Exeter attorney seeking election as Berks judge
Kurt Geishauser cites his 27 years of experience
Exeter Township attorney Kurt Geishauser, who has been practicing law for about 27 years, is running for election as judge in Berks County.
Geishauser, 53, has worked for the firm Dimitriou & Geishauser in Reading since 2002.
A Republican, he will cross-file on the Republican and Democratic ballots in the May primary election.
There are two open judgeships because of the retirement of Judge Timothy J. Rowley in 2021 and the death of Judge Paul M. Yatron in 2022.
Though he has focused primarily on criminal defense work during his law career, Geishauser said he has also handled state and federal felony and misdemeanor matters as well as criminal homicide cases.
In addition, he said he has handled cases in areas including adverse possession, eminent domain, support, custody and equitable distribution.
“I have handled cases in every division of the (Pennsylvania) court of common pleas, including civil, criminal, family, orphans court and dependency,” he said in his campaign announcement.
“I have litigated at every level of court in Pennsylvania, including Commonwealth Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court,” he said. “I have also practiced extensively before the federal district courts, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and was sworn in as a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court in 2019.”
Geishauser received a degree in accounting from St. Francis University, a juris doctorate from the Dickinson School of Law and studied taxation for two years at the Villanova School of Law.
He started his career as an intern for federal bankruptcy Judge Thomas Twardowski, then clerked for Berks Judge Stephen B. Lieberman for two years.
He joined the firm of Mogel, Speidel, Bobb and Kershner in Reading in 2000, where he worked primarily in civil litigation, then joined the firm that would become Dimitriou & Geishauser in 2002.
He has been certified as arbitration chairperson with the Berks County Bar Association, and is a member of the Berks and Pennsylvania bar associations.
He has served on the boards of the Greater Reading Food Bank and the Star Series, and formerly served as a Republican state committee person. He is a member of St. Catharine of Siena Parish in Exeter Township.
“I have been very fortunate in my career to work with outstanding lawyers,” he said.
“What is important to note is that these great lawyers have shaped my judicial philosophy,” he said. “Through their example, I learned the value of hard work, honesty and fundamental fairness in the courts. Having interned and clerked for two judges, I observed on a daily basis the demeanor of a great judge, and I will strive to emulate those mannerisms should I be elected as a member of the Berks County bench. My mother always told me, ‘Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.’ I am proud to call these mentors my friends.
“If elected, I cannot promise any particular outcome, but what I can promise is that I will work hard every day.
“I will be prepared for each court hearing. I will research and apply the law to the best of my ability. I will move cases efficiently, and I will render decisions in a timely manner. I have an active legal practice and understand the impact these qualities have on the practice of law.”
Judges serve for 10 years, then must run for retention to remain on the bench. The position pays $212,495 annually.
So far, he will be competing for a spot alongside Jill Scheidt and Justin Bodor, both of whom also crossfiled. The primary is May 16.