Eric Taylor seeking election as judge in Berks
Eric Taylor is pretty happy with where he is.
The 52-year-old has been serving the communities of West Reading and Wyomissing as a district judge for the past seven years. It's a job he has loved, and one he takes very seriously.
'I like being a judge,' he said. 'I enjoy making decisions and being able to sometimes redirect people when needed — maybe get them into a treatment program or connect them to resources that they are unaware are out there.'
Despite his satisfaction with his current role, Taylor has higher aspirations. He'd like to apply his experience and passion for justice at a higher level and tackle different kinds of cases.
That's why Taylor has announced that he is running to fill a vacancy on the Berks County bench left open by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey Sprecher in July 2023. The West Reading Democrat will cross-file to appear on the Republican and Democratic ballots in the May primary election.
With more than seven years of experience as a district judge, Taylor has presided over and decided criminal and civil cases. He said that extensive judicial experience makes him uniquely qualified to handle the cases that come before county judges.
Eric Taylor
'My deep understanding of the law, combined with my ability to issue thoughtful legal opinions, has earned me respect in the legal community,' he said. 'In fact, several of my opinions have been published in the Berks County Law Journal.'
That experience on the bench, he said, will set him apart from his opponents.
Taylor is the third candidate to announce his intention to run for the post. Berks County Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Lehman and local defense attorney Lauren Marks are also seeking election.
'It is important to note that neither of the other candidates has any judicial experience and that I have been practicing law longer than them,' he said.
Taylor's legal career has spanned nearly two decades, including more than 12 years as an assistant public defender in the Berks County Public Defender's Office. During this time, he represented clients in criminal cases. He also handled other matters like violations of protection-from-abuse orders, child support violations and juvenile delinquency.
And before becoming a public defender, he served as a judicial law clerk and completed an internship with a federal magistrate judge.
'My legal background and practical experience gives me a unique understanding of the challenges faced by all parties involved in the court system,' he said. 'In my courtroom I want everyone to feel like they have their voices heard. They may not agree with my decision, but they were treated fairly.'
Taylor said his dedication to serving his community extends far beyond the courtroom, noting that he has served as a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish.
Taylor graduated from Wake Forest University with degrees in English and political science before earning his law degree at Rutgers University.
Judges serve for 10 years, then must run for retention to remain on the bench. The position pays $227,411 annually.
Meet the candidate
Candidate: Eric Taylor, 52, West Reading.
Position sought: Berks County judge.
Website: taylormadeforjudge.com
Background: Taylor is a district judge serving the communities of West Reading and Wyomissing since 2018. Before being elected to that position, he spent 12 years working in the Berks County Public Defender's Office. He has also volunteered with the Peace Corps, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at Sacred Heart Parish in West Reading.
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