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| Hon.Michael V. Koury, Jr. |
Baratta will be a tough act to follow. During his tenure, Baratta streamlined court operations to increase efficiency, especially in criminal cases. He has been behind the creation of several problem solving courts that address the ultimate cause of criminal behavior. He supported an expansion of pretrial services designed to keep low-risk offenders out of jail. He also revamped custody cases, appointing prominent Harvard Law grad Lisa Tresslar as a full-time Master who sits down with the parties and serves more as a mediator to resolve disputes. This spares parents and their children the trauma of a courtroom. He has also been an advocate of higher pay for judicial employees.
If Barrata is so good, why is he being replaced? President Judges may only serve for five years in counties like Northampton, and are barred from serving two consecutive terms.
Baratta's successor, Michael Koury, is graduate of Notre Dame High School, Moravian College and Villanova University School of Law, where he served on Law Review because he was in the top 3% of his class.
He was on his way to a lucrative career in a prominent Wall Street firm, when tragedy stuck. His popular father, who served as a Magisterial District Judge in Wilson Borough for 20 years, unexpectedly passed away. He was an amazing man who also operated the cash register at Josie's Deli over the lunch hour. He was also a teacher and basketball coach at Allentown Central Catholic High School.
Koury decided to follow his father's footsteps on the bench and waged a successful write-in campaign to replace him.
Koury was first elected to the Court of Common Pleas in 2009. He lives in Easton with his wife Elaine and their three children.
His mother Josie is the owner and proprietor of Josie's Deli in the Easton circle
He is known for very scholarly legal opinions, and seems to really enjoy the give and take of argument court.
His father would be very proud.
JUDGE KOURY WILL ,IN MY OPINION, MAKE A VERY GOOD PRESIDENT JUDGE. I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH MICHAEL’S FATHER. WHEN ATTORNEY KOURY RAN FOR HIS FATHERS WILSON JUDICAL SEAT YOU COULD SEE MANY OF HIS FATHERS TRAITS COMING FROM HIM. HE POLISHED HIS JUDICIAL SKILLS IN THE PEOPLES COURT BEFORE ASCENDING TO THE COMMON PLEAS COURT, LEARNING HOW UPSETTING IT CAN BE FOR MOST CITIZENS WHEN THEY MUST APPEAR IN FRONT OF A JUDGE. MY CONGRATULATIONS TO JUDGE KOURY ON ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT IN HIS PROFESSION LIFE.
ReplyDeleteJudge Stocklas, best MDJ ever.
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ReplyDeleteWho is seeking the appointment to replace judge giordano?
ReplyDeleteTricia Mezzacappa, aka Tricia Phillips, grow up or get your head examined.
ReplyDelete7:23, the Governor could make an interim appointment, but he would need the GOP senate to agree. So I doubt there will be an interim appointment.
ReplyDeleteJudge Koury worked hard to get to where he is. And I am sure he has higher aspirations as well. Good for him he deserves this.
ReplyDeleteJudge Koury worked hard for this position. I'm sure he has higher aspirations
ReplyDeleteHe is a class act !
ReplyDeleteAs a Constable I had the pleasure of working for Judge Koury for many years, I knew he had the work ethic (this is a man who on state holidays would still be in his MDJ office working and would always be available for his staff and the community) judicial knowledge and temperament to be an excellent court of common pleas Judge. The President Judge appointment couldn't have gone to a better person and I am extremely happy for him, much congratulations Mike you earned it and deserve it!
ReplyDeleteFred Schoenenberger
Constable Wilson Borough
Northampton County