Eight seats are up for election on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court bench in this month’s primary.
Twenty-two candidates will be on the ballot for the 10-year seat. Under state statute, the court is allotted 43 judges.
They sit in four divisions, including civil, criminal, orphans’ and family.
The courts’ judges collectively preside over thousands of cases each year, ranging from violent crime to malpractice, contract disputes to divorces, child support to wills and estates.
The openings on the bench stem from seven retirements, including three from Orphans’ Court, two in the family division and two in criminal court.
There is a third vacancy in the criminal division stemming from the death late last year of Judge Alexander P. Bicket.
In Allegheny County, Common Pleas judges earn $231,222 per year. Once on the bench, they may seek a yes or no retention vote at the end of their 10-year term.
The Pennsylvania Constitution mandates that judges retire at age 75. However, once retired, they may seek senior status and continue to serve.
Although there are a lot of candidates for this year’s primary, it’s nothing compared to 1973. That year, 66 people competed for 10 seats.
TribLive asked this year’s candidates to provide biographical information, as well as the reasons they think they are most qualified for the position.
Those answers are below, as are the Allegheny County Bar Association Judiciary Committee ratings.
According to the association, the organization’s judiciary committee interviews and evaluates all candidates.
Candidates who do not submit applications receive a rating of “not recommended.”
Candidates who are listed as “highly recommended” exhibit preeminence in the law and a wide range of experience. They also have a reputation for “the utmost integrity and temperament to excel,” exhibit outstanding citizenship and will enhance the “competence, dignity and public perception of the bench.”
Candidates listed as “recommended” possess a reputation for the “utmost integrity and the legal ability, experience and temperament to excel as a judge.”
Those listed as “not recommended” have not demonstrated that they possess the legal ability, character, reputation, experience or temperament for the position, according to the bar association.
Heather Schmidt Bresnahan
Age: 53
Residence: Dormont
Current practice area: Family Law including child custody, divorce, grandparent custody rights, Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, wills and estate administration
Past practice area: Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office (General Trial Division, Sentencing Guidelines Division, and Homicide Division); litigation and family law in private practice at various firms.
Current position: Owner, Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC; Hearing Officer with the Allegheny County Retirement Board; Volunteer attorney for Neighborhood Legal Services’ Protection-From-Abuse caseload.
Law School: Duquesne University, 2001.
Family: Daughter of a stay-at-home mom and a local Pittsburgh artist known for designing the iconic Pittsburgh Pirates Iron City Beer cans; granddaughter of union steelworker and boilermaker grandfathers and a politically active grandmother
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: recommended
Website: heatherforjudge2025.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I am running for judge of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas because I believe in fairness, compassion and integrity in our justice system. My goal is to create a courtroom where every person is heard, respected and treated with dignity. I have dedicated my career to serving families and individuals during some of the most challenging moments in their lives, and I want to bring that same sense of fairness and balance to the bench.
What makes you the best candidate: With over 23 years of courtroom experience as a family law attorney, I bring unmatched qualifications and a deep understanding of the legal system. My background includes both public service and private practice, and I’ve built my career on empathy, hard work and commitment to justice. I have the experience, temperament and values our community deserves in a judge.
Quita Bridges
Age: 60
Residence: Sewickley
Current Practice Area: Criminal Law
Past Practice Area: Criminal Law
Current Position: Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division, appointed in 2025
Law School: Duquesne University, 1996
Family: Husband, Reginald Bridges; Children: Ashley and Michael
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: quitabridgesforjudge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I want to be a judge because I believe deeply in the importance of fairness, justice and the rule of law. Throughout my career as a trial attorney, I have seen how critical it is for individuals to have confidence that their cases will be heard impartially and with respect. I am committed to applying the law thoughtfully and treating every person in the courtroom with dignity. I will continue to make decisions that are grounded in both legal principles and a genuine respect for the people affected. Serving as a judge allows me to continue my commitment to public service and ensure everyone receives a fair and just process.
What makes you the best candidate: I believe I am the best candidate because I bring a combination of legal experience, strong courtroom judgment and a genuine commitment to fairness and public service. Also, my appointment to the Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division, has afforded me the opportunity to do the actual job. As a sitting judge, I understand the weight of judicial responsibility, and I have the judgment, temperament and integrity needed to carry it out. In addition, I have spent my career, over 26 years, in the courtroom handling a wide range of cases, from complex investigations to jury trials. I have developed an understanding of the rules of evidence, criminal procedures and courtroom practices. I have learned how to evaluate cases fairly, listen attentively and make decisions under pressure. My experience as both a judge and trial attorney gives me a well-rounded and practical understanding of the legal system which makes me uniquely qualified to continue serving on the bench.
