Cosgrove closer to becoming a judge

In a time of corruption and dishonesty, Luzerne County will soon have a new judge.

In a 50-0 vote Monday, the Pennsylvania Senate confirmed attorney Joseph Cosgrove to serve the remaining term of disgraced former judge Mark Ciavarella.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled by the Senate’s action, just as I was by the governor’s nomination,” Cosgrove said Monday. “…I look forward to this opportunity to serve the people of Luzerne County at this difficult time.”

In December, Gov. Ed Rendell nominated Cosgrove to fill the remaining term of former judge Mark Ciavarella, after he was charged in the ongoing federal corruption case.

It is unknown when Cosgrove will be sworn in as county judge, but Cosgrove believes it will be as soon as possible. Cosgrove will serve until January 2012.

“Joe Cosgrove is a highly intelligent and very accomplished lawyer and litigator who has distinguished himself in the field of law as well as the general community,” Rendell said in a press release in December.

Cosgrove, 52, of Forty Fort, was previously unanimously approved in December by the 14-member state Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, had testified before the judiciary committee and praised Cosgrove’s record and reputation.

“I’ve been … and other members (of the Senate) have been … impressed with what (Cosgrove) brings to the bench. Both in testimony before the Judiciary Committee and conversations with (Senate) members, it’s clear that he has what the court needs,” Baker said Monday. “I consider him to be somebody who will bring a fresh talent, and a fresh perspective, and is well-suited for a difficult task.”

Baker said now that the Senate has confirmed Cosgrove, the governor’s office will prepare an official commission so Cosgrove can be sworn in as a judge.

Senate Minority Leader Robert Mellow, D-Peckville, said Monday that Cosgrove’s appointment is a step in the right direction for Luzerne County.

“Joseph Cosgrove has an outstanding reputation and will bring integrity and sound judgment to the bench,” Mellow said. “His appointment is a huge step forward in restoring the public’s trust in the Court of Common Pleas in Luzerne County."

Cosgrove has been in private law practice since 1982 and previously served as a Superior Court law clerk and Luzerne County assistant public defender and conflict counsel.

He also has been an adjunct faculty member at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, teaching constitutional law and civil rights. He is also a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

“This is very welcome news,” Luzerne County President Judge Thomas Burke said Monday. “Judge Cosgrove will be a tremendous asset to the bench. He is highly regarded in the legal community for his scholarship, legal acumen, work ethic and integrity.”

Burke said he is unsure when Cosgrove will take the oath of office, but says there is a “pile of cases” awaiting his arrival.

Cosgrove has a bachelor’s degree in government and international studies, a master’s degree in theology and a law degree – all from the University of Notre Dame.

He is a past president of the Luzerne County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

“I’ve neither been worried nor anticipating (the Senate’s confirmation),” Cosgrove said. “I have delight at being a lawyer and continued to be since the nomination. Now I look forward to this new opportunity, whatever I’m called upon to do, I will do it to the best of my ability.”

Cosgrove said he is also deeply grateful to the four local senators – Mellow, Baker, Raphael Musto, D-Pittston Township and John Gordner, R-Berwick – for their bipartisan support.

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Senate confirms him 50-0. Swearing in expected soon to fill the Ciavarella vacancy.

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