I am a local attorney writing in support of Mike Dumitru for Hamilton County Circuit Court judge. I first met Mike almost 15 years ago when he was a law school student. Since then, Mike has become not only an exceptional colleague and law partner, but also a trusted friend. He is a wonderful husband, father and son, and he daily exhibits the personal characteristics and conservative values—including patience, humility, and dedication—that make for good public servants, especially judges.
Mike’s values are the product of an amazing American story. Decades ago, his parents rejected communist and socialist oppression and fled Eastern Europe. Like President Reagan, Mike’s parents saw America as “a shining city upon a hill.” They came here to build a better life and to enjoy individual freedom made possible by limited government and the rule of law. More than most candidates for office, Mike understands the importance of the job he is seeking.
It has been my great pleasure to watch Mike become an outstanding lawyer. He has not pigeonholed his law practice into one or two particular areas. He has instead applied himself to learn about and work in a variety of practice areas. Mike has represented plaintiffs and defendants, individuals, small businesses, and large companies in state and federal courts across Tennessee and other states. He has handled cases in most every area of law within the Circuit Court’s jurisdiction. The depth and breadth of Mike’s legal experience and knowledge will serve him, and us, well on the bench.
Mike knows his way around a courtroom. He has tried jury trials and bench trials in Hamilton County and elsewhere. Critically, he understands and plays by the rules of civil procedure and the rules of evidence. He also has the enviable ability when in court to make the most complex issues simple and understandable. Mike and I recently appeared in court together to address several motions in a difficult case. When Mike was arguing—without notes, mind you—he commanded the facts, the legal issues, and the floor; he was in his second home.
Mike is incredibly intelligent. He is an accomplished advocate and courtroom lawyer who has earned the respect of judges and opposing counsel. He practices zealously, which means he seeks to vindicate both his client’s interest and the rule of law. He is a good listener and a strategic and critical thinker. He focuses on what really matters in a case and is a good steward of his client’s resources. He donates his time to pro bono representation and to advancing the ideals of our justice system in the community. He is, simply, one of the best lawyers in our area. Candidly, the easiest thing for Mike would be to remain in private practice. He would continue to do well and be an even greater success. But Mike isn’t into what’s easy. He wants to do the right thing and give back. He wants to be a judge for all the right reasons. He wants to use his considerable skill and understanding of our legal system to make that system better for the citizens of this county and state. He deserves our vote.
Mike Dumitru should be our next Circuit Court judge. He has the necessary knowledge, experience, and ability. As a Republican, Mike has a conservative judicial philosophy. As a judge, Mike will not legislate from the bench. He will interpret and apply the law based on the plain meaning of the words on the page. He will rule fairly and decisively based on the facts and the law. I am confident of this because I have seen these principles at work in Mike’s law practice day in and day out for a decade.
If a person with Mike’s abilities and values is willing to stand for office and isn’t elected, then I really don’t know what we’re doing. Mike is the right choice for Circuit Court. Election Day is May 3, and early voting is from April 13 to 28. I hope everyone will join me in voting in the Republican primary for my good friend Mike Dumitru.
Zachary H. Greene