Julie Capone
Age: 50
Residence: O’Hara
Current practice area: Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County for almost 24 years
Current position: I oversee the district attorney’s Elder Abuse Trial Unit, as I have for the last 21 years. In this capacity, I exclusively prosecute those who prey on seniors. I also conduct outreach aimed at preventing elder abuse and providing much-needed resources to seniors. I’m currently on a voluntary leave of absence to run for judge.
Law School: University of Pittsburgh, 2001
Family: My dad was an engineer, and my mom was a nurse. I was one of four children who grew up in a home where we were taught the importance of hard work and kindness. I live with my husband and our beloved, 15-year-old dog, Chickie.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: juliecapone.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I’ve dedicated my career to public service, because I love helping people. As a young child, I was drawn to seniors. As a teenager, I worked part-time in a nursing home, beginning on a volunteer basis. I learned how challenging this work is, but I also felt overwhelming sympathy for the residents because of the way they were sometimes treated. I knew then I wanted to advocate for seniors in some capacity, and it changed the trajectory of my career. At Pitt Law, I focused on elder law and participated in the school’s Elder Law Clinic, providing pro bono legal services to low-income seniors. In 2004, the district attorney’s office created the Elder Abuse Unit, and I became its first and only prosecutor during its infancy. Since then, I’ve been fulfilling my lifelong passion, and I want to continue helping people as a judge, if fortunate enough to be elected.
What makes you the best candidate: Experience and compassion. I’ve spent thousands of hours in the courtroom and tried hundreds of cases before judges and juries, including homicides, assaults, robberies, rapes and neglect. But more importantly, I’ve demonstrated compassion and the right temperament, throughout my career. I was once the victim of a crime. Finding myself in the center of litigation gave me a new appreciation for victims and all litigants. We sometimes become desensitized to the intimidating and traumatic nature of litigation. We can also take it for granted people will come to court and testify or do whatever else they’re asked. But, most people don’t want to come to court. Rather, they’re compelled to when bad things happen to them. Whether they’re a victim, an accused person, etc., their case is likely the most important thing in their lives, and it’s important that judges give them and their case the attention they deserve.
Alyssa B. Cowan
Age: 48
Residence: Hampton
Current practice area: Family Division, Court of Common Pleas
Past practice area: Family Law
Current position: Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, appointed 2025
Law School: Temple University, 2004
Family: David Cowan (spouse); Annie Cowan (daughter); Liam Cowan (son)
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: votecowan.com
Why do you want to be a judge: As a professional with both a law degree and a master’s degree in social work, I am able to navigate the complex legal and emotional aspects of working in the family division. I was a practicing social worker before attending law school and obtained my master’s in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. Families and children appear in the courtroom in crisis often having experienced significant trauma in their lives. I am dedicated to bringing the utmost integrity, work ethic and empathy to the bench. My judicial philosophy is to provide a fair, unbiased and accessible courtroom to each and every litigant providing them with the opportunity to be heard on a level-playing field, to leave their hearings with confidence in the judicial system and to have peace with the decisions rendered whether it is their preferred outcome or not.
What makes you the best candidate: Gov. Josh Shapiro appointed me to fill a judicial vacancy in the family division. Now I am running to be elected for a full 10-year term as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. I have local, state, national and international experience. I have worked as both guardian ad litem and assistant county solicitor in Allegheny County. I have provided legal training across Pennsylvania as a legal trainer for the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network. In my work at both the ABA Center on Children and the Law and the Field Center at Penn, I have participated in national research projects and worked on federal child welfare legislation. Internationally, I have presented twice at the International Society of Family Law World Conferences in Australia and the Netherlands.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Anthony DeLuca
Anthony DeLuca
Age: 52
Residence: Mt. Lebanon
Current practice area: Union Labor Law, Criminal Defense
Past practice area: Former Judicial Law Clerk
Current position: Managing Partner, DeLuca, Ricciuti & Konieczka
Law School: University of Pittsburgh, 1997
Family: Wife Hollie, three kids, Vincent, 16; Dominic, 14 and Lydia, 11
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: delucaforjudge2025.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I have two primary reasons for wanting to be a judge. I am a union labor lawyer. In that role, I have proudly spent a substantial portion of my career fighting for better wages, health care, paid time off and better working conditions for working families. I represent employees in a wide variety of industries both in the public and private sectors. This area of law is unique and specialized. Currently, there is not one former union labor lawyer amongst the over 40 judges in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas so my knowledge and experience will broaden the knowledge of the court.
