So far, three in running for Norco judicial seat
The pending retirement of a longtime judge on Northampton County Court has attracted at least three candidates so far to fill his seat.
Judge Anthony Beltrami is stepping down after serving two 10-year terms.
Seeking to fill his seat so far are Democrat Jeremy Clark, a private practice lawyer in Easton, Democrat Robert Eyer, who is Northampton’s first assistant district attorney, and Republican James Fuller, an assistant district attorney in Monroe County.
Judicial candidates are permitted to crossfile due to the nonpartisan nature of the role. All must file valid nomination papers before being placed on the May 20 primary ballot. Feb. 18 is the first day signatures can be collected on nomination papers.
Jeremy Clark, 46, has 15 years of legal experience that includes being a court-appointed defense attorney, a divorce master and a municipal solicitor, including serving currently as one in Easton. He also has experience in bankruptcy, estate planning and insurance law.
Clark said he prioritizes fairness and justice whether defending those in need, guiding families through legal disputes or serving as a court-appointed counsel.
“As I embark on this campaign, I look forward to sharing my vision for a judiciary that upholds the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and respect for all. With your support, we can continue the proud legacy of our Court in Northampton County,” he said in a campaign announcement.
Clark grew up in central Pennsylvania. After enlisting the the Army at age 17, he went to the University of Delaware on an ROTC scholarship. He served as an infantry officer for the 82nd Airborne Division, completing three combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
After leaving the military, he moved to Northampton County and earned a law degree from Villanova University. He and his wife have two daughters and live in Easton.
Robert Eyer, 57, of Allen Township, was appointed first district attorney by District Attorney Stephen Baratta, a former county judge who took office in January 2024.
“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,” Eyer said in a campaign announcement.
“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.”
Eyer’s 30-plus years as a lawyer includes working in the district attorney’s office under former District Attorney John Morganelli and serving as chief public defender in the county. He also has experience in civil, business and estate litigation, municipal zoning and planning, divorce, child custody, juvenile delinquency and dependency.
He has been a special assistant U.S. attorney and served Northampton in a administrative role, managing asbestos cases.
Eyer earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University at Bloomington and a law degree from Dickinson School of Law.
James T. Fuller, 41, of Allen Township has been an assistant district attorney in Monroe for the last two years. Before that, he was a Monroe assistant public defender for nearly seven years.
Fuller is a 2002 graduate of Easton Area High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Penn State University and earned his law degree from Cooley Law School. The father of two boys coaches soccer, basketball and baseball in Forks Township.
“I am running because I feel my experience makes me qualified to be a judge,” Fuller said in an email.
“I have done 13 jury trials to verdict, 9 as a public defender, 4 as a prosecutor. I have talked to victims of crimes as well as defendants suffering from drug dependencies or mental illness,” he said.
“I have handled thousands of cases from drug possession to aggravated and sexual assault. I am a lifelong resident of Northampton County, I started at Forks Elementary School and graduated from Easton Area High School. I feel this is the best way I can serve my community.”