Lawyer, sitting town justice looks to replace retiring Eugene Langone
News release
BROWNVILLE, NY — Justin Brotherton will seek the Republican and Conservative party lines in the upcoming campaign for Jefferson County Family Court judge, the lawyer and sitting town justice announced Monday.
“Eugene Langone is a hardworking, conscientious and fair jurist who I’ve had the pleasure of watching up close for years,” said Brotherton, 39. “I’ve admired his temperament and his care for cases, and I hope the electorate considers me as a suitable successor.”
Brotherton is a native of Jefferson County and a Carthage High School graduate. He began his legal career with Carter, Ramseier, & Holcombe in Clayton before establishing the Brotherton Law Firm in 2011. As a small business owner and practicing lawyer, Brotherton has handled thousands of family court and matrimonial cases, including custody, visitation, child support, maintenance, family offenses, neglect, juvenile delinquency and divorces. He has been lead counsel for several trials and appellate arguings.
“A family court judge typically sees residents at some of the most difficult times of their lives. It’s important that the judge ensures equal treatment for all and protects our most vulnerable — the many children that are impacted by our decisions,” said Brotherton.
Brotherton lives in Brownville with wife, Lindsey, and their three sons, Jace (8), Ryker and Rowan (both 6). He was elected in 2015 as town justice, a position he holds today after two successful re-elections. As judge, Brotherton rules on vehicle and traffic matters, small claims cases, evictions and has presided over both criminal and civil trials.
Brotherton is active in his community as youth wrestling coach and a board member of several nonprofit organizations, including Disabled Persons Action Organization, Community Action Planning Council and Pivot (formerly the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council).
In his professional capacity, Brotherton has led the Jefferson County Bar Association as its president and still serves as an executive committee member. In addition, he was appointed to the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Fifth Judicial District, which encompasses six upstate counties.
The designating petition period begins Feb. 27 and ends April 4, with the general election for the 10-year term being held Nov. 5.