Michael E. Benedict is seeking election as the next Niagara County Court Judge in 2021. For the past 4 years, Mr. Benedict served as the Principal Law Clerk for recently-retired Niagara County Court Judge Sara Sheldon. Prior to being selected by Judge Sheldon as her confidential Law Clerk, Mr. Benedict served as a lead felony attorney for the Niagara County Public Defender’s Office from 2006-2016 and was in private practice from 2005- 2016.

“Our next County Court Judge must be prepared on day one to not only address complex legal issues – especially in criminal law – but to also seamlessly maintain the operations of a very busy courtroom. Over the past 16 years I have acquired the legal qualifications and practical experience to honorably serve this community as County Court Judge.”

After graduating from Binghamton University, Mr. Benedict attended the University at Buffalo Law School. Upon admission to the State Bar, Mr. Benedict began his private practice where he represented clients in criminal, contract, and family law matters, in addition to his duties as a Felony Public Defender. Mr. Benedict also served as Deputy Corporation Counsel, prosecuting cases in the City of Lockport from 2012-2014.

“COVID-19 has changed the lives of so many people. It has also helped put things in perspective about the truly important things in life: keeping your loved ones safe and healthy. I am overwhelmed by the continued support that I have received from family, friends, and from members of our community. I will campaign tirelessly to become Niagara County’s next Judge, and I look forward to meeting many more members of our community during this campaign.”

Mr. Benedict lives with his wife, Laura Miskell Benedict, and their two children, in Lockport. Ms. Miskell is a practicing attorney focusing on Child Advocacy and Matrimonial Law and is a past recipient of the Fourth Department’s Honorable Michael F. Dillon Award, Niagara County Bar’s Attorney for the Child of the Year award and Niagara County Bar’s Phi Alpha Delta Integrity Award. “My wife and I have dedicated our professional careers, from the beginning, to serving our community. My family is an extremely important part of my life and a huge motivational factor in my decision to seek election to Niagara County Court Judge.”

Mr. Benedict will be seeking the endorsement of all political parties.