Hollie Levine is the Democratic, Working Families, Libertarian and Independence candidate for Broome County’s Family Court seat. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from University at Buffalo School of Law and has been practicing law for 35 years. Currently, she gives legal representation to adults and children diagnosed with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Broome County Family Court presides over cases involving families and children, including custody, domestic violence and juvenile delinquency.
1. How does your background and experience prepare you for this position?
“In evaluating a judicial candidate, it is important to pick someone who has the right kind of experience, possesses a sound ethical character and has shown dedication to our community. It is important that a judge have extensive experience in the courtroom. I have been a practicing attorney for 35 years. I have represented individuals in countless hearings. In the past five years alone, I represented individuals in over 300 non-jury trials. In addition, I served as a court attorney to a family court judge. I conferenced cases and drafted decisions on behalf of the judge. I have over 5,000 hours of experience in family court. I served as a member of the Board of Education of the Maine-Endwell Central School District. I served on the board of directors of the Southern Tier AIDS program and [The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York]. I was on the board of my synagogue and served as its Sisterhood president. I volunteer at a food pantry and soup kitchen. I volunteered as a judge for the [New York state] Odyssey of the Mind competition.”
2. Why should students and young people across Broome County vote for you?
“[Broome County] Family Court handles important matters concerning families and children in our community. Issues such as child custody and visitation, abuse and neglect of children, family violence, juvenile delinquency and termination of parental rights. Whether you live on campus or live in the community — whether you hail from Buffalo, Plattsburgh or the Bronx — when you attend Binghamton University you are a vital part of this community. It is important as a member of our community that you help elect the most qualified person to sit on the bench making the difficult decisions that impact the families and children of Broome County. I have the experience in the courtroom, the ethical character and the dedication to the community that Broome County deserves in our next family court judge.”