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Wednesday, January 08, 2025

Bob Eyer To Seek NorCo Judgeship

Blogger's Note: I've known Bob Eyer a long time, longer than probably both of us would like to remember. I first became acquainted with him back in my running days. Bob was younger and faster than me, but I'd catch him in longer races because he liked to stop for a cigarette break. He also successfully represented a friend of mine after I searched a property for him and got mixed up on which of two open mortgage foreclosures was being exposed to sale. I got the wrong one. Somehow, he won a complete victory despite my screw-up. Now Bob is the First Assistant District Attorney and is running for the seat being vacated by Judge Tony Beltrami at the end of this year.  

Here's the announcement: Robert Eyer officially announces his candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County.

Robert Eyer is the First Assistant District Attorney of Northampton County, a position he has held since selected by Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta, who previously served as a Judge of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Eyer’s diverse experience over 30 years as a lawyer uniquely qualifies him to serve on the Court. Eyer’s experience includes: prosecuting the most serious criminal offenses for two separate elected District Attorneys, criminal defense, civil litigation, business litigation, estate litigation, municipal zoning and planning, divorce, child custody, juvenile delinquency and dependency. Eyer also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and as Chief Public Defender of Northampton County.

Robert Eyer had this to say about today’s announcement: “It has been a privilege serving Northampton County in a number of roles throughout my career. My experience will provide me with the tools to continue to serve our community as Judge. I have great respect for the rule of law, born out of my life’s work in these courtrooms, and I am firmly committed to our tradition of fairness and equal justice for all.”

Robert Eyer graduated from The Dickinson School of Law in 1992 and from Indiana University at Bloomington in 1989. He began his legal career as law clerk to Judge James C. Hogan of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County.

After serving with Judge Hogan, Eyer practiced law with an Easton law firm, where his practice included litigation and criminal defense. Robert Eyer then opened his own private law practice. Eyer later joined the Office of the District Attorney under the then District Attorney John M. Morganelli, who is now a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

Robert Eyer moved from the District Attorney to serve the Court in an administrative capacity managing a flood of asbestos cases under The Honorable Jack A. Panella, now President Judge Emeritus of the Superior Court, and then under The Honorable Edward G. Smith, later a Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District. When Northampton County President Judge Robert A. Freedberg was appointed by the Governor to the Superior Court, Judge Freedberg asked Robert Eyer to serve as his Chief Judicial Law Clerk.

Robert Eyer returned to prosecuting violent crimes under District Attorney Morganelli and also served as lead prosecutor of the investigating grand jury.

Throughout his career, Robert Eyer has frequently served as speaker at various programs on criminal law and criminal procedure presented for lawyers and the public

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sort of like Bethlehem leaving up the, 'No Cell Phone' while driving signs, after that was determined unenforceable.

Anonymous said...

Finally, a well qualified, experienced candidate, who deserves the position.

Anonymous said...

Excellent choice!

Anonymous said...

The top choice. A gentleman and a scholar. He would be a fantastic judge.

Anonymous said...

Bob is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. He is also one of the hardest working people you’ll ever meet, as he is typically one of the first ones into the courthouse and one of the last ones out.

That said, I’m not convinced he’ll make a great judge. He often seems to be out of the loop when it comes to the inner workings of the DA’s office, not something that should be characteristic of the First Assistant. He lost a case last year against a conflicts attorney who most people would say should be retired. And while his resume is well-rounded, it really looks like he keeps jumping around every few years without really leaving a mark any place he’s been.

I really hope better candidates emerge, because none that have been rumored so far have wowed me.

Anonymous said...

Becoming a judge just makes a lawyers ego expand and it makes them even more evil

Anonymous said...

The most qualified candidate for judge we have had in awhile. Bob is one the hardest and most dedicated attorneys in the County with an impeccable demeanor. Bob will make an excellent judge.

Anonymous said...

Pass. I don’t want judges who get the gig because they attached themselves to Daddy’s coattails and will be a four-termer or those who supposedly “deserve” the positing because they have worked in the DA’s office or have a long history of legal work. Nope, I want someone who will be honest, hardworking (please don’t be a golfer; the judges seem to bail to golf), and has a clue. Too many go after the robe to coast to retirement and add to an already hefty pension. An outsider who doesn’t have political attachment to the courthouse would be a welcome change.

Anonymous said...

Did Beltrami officially declare he was not seeking retention? Or is Bob getting some inside information?

Anonymous said...

Unlike Panella, he has experience!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Beltrami has filed the appropriate notice with the Administrative Office of Pa Courts, and this is public information. No insider info.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the commentor that wants an outside. I want an outsider...like a hobo or homeless man. A true outsider.

Anonymous said...

A+ Office reference

Anonymous said...

How about Zebrowski for Judge. He's polish and it's spelled the same as polish (shine). What a motto to run on........I shine. I'm polish. go get em Greg.

Joe Holko said...

Two enthusiastic thumps up for Bob Eyer! We met once on a matter years ago. I was impressed with his legal acumen and demeanor. He always greeted me in the halls of justice following that experience. So he’s an affable guy too—better than the surly type.

Having appeared before judges who never tried a case, I’ll take one who has tried plenty every time. If a lawyer tells you they have never lost a case, then they haven’t tried very many.

Bob Eyer will hit the ground running (pun intended).

Anonymous said...

He and Brian Panella worked together for Goudsouzian and Assoc. Interesting.

Anonymous said...

Anybody to replace the disgraceful Sletvold?