Electronic poll books will be making their debut this year in Berks County
Former assistant district attorney now in private practice
After more than three
MEET THE CANDIDATE
Candidate: James Gavin, 57, Spring Township. Position sought: Berks County judge.
Current salary for position: $186,665. Background: Gavin is a partner at the Wyomissing law firm Masano Bradley who handles all types of cases throughout Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Masano Bradley, he spent eight years as an assistant district attorney in Berks County. At the time of his departure he was chief of the trial unit. decades of practicing law, James Gavin says he feels now is the time to give back to the community that helped shape his career.
The Spring Township attorney is planning to do that by running for a post on the Berks County Court, saying that he will bring integrity and experience to the bench.
“My observation is that people go to court every day for matters of great importance to themselves and they need judges who are able to bring wisdom, stability and integrity to the proceedings,” he said in a recent interview. “I believe that I have those qualities and that now is the time to return to serving the community.”
Gavin began his career as an assistant district attorney in Berks County where he prosecuted hundreds of cases. He remained in that position for more than eight years, eventually being promoted to serve as chief of the trial unit.
He left the office for private practice and now serves as a partner at the Wyomissing law firm Masano Bradley, handling all kinds of cases throughout the commonwealth.
The 57-year-old said he has a broad appellate practice with cases and has litigated many cases before various state and federal agencies, including the labor relations boards, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Gavin said he intends to bring his skill as an attorney to the county court and will serve the community with honor and distinction.
“I believe an attorney has an obligation to use his experience and training to give back to the community,” he said. “With my years of experience, I intend to bring wisdom, stability and integrity to the bench applying the rule of law to everyone evenhandedly.”
Gavin is the first candidate to officially announce he’s seeking the Republican and Democratic nominations for the judgeship in the May 18 primary. And he said he was proud to have the support of District Attorney John T. Adams and the Berks County Fraternal Order of Police.
“This is something I’ve thought about for a very
long time,” he said. “With my three daughters now grown and having completed school, the time was appropriate for this kind of decision.”
He is running for one of two open seats on ballots this year. Judge James M.
Bucci retired last month, and Judge Mary Ann Ullman has announced that she will retire when her term expires in December.
Judges serve for 10 years, then must run for retention. The position pays $186,665 annually.