Candidate Ben Susman Holds Powerhouse Campaign Kick-Off Fundraiser in Auburn
Auburn, New York June 25, 2021 - Wednesday night, Ben Susman – Candidate for Cayuga County Surrogate Court Judge and dedicated attorney fighting for legal rights of children and families – held his official campaign kickoff at Prison City Pub and Brewery North Street Farm with notable community leaders and guests. Nearly 100 people were in attendance, raising money and awareness for Susman’s run for the open judicial seat.
Alison Chamberlain, local attorney and partner at Auburn based law firm, WHMB PC, kicked off the evening’s programming with some personal perspective on Ben’s role and reputation within the legal community. “He shows the same amount of respect to his clients that he shows to his fellow attorneys and the judges. And he shows compassion to them during difficult and sometimes heartbreaking court proceedings.”
Before introducing Susman, Dia Carabajal, the newly elected Chair of Cayuga County Democratic Party, shared her vision and updates under her leadership. Noting Ben’s personal integrity and professional performance, she said “Ben is the perfect candidate to propel the County forward.”
In his remarks, Susman shared how his personal experiences inform his work – telling the story of a time he made a single bad decision at a high school party that led to a run in with the police – when representing so many teens just like him.
“What if I had been convicted of a crime? What if I was put into the system as a 17-year-old kid? My life’s trajectory could have been altered because of that one moment in time.”
Knowing the potential lasting impact of a single decision on the rest of their lives, Susman has a proven record advocating for his clients, helping them through the Court process and making sure they understand all of the legal consequences of their actions and decisions. He represents clients in the family and criminal courts, and understands the profound impact the judicial system has on people’s lives. Susman will bring his steadfast commitment to Cayuga County families to the role of judge.
“By representing actual individuals in Court, I have gained an invaluable view on how this system affects people’s lives, both negatively, but also and more importantly positively,” said Susman.
“Having a fair, honest judge, with well-rounded experience and perspective is paramount to the judicial process.”
About Ben Susman for Judge
Susman's career has spanned many areas of practice including both civil and criminal law. He has worked in large law firms serving Fortune 500 clients and has represented individuals in the Family Court, Criminal Court, Surrogate Court, and Federal Court. Susman has received awards for his dedicated practice of law and has earned the respect of colleagues at every level and at every stage of his career.
In 2017, Susman opened his private law practice in downtown Auburn, NY after relocating with his wife Maggie (Johengen) to her hometown, where they are raising their two young children.
As the only candidate with broad experience representing individuals and children in the surrogate, family, and criminal courts, Susman is uniquely qualified to carry out the rule of law for Cayuga County. Susman is serious about the responsibility to serve the community in this position of trust.