Andrew Mead sworn in as high court justice

AUGUSTA – Justice Andrew M. Mead of Bangor was sworn in as a member of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday by Gov. John Baldacci.

Mead’s nomination was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the Senate last week, 33-0, with two members absent.

“Justice Mead has earned respect and admiration from his peers during his years on the Maine District Court and Maine Superior Court,” Baldacci said. “I am sure that he will continue serving the state with dignity, compassion, integrity and honor as a supreme court justice.”

Mead became the first judge to preside over the Penobscot Tribal Court, where he served as chief judge. He held that position from 1979 to 1990.

He was appointed by Gov. John McKernan to the Maine District Court in 1990. Two years later he was appointed to the Maine Superior Court.

After being reappointed in 1999 by Gov. Angus King, Mead served as chief justice from 1999 to 2001 and regional presiding justice from 2004 to 2006. Baldacci reappointed him to the Superior Court last spring.

Mead served as a partner at Mitchell & Stearns from 1981 to 1990 and practiced at Paine, Lynch & Weatherbee from 1976 to 1981.

He served as president of the Maine State Bar Association in 1990, and chaired the Medical Malpractice Screening Committee from 1987 to 1990.

Mead, 55, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maine and his law degree from New York Law School.