CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With Kanawha Circuit Judge Irene C. Berger poised to take a seat on the federal bench, county officials hosted a reception Thursday in her honor to wish her well.

It didn't take long for the standing-room only crowd that packed the ceremonial courtroom in the old county courthouse to show their appreciation and affection.

After Kanawha Circuit Clerk Cathy Gatson, who served as the event's emcee, offered her congratulations to Berger during her introductory remarks, the audience erupted into a standing ovation.

President Obama nominated Berger for a federal judgeship in West Virginia's Southern District in July. With strong support from Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, West Virginia's two Democratic senators, the U.S. Senate confirmed her on Oct. 27 by a unanimous 97-0 vote.

Berger, who was the first black female judge in state history, will become West Virginia's first black federal judge.

Many of the speakers at Thursday's reception spoke about their own personal history with Berger, who worked for the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and, briefly, the U.S. Attorney's Office before she was appointed judge in 1994.

"The West Virginia state judiciary is losing a judge with impeccable credentials," said state Supreme Court Justice Thomas McHugh, who traced his friendship with Berger to his time as a Kanawha Circuit judge, "but the United States and the federal judiciary is gaining one."

Larry Puccio, Gov. Joe Manchin's chief of staff, read a message on behalf of the governor, who was traveling out of state and unable to attend.

"She is a distinguished judge, one of the best in the nation," Puccio read. "I know she will make West Virginia proud."

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper recalled that Berger took her first oath of office in the very same room when she was sworn in as a Kanawha County assistant prosecutor on Feb. 1, 1982.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- With Kanawha Circuit Judge Irene C. Berger poised to take a seat on the federal bench, county officials hosted a reception Thursday in her honor to wish her well.

It didn't take long for the standing-room only crowd that packed the ceremonial courtroom in the old county courthouse to show their appreciation and affection.

After Kanawha Circuit Clerk Cathy Gatson, who served as the event's emcee, offered her congratulations to Berger during her introductory remarks, the audience erupted into a standing ovation.

President Obama nominated Berger for a federal judgeship in West Virginia's Southern District in July. With strong support from Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, West Virginia's two Democratic senators, the U.S. Senate confirmed her on Oct. 27 by a unanimous 97-0 vote.

Berger, who was the first black female judge in state history, will become West Virginia's first black federal judge.

Many of the speakers at Thursday's reception spoke about their own personal history with Berger, who worked for the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and, briefly, the U.S. Attorney's Office before she was appointed judge in 1994.

"The West Virginia state judiciary is losing a judge with impeccable credentials," said state Supreme Court Justice Thomas McHugh, who traced his friendship with Berger to his time as a Kanawha Circuit judge, "but the United States and the federal judiciary is gaining one."

Larry Puccio, Gov. Joe Manchin's chief of staff, read a message on behalf of the governor, who was traveling out of state and unable to attend.

"She is a distinguished judge, one of the best in the nation," Puccio read. "I know she will make West Virginia proud."

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper recalled that Berger took her first oath of office in the very same room when she was sworn in as a Kanawha County assistant prosecutor on Feb. 1, 1982.

Carper praised Berger as a judge's judge and someone with a "great moral compass."

Chief Kanawha Circuit Judge Jim Stucky, who along with colleague Charles E. King worked with Berger in the prosecutor's office, joked that he would have been better off if he had listened more to her advice. Berger benefited from not taking his very often, he said.

"Who knows what the limits are? We may be seeing her on the U.S. Supreme Court one of these days," he said. "She's an outstanding jurist. She's an outstanding community member, but more importantly, she's an outstanding friend.

"Irene, congratulations."

Finally, Berger herself approached the podium and expressed her gratitude to her mentors and supporters who helped propel her career forward.

"For a woman who doesn't like a lot of fuss being made over her, you all are making a lot of fuss," she said. "I'm very honored, and I thank all of you very much."

The reception included a presentation of the colors by the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard, and a cappella versions of the National Anthem and "To God Be the Glory" by Lynn Lillie.

Manchin has indicated that he intends to move quickly to replace Berger in Kanawha County, one of the state's biggest and busiest circuits. The committee he appointed to review applications has narrowed the field to seven candidates, most of whom attended Thursday's reception.

Reach Andrew Clevenger at acleven...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1723.