Additionally, I have a passion for helping people with mental health challenges who find themselves in the judicial system. Our courts need to provide more and better treatment for these individuals and others with struggles such as addiction. To that end, I was part of the small team that developed mental health court in Allegheny County. I wish to expand and improve upon treatment courts in Allegheny so as to prevent individuals from continually returning to the justice system and to improve lives. I am the only candidate who has actual experience working within the judicial system to build a program to treat the underlying causes that bring individuals into the justice system.
What makes you the best candidate: My experience makes me uniquely qualified to be a judge. As I mentioned, my work as a union labor lawyer and practical knowledge of how to help those with mental health challenges in the justice system uniquely qualify me to serve as a judge. Moreover, I have also practiced in every one of the four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, I have also tried hundreds of cases in our courts which gives me the experience to function effectively as a judge presiding over jury trials.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Amanda Green-Hawkins
Amanda Green-Hawkins
Age: 53
Residence: Stanton Heights
Current practice area: Labor law and civil and human rights
Past practice area: Labor law
Current position: Assistant General Counsel and Director, Civil and Human Rights, United Steelworkers
Law School: Northeastern University, 2001
Family: married with two children
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: not recommended
Website: voteamandagreenhawkins.com
Why do you want to be a judge: Our democracy cannot exist on autopilot. We must continuously work to keep this bedrock principle of our country. Every right we enjoy is based on the peoples’ work in our democratic government, and I have an obligation to use my skills and talents to protect and preserve our democracy. Our judicial system is a sentinel for our rights and our constitutional democracy. I know that with my experience, integrity, compassion and temperament that I can best serve as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas to follow and apply the law.
What makes you the best candidate: My legal experience includes mediation, arbitration, federal and state administrative agencies, and federal and state courts. I have also been a mediator and an adjunct professor at Pitt Law. My work has sharpened my legal research skills, and my ability to multi-task, along with diversifying my knowledge in the law. A judge in Common Pleas Court may hear matters where they have a clear understanding of the law, and they may hear matters where the area of the law is a matter of first impression for them. As an attorney for our nation’s largest industrial union, and one of approximately 2,000 union lawyers nationwide, my career has been built on handling static legal matters while also relying on the ability to quickly adapt to dynamic legal matters. I will be ready to serve on day one in any division with the skills I have acquired throughout our nation’s legal system.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Jaime Hickton
Jaime Marie Hickton
Age: 41
Residence: Whitehall
Current practice area: Family law (divorce, custody, support, protection from abuse), criminal defense (adult and juvenile delinquency), child welfare (parent and child advocate and guardian ad litem in dependency proceedings), civil litigation (termination and adoption proceedings).
Past practice area: Former judicial law clerk, child abuse prosecutor and juvenile justice prosecutor.
Current position: Managing Partner of Hickton + Stein Law Group LLC
Law School: Duquesne University, 2013
Family: Wife and mother of three children, two with special needs
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: recommended
Website: hicktonforjudge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: After being a juvenile probation officer for seven years and then a judicial law clerk, I prosecuted child abusers and worked in juvenile justice. In 2020, I opened my own law firm, representing parents and children in the child welfare system and defending individuals in the criminal justice system. Because I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, I devote half of my practice to representing low-income and marginalized people. My firsthand experience — whether supporting a child in court or helping a parent fight to keep their family together — gives me a unique understanding of what’s at stake. Judges hold immense power to shape lives, and that power must be exercised with compassion and integrity. Our justice system only works when judges deeply understand their responsibility and the real-world impact of their decisions. I bring that understanding and commitment to every case and every client.
