Judge Brown Celebrates 50 Years at the Bar

In 1974 Attorney Kenneth Brown, a New York native, joined the Lycoming County Public Defender's office. Fifty years later, Retired Judge Kenneth Brown celebrated the anniversary of his admission to the local bar at the 2024 Lycoming Law Association annual banquet.

Judge Brown's career was outlined by his friend and colleague, Senior Judge Dudley Anderson. Three years in the Public Defender's office. Two years in the District Attorney's office, as an assistant. Four years as the District Attorney, after winning election as the long shot candidate.

After returning to private practice, he received the gubernatorial appointment to the Court of Common Pleas in 1988. Judge Brown was elected as the unopposed candidate in 1989 and retained in 1999. In 2009, he assumed senior status and served for another 10 years, retiring finally in 2019. That retirement was short-lived as he was recalled from retirement by the Supreme Court to serve again in 2022 after the retirement of two Lycoming County judges, serving until Judge Gardner joined the bench in early 2024.

Judge Anderson noted that Judge Brown was one of the very few individuals who has tried a murder case in the capacity as defense, prosecutor and judge.

After a life of public service, Judge Brown's 50-year award was well deserved.