Local attorney, Janette Elaine Surrisi, has declared her candidacy for Marshall Circuit Court Judge in the May 5th Republican Primary. Janette stated – “I’m so blessed to have this opportunity. And, I appreciate everyone that has encouraged me to step forward and to run in this race. Our county is facing many challenges. Like our county’s namesake, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, I believe that we in Marshall County recognize the great impact that thoughtful and engaged judges can have on our communities. While the work of a judge is largely in the courtroom, as Circuit Court Judge, I hope to also step out of the courtroom to collaborate with others in solving the many challenges we now face. We can’t begin to solve complex problems like jail overcrowding, the increase in substance use disorders, and more, without everyone doing their part. I believe a better Marshall County can exist for all of us and I’d ask for your vote to help make it happen.”
Janette is a mother, wife, and partner in the law firm of Wyland, Humphrey, Clevenger & Surrisi, LLP in Plymouth, where she practices in both state and federal courts. Janette is a summa cum laude graduate of Valparaiso University Law School. While in law school, she gained invaluable insight and experience through her work as a judicial extern to both the Honorable Justice Mark S. Massa of the Indiana Supreme Court and the Honorable Magistrate Judge Christopher A. Nuechterlein of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
Janette has been a part of the Marshall County community all of her life, growing up in the Culver Community School system where she met her high school sweetheart, and eventual husband, Sean Surrisi. Since 2000, the two have made their home in Culver, raising their daughter, Abby Surrisi, now a Senior at DePauw University. An active member of the community, Janette is a past-member of the Culver Plan Commission, a past-president of the Culver chapter of the Tri Kappa service sorority, and previously served as Republican Vice-Precinct Committeewoman for Culver. Janette dedicates a large amount of time to helping local children in our community by serving on the board of the Culver Boys & Girls Club where she chairs its annual It Just Takes One fundraising campaign. She is also a graduate of the eighth class of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Leadership Development Academy, a program designed to help lawyers better engage with their local communities.
