About Joe Meany - Democrat for Albany County Court Judge

Meet Joe Meany: Attorney, Community Member, Partner, Stepfather, Son, Brother, Dog Dad, and Democratic Committee Endorsed Candidate for County Court Judge.

Albany County has always been home for Joe. He was born in Albany, and grew up in the Buckingham Lake Neighborhood with his parents and younger brother, where his father completed a PhD in History at the University at Albany before going on to serve as the New York State Historian at the State Museum (a small personal detail lives on there too—visitors to the Delmonico’s exhibit might notice a mannequin modeled after Joe as a child!)

Joe’s is a proud product of the public school system, educated at PS #16, Hackett Middle School, and Albany High School. After graduating from college, he began working for Albany County in the Department of Children, Youth and Families, where he served as a caseworker. His time working closely with vulnerable children and families had a lasting impact and ultimately motivated him to attend Albany Law School.

He earned his law degree in 2006 and has spent the past two decades practicing as a trial attorney. During that time, Joe has tried more than 30 cases, giving him extensive, firsthand insight into the workings of the legal system and a well-rounded understanding of its many components.

Today, Joe resides in Delmar with his partner, Kate, and her twin sons, both of whom are finishing their senior year of high school, as well as their one-year-old black lab Maggie, and he serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Albany County DA's office.

Joe understands the gravity of being on the bench

From serving on every side within the legal system, Joe understands the seriousness of the cases that come through Albany County Court.

These are not routine matters—they often involve violent felonies, where the stakes are extraordinarily high and the outcomes can shape lives, families, and entire communities for years to come. Joe has stood in courtrooms from multiple perspectives, and he knows that behind every case file are real people facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

That perspective is exactly why he believes the role of a judge is bigger than any one individual. It’s not about personal recognition or advancement—it’s about responsibility, fairness, and the duty to uphold the law with integrity, understanding every decision will impact the larger community. Joe approaches that responsibility with empathy shaped by his early work with children and families in crisis, and with the steady judgment that comes from decades of trial experience.

He understands that being on the bench requires not only a deep knowledge of the law, but also humility, discipline, and a commitment to treating every person who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect.

Ready to Join Team Joe?

We need your help to make sure your neighbors know that experience and empathy are on the ballot. Sign up to knock doors, make calls, and talk to voters about having a plan to vote in the June 23rd Democratic Primary.

If volunteering isn’t possible, you can still make a big impact. A contribution to Team Joe helps us print lawn signs and palm cards, support our dedicated staff, and get the word out across the community.

Also make sure you're following us on social media to get all campaign updates!

Donate