Brian Quattrocchi has officially announced he will seek election to retain his seat in Daviess District Court, Division 2, saying the role has quickly become “the greatest honor” of his professional life.
Quattrocchi, 53, was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear on June 20 to fill the vacancy created when former District Judge David Payne won a special election to become a Circuit judge. Quattrocchi was sworn in at the end of June and began hearing cases on July 1.
In an interview this week, Quattrocchi said the appointment followed a competitive process with several local attorneys applying for the position.
“Seven of us applied for the vacant District Court judge position,” he said. “We went through 15-minute interviews with the Judicial Nominating Commission, and three names advanced. The governor, by executive order, appointed me on June 20.”
Since then, Quattrocchi has presided over a wide range of cases and dockets that fall under District Court, noting that many community members may not realize the scope of the work.
“We handle district criminal court — violations, misdemeanors, even felonies at the preliminary stage,” he said. “But beyond that, there’s probate, guardianships, civil and small claims matters, juvenile dockets, Casey’s Law petitions, and the AOT docket under Tim’s Law for individuals with severe mental illness.”
He said he stepped into that workload immediately.
“I jumped right in on July 1,” he said. “I came in with a determination to make sure that I did the very best job I possibly could for the constituents in Daviess County, and I think I’ve transitioned well.”
Quattrocchi’s path to the bench has included nearly every role found in the system. Born and raised in Daviess County, he spent 11 years as a social worker before entering law school at age 32. He served as a public defender, worked in private practice, spent five years at Kentucky Legal Aid, and spent 17 years as a prosecutor.
“In some way, shape, or form, I’ve done just about everything that our District Court judges are presiding over,” he said. “My background lends itself to a quick transition.”
He said his longtime commitment to public service — 27 of his 30 professional years have been spent in that capacity — naturally led him to pursue the judgeship.
“I really saw the opportunity to give back to the community in a different way,” he said. “I’ve always had a desire to treat individuals who are in need with respect and dignity, while also being firm and fair and dispensing justice as required.”
Quattrocchi said he approaches every case with careful preparation and calm judgment.
“Every case before me, I do my due diligence,” he said. “I thoroughly review files, issue-spot, and make sure decisions are thoughtful and compliant with the law. I try not to be reactionary. I tend to have an even disposition, which lends itself not to being emotional from the bench.”
He added that explaining his decisions clearly is a priority.
“I want individuals to understand when they leave my courtroom the reason why I’ve made the decision I have,” he said. “More times than not, people can see where I’m going with it, because it’s based on the evidence and within the confines of the law.”
Regardless of how the race unfolds, Quattrocchi said he is committed to seeking a full four-year term.
“This has been the greatest honor of my life,” he said. “My ability to connect with individuals and families on a daily basis has been a blessing. I don’t take the position lightly. I’m truly desirous of having the opportunity to continue to do this for the next four years, and I’m very appreciative of any and all support.”
He said the past several months have only strengthened his resolve.
“It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve really got a firm footing now,” he said. “With luck, folks will get to see me for the next four years.”
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