Judge Kenneth Joel Runs for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Judge Kenneth Joel

Court: Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat

Philadelphia Bar Association rating: Recommended

Ballot position: 3

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.

Judge Kenneth Joel: I am a 1986 graduate of Dartmouth College and a 1991 magna cum laude graduate of Boston University School of Law. I currently serve as a judge in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and every day I take the bench prepared to fairly and equitably apply the law to criminal matters that come before me.

Before taking the bench, and for over 30 years, my legal practice was as a trial and appellate litigator. From 2018 to 2022 (when I took the bench), I was a deputy general counsel to Gov. [Tom] Wolf. Before that, I served various attorneys general and was a chief deputy to Josh Shapiro and headed the civil litigation section. In my public service, I represented numerous gubernatorial administrations and commonwealth employees, public officials, the commonwealth, and executive agencies. My practice focused on defending the constitutionality of statutes, regulations and policies and protecting peoples’ rights.

From 1991 to 2008, I was in private practice. I represented individuals, communities, municipalities and businesses in a variety of substantive areas. Through my work, I ensured that employers did not discriminate against their workers. Moreover, I built an environmental law and land use practice that represented individuals and communities seeking to stop destructive development and seeking to ensure that developers and industry operated in environmentally sound ways.

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

Joel: My legal career (whether on the bench, as a public-sector attorney or in private practice) has been defined by protecting peoples’ rights. As a judge, every day I protect peoples’ rights by applying the law fairly and equitably.

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

Joel: Beyond my dedication to protecting and defending peoples’ rights, I am the only candidate running for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas that has all of the following. I have judicial experience—I am currently a judge and already doing the job every day. I have almost 15 years of public-sector legal experience. I have another 17 years of private-sector experience. I am recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association. I am committed to the development of the next generation of lawyers as demonstrated by my years of teaching and mentoring.

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

Joel: As a sitting judge, I enter the courtroom fully prepared to address all matters coming before me. This means I read all information in the file, research issues in advance, and take the bench prepared with questions so I can learn what I need to make a decision. I encourage full, but precise, filings and arguments. I take the time to hear and see everybody because by doing so I am able to understand all participants and fairly and equitably apply the law to the cases before me. Once matters are presented, I make decisions and move forward on the case.

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

Joel: My job as a judge is to fairly and equitably apply the law to the issues and people who come before me. To accomplish this, I allow comprehensive presentations by all participants so that I can see and hear everybody. Doing this allows me to fully understand the issues and individuals before me and equitably and fairly apply the law. This is what I do every day as a judge and what I will continue to do if elected.

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

Joel: Judgejoelforjudge.com.