Michael Koury, the son of a priest, was a Lebanese immigrant naturalized as an American citizen in 1926 in Northampton County’s historic Courtroom #1. His son Frank worked the hot ovens at Lehigh Foundries, and when out of work during the Great Depression, often visited Courtroom #1 to watch trials in progress. He would regale his young grandson with tales about the courtroom exploits of colorful lawyers like Charles Hogan.

Hearing these tales, young Michael Koury decided he’d like to become a lawyer himself. But he was destined to be a judge On June 18, before a standing-room only crowd of well over 500 people in that same courtroom, Michael J. Koury Jr. was sworn in as the 27th president judge of Northampton County.

This distinguished audience included the heart and soul of Easton’s proud Lebanese community. The entire Northampton County bench was on display. The jury box was filled with visiting judges who included Superior Court President Judge Susan Gatman, along with Superior Court Judge Jack Panella, Commonwealth Court Judge Robert “Robin” Simpson, Federal District Court jurists Ed Smith and Jay Leeson and former Judge Emil Giordano. County Executive Lamont McClure, District Attorney John Morganelli and Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio, along with former County Executive Gerald E. “Jerry” Seyfried and county council members Ron Heckman and Lori Vargo Heffner, were just some of those who paid their respects.

As prestigious as this group might be, the seats of honor were saved for Judge Koury’s family. His wife Elaine was flanked on one side by their son Michael and on the other by daughters Josie and Rebecca. Seated at the same table was Judge Koury’s mother Josie, whose Josie’s Deli at the Easton circle is a Northampton County landmark. Michael’s Uncle Anthony, who is also a deacon at Our Lady of Lebanon, served as court crier.

The one family member missing was Michael’s father, Big Mike, who at one time was a popular magistrate in Wilson Borough, known for his common sense, humility and the courtesy with which he treated everyone. Attorney Dan Cohen spoke fondly of his fairness. President Judge Stephen Baratta remembered Koury’s dad for another reason – basketball. Baratta was himself an excellent basketball player in his youth, and knew Koury as the well-regarded coach at Allentown Central Catholic High School, where he developed an innovative press defense that is still used today.

At lunchtime, Big Mike worked the cash register at Josie’s Deli, freeing her to make her famous sandwiches and soups. He made sure his customers knew how proud he was of his son Michael, who did become a lawyer and was working on Wall Street.

Unfortunately, Judge Koury passed away unexpectedly when he was only 60 years old. Michael, with no hesitation, left Wall Street, decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. He waged a rare successful write-in campaign. He was first elected to the Court of Common Pleas in 2009. His selection as president judge after just nine years on the bench is an indication of the high regard in which he is held by his fellow jurists.

Outgoing President Judge Stephen Baratta handed Judge Koury a copy of a book that has been handed down from president judge to president judge since the days of Judge Alfred T. Williams - a copy of Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince. This book espouses the principle that the ends justifies the means, and even goes so far as to profess that a prince should keep his word only when it suits his purposes. Judge Baratta said he tried using these principles around his own household, and found himself on the couch for a week.

President Judge Koury said he’d work by consensus among fellow jurists and would follow the teachings of another Mediterranean scholar - Socrates. According to this ancient philosopher, a judge has four duties: (1) To hear courteously; (2) To answer wisely; (3) To consider soberly; and (4) To decide impartially.”

Judge Koury singled out several members of his family who have had a big influence on him growing up. He finished by acknowledging Easton Attorney George Baurkot, a pillar of the Lebanese community, as his mentor.

As has happened at several ceremonies in recent years, an honor guard of Northampton County Corrections officers, including a bagpiper, presented the colors. Melina Heffner, a student at Saucon Valley HS, sang the National Anthem and God Bless America. Most Rev. Alfred A Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, delivered the Invocation and Benediction.

Immediately after the induction ceremony, everyone was invited to Our Lady of Lebanon for a reception and outstanding Lebanese food.