Charles Rosenbaum Runs for Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Charles Rosenbaum

Court: Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat and Republican

Montgomery County Bar Association rating: Not recommended

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal Intelligencer: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Charles Rosenbaum: Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Charlie Rosenbaum. I am 47 years old and I have three lovely daughters. I grew up in Montgomery County. I attended Lower Moreland High School, the University of Pennsylvania, and Temple University School of Law. I am admitted to the bars of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and the Unites States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. I have been in private practice since graduation from law school.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

Rosenbaum: For 23 years I have represented mothers and fathers who have children in foster care. I represent people from many different cultures, ethnicities, races, and religions. I treat my clients with respect, and I always do my best for them.

I am part of a team of people who are concerned about the welfare of children. And, in my humble opinion, nothing could be more rewarding.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

Rosenbaum: I believe I have the essential qualifications to be a judge. I believe I am temperate, impartial, and fair. I have the experience and endorsement of my fellow co-workers and the F.O.P. State Police Pioneer Lodge. I work with other attorneys, social workers, sheriff deputies and honorable judges to bring about the best outcomes for my clients and their children. A judge is a person who must make decisions based on facts and knowledge and I have strong understanding of the law and legal processes. If elected, I will be impartial and unbiased when it comes to making decisions. I communicate clearly and effectively and I am able to analyze complex legal issues.

What does it mean to be fair? How do you learn to be fair?

You learn to be fair the same way you learn to play the violin or the piano or the way you learn to be a brick layer. Fairness is a skill acquired by having fair teachers. And I have had lots of fair teachers. I have learned from the judges that I have appeared before during the thousands of cases in which I have advocated. I have learned fairness from my parents and my school teachers.

Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel in the early 1500’s. Michelangelo benefited from layers of thinkers who came before him. There were craftsman and artisans who developed new colors and oils. There were craftsmen that developed new brushes and new brush styles. I use this analogy to illustrate how I have learned the skill of fairness. I have benefited from layers of thinkers who came before me.

I understand, firsthand, how critical a judge’s decision can be. A judge must be tough. He must be fair, and he must be honest. With these standards in mind, I ask Montgomery County voters to vote for me.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system?

Rosenbaum: Communication is most important to moving matters efficiently through the case management system. I would involve all parties participating in the case to collaborate on schedules and be aware of deadlines. In that way, relevant information will be presented and delays will be prevented from occurring. With my encouragement, all parties would work together to resolve disputes. In addition, I would actively monitor cases, receive regular updates, and foresee major problems.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

Rosenbaum: I would tell voters that I would approach each case with an open mind and a commitment to impartiality. I am dedicated to treating all individuals with respect and dignity. I will listen to all arguments, and make decisions based on the facts presented in each case. I am also committed to policies and procedures that promote equal access to justice for all people, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, and I would promote initiatives about awareness of the legal system to help individuals understand their rights.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

Rosenbaum: Please visit my website at charlierosenbaumforjudge.com