Binghamton Attorney Blaise Runs for State Court

Citing over two decades of experience at all levels of the court system and years of important public and community service experience, Binghamton attorney Oliver Blaise announced his candidacy Tuesday for State Supreme Court in the Sixth Judicial District.

Blaise, a Republican, said he is in the process of building support for his candidacy for Supreme Court. Justice Ferris D. Lebous is retiring.

Blaise, 47, became a partner at Coughlin & Gerhart, Binghamton, in 2004. He joined the firm in 1997.

“The decisions made in State Supreme Court can affect everyone who lives and works in the 10 counties of the Sixth Judicial District, and residents need an experienced and capable judiciary serving them. I will be a fair, effective and responsive judge, and work to meet the highest standards of judicial service needed for our region,” said Blaise.

Blaise has concentrated on municipal law and civil litigation in the region. He has served as general counsel to towns, fire districts and fire companies, and litigation counsel to towns, counties, villages and school districts.

Blaise has also performed trial and appellate level work in municipal and commercial cases, and has experience with intellectual property, real property, workers’ compensation and personal injury litigation, in state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

“The area included in the Sixth Judicial District is diverse, with a variety of issues, opportunities and challenges. As attorney, I have been privileged to represent residents and community organizations throughout the district, giving me great insight into the legal issues in the area,” added Blaise.

The Sixth Judicial District includes the counties of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins Counties.

Blaise will be seeking endorsements at upcoming judicial conventions. The general election is November 5.