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Democrat Larry Farnese for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
For more than a decade in the State Senate, Larry Farnese earned a reputation as a straight shooter who listened to residents and got things done. As an attorney, he’s fought for clients in court and understands firsthand how complex the legal process can be.
Now, he’s ready to apply his experience on the bench—ensuring each case is handled swiftly and fairly. He believes in applying the law with compassion and common sense, keeping the courtroom safe and efficient, and ensuring every person is treated with fairness. His goal is simple: deliver justice that’s timely, transparent, and rooted in the realities of everyday life.
Endorsements & Recommendations
Recommended by the Philadelphia Bar Association
Endorsements
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Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, State Senator Sharif Street
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Congressman Dwight Evans
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State Senator Nikil Saval
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State Representative Danilo Burgos
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State Representative Mary Isaacson
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State Representative Ben Waxman
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​Chairman Commissioner Omar Sabir
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Councilmember Jimmy Harrity
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​Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters
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AFSCME District Council 47
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IUOE 542 (Operating Engineers)
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Teamsters Local Union 830
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Former State Senator Shirley Kitchen
Committed to Justice
When I started out as a student attorney, I spent days meeting people in tough situations who were anxious, uncertain, and worried about their futures. I learned quickly that no matter what someone is accused of, no matter the complexity of a lawsuit, no matter where they were from or what they believed in, everyone deserves a fair shake under the law—and that’s where common sense and decency come in.
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As a lawyer and as a State Senator, I’ve tried to keep things straightforward and real. We need a court system that’s safe, secure, and respects people’s time. We need judges who understand the law and apply it fairly—while never losing sight of the fact that these are real lives on the line.
When we treat people with compassion, we build trust. When we use common sense as attorneys and jurists, we achieve justice that actually works.
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I’m running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas because I believe in bringing all that experience and empathy the the bench. If elected, I promise to keep my courtroom respectful, timely, and grounded in the common sense we all should expect from our justice system. As a judge, I will ensure everyone who comes before me leaves having faith in our court system and ensure that every Philadelphian is treated with fairness and dignity.
Why I'm Running
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I’m running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas because our courts should reflect the simple belief that everyone deserves fairness, respect, and prompt resolutions. I’ve seen firsthand that laws only work when we apply them with common sense—making sure people understand the process and feel safe and respected in the courtroom.
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Whether it was helping constituents during my time in the State Senate, advising clients as an attorney, or teaching future lawyers in the classroom, I’ve always focused on the human side of the law. As your Judge, I’ll keep cases moving forward in a timely way, treat every person with dignity, and make sure that justice in Philadelphia is grounded in the realities of people’s lives—plain and simple.
Fairness for All
Everyone in Philadelphia – regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, language or disability – deserves equal access to dignity in the courtroom.
No matter who steps into my courtroom, they’ll be treated with respect and dignity. My goal is to apply the law evenly, listen to every voice, and deliver outcomes that truly reflect the needs and realities of our community.
Safe & Timely Courtrooms
Too often in our justice system at large, those who come in contact with the system are left feeling confused or even dehumanized because of long waits, or because they simply do not understand processes and are not given an opportunity to feel understood by various courtroom actors.
Everyone deserves a secure environment where cases move forward without needless delays. I’ll work to keep hearings on schedule and ensure people get their day in court quickly and respectfully
Common Sense You Can Trust
I believe incarceration should be an outcome only when absolutely necessary, and I believe in alternatives to incarceration when appropriate.
I’m running to bring a straightforward, down-to-earth perspective to the bench that is rooted in compassion. As a judge, I’ll make sure the experience of everyone who enters my courtroom feels that the process is easy to understand and knows that they are respected by the court, and that outcomes are fair and appropriate.
About Larry
Larry Farnese is a longtime Philadelphian whose entire career has revolved around making the law work for everyday people. Larry earned his degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law where he developed his passion for litigation and advocacy through a program with the Defender Association of Philadelphia. There, Larry represented individuals who often had nowhere else to turn, learning that the law should be grounded in fairness, dignity, and the real-life challenges people face.
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After law school, Larry spent 14 years as a practicing attorney. He worked for both small and large firms, handling a range of civil and commercial matters, and took numerous cases to arbitration. Those years taught him that being prepared, applying common sense to the law, and communicating in plain language are keys to earning people’s trust in the legal system. When clients understood the process and felt respected, better outcomes followed.
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In 2008, Larry was elected to represent the 1st Senatorial District in the Pennsylvania Senate. He served for 12 years, taking on leadership roles such as the Democratic Chair of the Judiciary Committee. In this position, Larry helped shape legislation that addressed gun violence, supported equal rights, and improved community safety. He also fought for practical reforms to help people navigate the court system more efficiently and advocated for programs that tackled addiction and mental health issues in a holistic way. Larry’s core commitment stayed the same: treat people with honesty and respect, and look for common-sense solutions that truly benefit families and neighborhoods.
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Beyond his legislative work, Larry has shared his knowledge with future generations by teaching at Villanova and Temple Law Schools. His focus in the classroom is straightforward: show aspiring lawyers how to interpret legislation, draft it responsibly, and communicate the law in ways that everyday citizens can understand.
Now, Larry is running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He believes the court must be a place where everyone can count on fairness, security, and timely decisions. No matter the case that will come before him, Larry is committed to making the legal process clear, respectful, and in line with the realities facing Philadelphians today. Having spent decades applying the law in diverse settings and seeing firsthand how policy decisions affect people’s lives, Larry aims to bring a “back to basics” perspective to the bench, where empathy, respect, and common sense guide every decision.
Contact Us!
(215) 251-0585
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Mailing Address: 121 S Broad Street, 4th Fl, Philadelphia, PA 19107