Tavitas selected for Ind. Court of Appeals

A Lake County judge is the newest justice to join the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday picked Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Tavitas, 57, for the Appeals Court to replace retired Judge Michael Barnes, who left the judicial panel after 18 years.

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve the State of Indiana on the Court of Appeals,” Tavitas said in a statement. “It is an honor to succeed Judge Barnes, a respected, lifetime public servant. I am grateful for Gov. Holcomb’s confidence in me, and I am looking forward to working with all of my future colleagues on the appellate court.”

Former Gov. Mitch Daniels tapped Tavitas in 2006 for the Lake County Superior Court judgeship, according to Holcomb’s office. During Tavitas’ tenure on the bench, she handled domestic relations and protective order cases, civil commercial cases and tort law injury cases.

“Judge Tavitas is deserving and the right choice for the Indiana Court of Appeals,” Holcomb said in a statement. “She has a deep understanding of our Constitutions, laws and rules, and she applies them fairly and equitably. When faced with complex and challenging cases, she is tenacious, perseveres and gets the job done.”

“Judge Tavitas is well known for her quiet strength, resolve and willingness to roll up her sleeves and create workable solutions with the resources she has,” Holcomb said. “It is my great honor to appoint her to our state’s second highest court.”

Before becoming a Lake County judge, Tavitas was a referee in the county’s juvenile division, a deputy prosecutor, public defender, federal law clerk, probation officer and worked in private practice, according to a news release.