Even before the now judge, John Terlaje, took the oath to take the bench, he was already put on the court calendar to oversee some high-profile cases.

Today, the investiture ceremony was held here before his family and colleagues in the law community.

Terlaje is now the eighth judge of the lower court.

He was nominated by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero who then said adding Terlaje as a judge here will not only help to reduce the caseload, but will ensure everyone has access to the fair and impartial justice they deserve.

Terlaje was elated during today’s ceremony.

"Wow! I just can’t believe it...thanks Mom and Dad," he said. 

Before getting into law, Terlaje was a teacher and public school administrator. He’s been a member of the Guam Bar Association for more than 20 years.

Terlaje also worked as a law clerk for Presiding Judge Alberto Lamorena.The two will now work side by side on the bench following his long legal career in his private law firm.