There was more than one reason Kelli Osler was excited as she slipped into a judicial robe.

Wednesday marked her first day as a Clark County District Court judge. But it also signified a greater achievement: She’s the first woman in Clark County history ever to boast that title.

“It’s not very often you’re the first at something,” a beaming Osler, 46, told the packed courtroom on the fourth floor of the Clark County Courthouse.

Osler was sworn in by presiding Superior Court Judge Barbara Johnson before family, friends, judges and attorneys.

Donning a robe isn’t something new for Osler, who has been a District Court commissioner for five years. Even so, the significance was still felt in the courtroom. There have been female Superior Court judges and court commissioners, but never a District Court judge.

“This is a historic day,” Clark County Superior Court Judge Rich Melnick said before the ceremonial donning of the robe.

Osler’s appointment by the Clark County Board of Commissioners fills the vacancy created in February when Melnick vacated his District Court judgeship to replace retiring Superior Court Judge Robert Harris.

Last month, Osler beat two other candidates, Vancouver private attorneys Jim Sellers and Craig Kennedy, for the post.

In addition to being a court commissioner, she worked for the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office for 13 years, including five years in the major crimes unit.

Osler will have to run in November to keep the post. A panel of District Court judges will name the next commissioner.

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