still only received four applications for the city attorney position from individuals and five from firms.

City staff are working to coordinate schedules for interviews.