A local attorney who has practiced in every division of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas has announced her intent to run for judge.
Lauren Marks, partner at Reading-based Palange, Endres and Marks, has officially announced her candidacy for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Marks is a registered Republican who plans to cross-file for both the Republican and Democrat nominations in the May 20th Primary election.
Marks’ legal career includes civil, criminal, and family law experience. Civil and family law cases make up a large portion of the county court’s workload.
“We need experienced, ethical, and impartial judges who are committed to following the law and the constitution, protecting our families and children, and defending the strong community values county residents believe in,” Marks said. “As our next judge, I am committed to doing just that.”
Marks graduated from Penn State University before earning her law degree from Duquesne University Kline School of Law. Prior to serving in the Berks County Public Defender’s office where she focused on criminal law and juvenile defendants with a goal of rehabilitation to help them become successful members of the community, she clerked for a county court judge handling criminal, civil, and juvenile court cases. Marks also ran her own law firm before merging and becoming a partner at Palange, Endres and Marks, PC where she works today.
Marks has chaired the Family Law Section of the Berks County Bar Association twice. She has also served as a Board Member for the Berks County Bar Association for the last three years, and frequently provides lectures for continuing legal education classes for the Berks County legal community.
Marks also served on the board of the YMCA and is actively involved with the Rally for Ryder cause that supports pediatric cancer awareness. She was also an elected auditor for Lower Heidelberg Township where she worked to ensure financial responsibility and transparency for taxpayers.
Lauren’s husband, Chad, a lifelong Berks County resident and graduate of Wilson School District, is a Sergeant with the West Reading Police Department. He is an active member of the Berks County Emergency Response Team as a hostage negotiator and serves as an instructor at the Reading Police Academy.
Lauren and her husband Chad have four children.