Editor, Times-Union:
I encourage every registered voter to cast a ballot in favor of attorney Jack Birch for Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge in the Republican Primary on May 7th. I have known Jack Birch for nearly 20 years, and have been his law partner for the last six years. If you knew nothing else – that math would tell you that I hold Jack Birch in the highest regard.
I already knew him for almost 14 years when I decided to go into business with him. I consider the practice of law to be a way to serve the community more than a way to make money. No amount of money on the table or promised future earnings would lure me into a law practice with someone who does not share my ethics and character. I knew with Jack Birch I would have a partner who would challenge me daily to be smarter, better prepared, more thoughtful, and more professional, and he has done just that.
Jack Birch and I practice law in Syracuse. Trust me when I say small town law practice is nothing like being a lawyer on TV. I enjoy shows like Law & Order and Suits, but our daily experience here is very different. On any given day, Jack Birch is wise counsel and sympathetic ear to clients going through the worst time of their lives, the maintenance technician fixing a flickering fluorescent light fixture, and IT manager figuring out why the internet is out. You may ask yourself how being able to change a fluorescent light bulb makes someone qualified to be judge. The point is, when a bulb needs changed, Jack Birch gets out the ladder and gets to work.
The Kosciusko County Circuit Court judge is similar to a small firm lawyer in that every day he or she faces all kinds of civil cases as well as criminal cases, complex legal questions, and community members experiencing the worst day of their lives. Jack Birch is the candidate with the right experience to meet that challenge.
Laura E. Kaufman
Attorney
Syracuse, via email