AUGUSTA (AP) – Warren Silver, the newest justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, begins his new job Monday at the Penobscot County Courthouse.

Silver, 57, a longtime Bangor attorney, will work in the office formerly occupied by Paul Rudman of Veazie, the justice he replaces. Rudman, 70, retired in early July.

Silver’s fellow justices, family members and friends were present Friday as he was sworn in by Gov. John Baldacci in a private ceremony at the Blaine House.

Silver took two oaths – one to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States, the other to uphold the laws and constitution of Maine.

“In Maine, we like to be certain,” Baldacci joked just before he administered the oaths.

Cases to be considered by the court when it reconvenes in mid-September in Portland already have been forwarded to Silver’s office, Chief Justice Leigh Saufley said.

“Warren may be smiling now,” Saufley said as she snapped pictures of hew new colleague. “He may not be smiling when he arrives at his office Monday and sees the files piled up.”

To honor Silver’s northern Maine roots, the law court will hold its October session in Arooostook County, Saufley said.

A Presque Isle High School graduate, Silver earned his undergraduate degree at Tufts University and his law degree from American University before setting up practice in Bangor in 1977.

Silver, whose clients included author Stephen King, sold the practice in July.

A public robing ceremony, in which Silver will be presented with the black robe traditionally worn by judges, is set for Aug. 15 in Bangor.