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Guest opinion: The public cannot afford $100,000-plus-a-year judges There was an editorial in a recent issue of the New York Law Journal, calling for the bar to organize to support judges in obtaining a long overdue pay raise. It stated that: "no one questions that a pay raise - the first in more than eight years - would be justified." I think more accurate is that no one is brave enough to challenge it knowing that he or she earns their living by appearing in front of judges. To me, more important than if it is justified, is, can the taxpayer afford it. A judge not only receives a pay of well over $100,000.00 per year, but as well, receives great benefits with the position that many in private practice do not receive. Lifetime medical benefits and a pension are almost unheard of in private practice. Every public employee and official (teachers, police, nurses, sanitation workers, et. al.) wants increased pay and benefits, but where does it stop? If you do not like the pay, the benefits, or job conditions, why did you seek the position in the first place? Why do you stay in the position? When no one, or only those with minimal qualifications, apply for certain jobs at certain employers, and those already there quit or give notice in mass, then the employers must consider raising pay or increasing benefits. But, most public officials allegedly become public officials for a higher reason and not pay or choice alone, as one does consider for the private sector job. Supporters of the pay increase insist it is necessary to attract and keep competent judges. Are they saying we presently do not have competent judges? Are they saying the newly elected judges were far from the best possible candidates due to the low pay? Are they saying the judges we have are so much less competent they cannot quit because they could not otherwise get as high a paying job? If I were a judge, I would be offended by the implications of the pay raise supporters. Yes, judges are long overdue a pay raise, but budget limitations and taxpayer limited resources stand in the way. Most of government expenditures are a waste and most of government is inefficient; clean out the waste, and the funds will be there. Lawyers, because we earn a living appearing in front of judges, and anyone one of us one day could seek to become a judge, should completely stay out of the pay raise controversy. Our bar associations as well should stay out the controversy for the same reasons, they are us by proxy. This is important to help improve our appearance of integrity to the public.
The writer is a custodial father, a family law attorney located in Jericho, and the former talk radio personality "Mace in your Face."
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