Today Layne Sakwa, an Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor, filed over 4,000 petitions with the Elections Division in Lansing to become the only candidate currently eligible to be on the ballot for the Circuit Court seat left open by the retirement of Judge Edward Sosnick.
Sakwa was not only able to file her petitions almost 2 months ahead of the May 1 filing deadline, she was able to collect the signatures without hiring the work done, a remarkable achievement.
“I am very grateful to all of the people who volunteered to help us in this huge task,” Sakwa said. “Running for Circuit Judge in a county as big as ours is a big undertaking, and requires a good organization with lots of support. It was a good test for us and I am so please for all of the support from so many people.”
Circuit Court Judges are called trial judges for a reason: they try cases. Layne Sakwa is the only declared candidate for the position who does so on a daily basis litigating in almost every court in Oakland County.
In her eight years as an Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor, she has handled hundreds of cases from domestic violence, child sexual assault, elder abuse, rape, carjacking, stalking, and weapons offenses.
“In my work I constantly witness the devastating impact of crime on victims, their families, and the community as a whole. Many suffer physical harm and emotional trauma before, during, and even after the crime. As an assistant prosecutor I am dedicated to protecting those who cannot defend themselves.”
Sakwa is experienced in collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies all over Oakland County maintaining working relationships in order to protect the public. She often teaches and instructs at Police and 9-1-1 Dispatch Academies. She works with agencies that harbor abused women and children.
Outside the courtroom Sakwa serves the community as a steering committee member of the Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic Violence (OCCCADV) and Vice President of ORT Michigan.
A wife and step-mother, Sakwa is married to Tony Averbuch, the Chief of the Franklin-Bingham Fire Department. A leading member of several disaster response teams, he has responded to crises such as the 9/11 attack, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Sakwa is a graduate of The University of Michigan dual majoring in Political Science and Communications. She earned her Juris Doctor from The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I have been a public servant my entire career. I am in the courtroom daily where I utilize my skills and experiences to maintain justice. Whether adult or juvenile, individual or family, civil or criminal, I wish to continue my commitment to the people of Oakland County as your next Circuit Court Judge.”
Contact: Layne Sakwa 248 770-8474