LOWER MERION – Having practiced law for more than 28 years, garnering trial experience and developing courtroom skills along the way, Joseph A. Hirsch says he’s uniquely and highly qualified to become a magisterial district judge.
“I have also developed strong conflict resolution skills, and have helped many people successfully solve problems and resolve disputes in and out of the courtroom,” Hirsch said recently as he announced he’s seeking nomination, during the May 18 primary election, for district court judge in Montgomery County’s Magisterial District Court 38-2-04, which includes parts of Lower Merion Township.
“Having the experience of trying cases in court and working closely with a diverse client base has given me a view from the trenches, that makes me particularly well suited to serve as district judge,” Hirsch added.
Hirsch, 55, said his litigation experience includes business disputes, labor and employment cases, consumer protection cases, civil rights cases, property disputes, personal injury claims and criminal cases.
“My clients have included plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and businesses, so I have helped people with a variety of perspectives,” Hirsch said.
District court judges are elected to six-year terms and preside over criminal preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings, summary criminal offenses, traffic offenses, municipal code violations, landlord/tenant disputes, and civil claims where damages do not exceed $12,000.
Hirsch, who earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brandeis University in 1987 and graduated from Villanova University School of Law in 1992, said as a district judge he’d like to have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of those who come before the court and to broaden the positive impact of the court through community involvement.
“The prompt and fair resolution of all cases is a chief priority that can promote harmony within the community. In criminal matters in particular, there are opportunities to shape people’s lives,” Hirsch said. “Sometimes the law requires the application of significant penalties, and sometimes, where appropriate, alternative dispositions that avoid the harshest penalties are the best tool to bring about positive change.
“I believe there is also an opportunity to extend the beneficial reach of the court through community involvement and youth engagement. As district judge, my public service will include a positive, community-focused effort. I have lived in Lower Merion for most of my life and I care about our community,” added Hirsch, a married father of three.
Hirsch, the son of a retired lawyer, said the time he spent as a paralegal for a labor and employment law firm in New York City between 1988 and 1989, solidified his interest in a law career.
“There was a certain commitment to justice that I saw among the people that I was working with that I found inspiring. That was what caused me to decide to go to law school,” said Hirsch, who has been in private practice operating Hirsch & Hirsch in Bala Cynwyd since September 1993.
Hirsch fondly recalled his first civil jury trial as a sole practitioner.
“I worked long days and nights over many months, and fought hard to vindicate my client’s civil rights. For me, it was an inspiring lesson about the power of perseverance, not giving up when you believe your cause is just, and the possibility of achieving your goals through hard work, even against formidable opponents. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career,” Hirsch said.
Additional information about Hirsch’s candidacy can be found on his web site at www.joehirschforjudge.com
The district judge post which Hirsch is seeking is currently held by District Court Judge Karen Eisner Zucker, who is seeking re-election.
Candidates for district court judge are elected in odd-numbered years by voters in the municipalities that constitute their magisterial district.
Under state law, candidates seeking nominations for district court judge can file nominating petitions to appear on the ballots of both the Democratic and Republican parties because they are considered to be non-political positions. The top Republican and the top Democratic vote-getters will move on to November’s general election ballot.
Hirsch is seeking a Democratic nomination.
Zucker has cross-filed on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.
According to county election records, Andrew M. Kronfeld also is seeking a Democratic nomination for the post.