What makes you the best candidate: All three of my children are adopted from the child welfare system and my sons are special needs. As a former foster parent and now as a parent, I’ve had to advocate for my own children to guarantee that their needs are met. I believe that because of my personal and professional journey, most of which has been in public service, I possess a unique combination of experience, skill and temperament that will serve me as a judge. I’ve spent almost 20 years in the courtroom, and I’ve worn every hat within it. The roles that I’ve held in public service have forced me to make difficult decisions and I’ve had to demonstrate the courage to fight for truth and justice. The positions I’ve held in private practice have offered me the chance to see a case from every angle and have humanized the issues that my clients are confronting.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Elizabeth Hughes
Elizabeth Hughes
Age: 53
Residence: Churchill
Current Practice Area: Health Law
Past Practice Area: I practiced family law for over 10 years, both on the adult and juvenile side, and before that, I was a solicitor for Allegheny County for six years, practicing in Orphans’ Court as counsel for the county Offices of Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. I have also practiced civil litigation as a toxic tort attorney and have some experience in criminal law. After graduating from law school, I served as a clerk for the Hon. Justin M. Johnson of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
Current Position: I am currently Senior Associate Counsel for UPMC. In this capacity, I serve as primary counsel for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, UPMC Mercy, and over 60 UPMC Children’s Community Pediatric outpatient practices. I also serve UPMC as the lead counsel advising on pediatric matters across the system for children ages birth to 18.
Law School: University of Pittsburgh, 2004
Family: I’m the youngest child and only daughter of Dianne (Bell) Hughes of Beltzhoover and the late Dennis Hughes of Rankin. My long-term partner, Dr. Detrick McGriff, is a high school principal based in eastern Pennsylvania.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: recommended
Website: votehughesforjudge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I want to be a judge because I can bring much-needed thoughtfulness, compassion, fairness and common sense to the bench. It has always been my goal throughout my career to serve my community. I have remained steadfast in my commitment to serving children and families. Being a judge, especially as most judges begin their tenure in family division, provides an opportunity to stand squarely in that service to others every day.
What makes you the best candidate: I have been practicing law for 20 years across all divisions of the Court of Common Pleas. About half of that time was in family division, and I have handled everything from custody, divorce, support and more complex family law matters, along with juvenile dependency and delinquency cases. I have seen firsthand how deeply these cases affect people’s lives. The families coming to court deserve someone experienced, resourceful, unbiased and who listens. Before becoming a lawyer, I worked in child mental health, and as an assistant solicitor for Allegheny County, I managed thousands of involuntary commitment hearings. My mix of legal, health and human services experience gives me a unique perspective. Judges should be problem solvers, and that is how I will approach every case — with cooperation, compassion and advancing common sense for the Court of Common Pleas.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Lauren Leiggi
Lauren Leiggi
Age: 35
Residence: Point Breeze
Current practice area: Criminal Defense – Crimmigration (intersection of immigration law and criminal law)
Past practice area: Nonprofit programming; Patent law (office manager and paralegal)
Current position: Trial Attorney for the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender, Lead Attorney and Founder of Immigration Consequences Group for Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender
Law School: Temple University, 2021
Family: Married to fellow Allegheny County Assistant Public Defender, Sarah Hampton. They reside with their three rescue animals. Lauren is also a known egg donor to twins.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: not recommended
Website: llforcp.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I have seen firsthand how powerful the law is and how it impacts marginalized communities. After a decade of public service work – from helping women and children on the border seek safety from being trafficked and abused to organizing pro bono organizations and clerking for the Hon. Mia Roberts Perez – it is clear to me that the legal system is not designed for the marginalized communities it so regularly encounters. Our community deserves a judge that works fairly to apply the law while also finding ways to mitigate harm to our community, and I know I will be that kind of judge.
What makes you the best candidate: My life journey has taken me down adventures far different than most judges – and my judgment and perspective is better for it. As a queer, Afro-Latina woman from an immigrant, working class family, I understand the importance of community support to individual success and the need to innovate to succeed. And in today’s environment, we need judges that can both apply the law fairly and also find creative solutions to today’s legal dilemmas in pursuit of true justice. I know how the law works both in theory and in practice, spending over thousands of hours in the courtroom as a public defender and as the only candidate experienced in immigration law. My diversity of experience has equipped me to think critically, and differently, about how we can improve our judicial system here in Allegheny County for all of us.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Amy Mathieu
Amy Mathieu
Age: 34
Residence: North Side
Current practice area: Civil Rights — employment discrimination and civil claims based on sexual abuse
Past practice area: Title IX, Complex Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury
Current position: Partner at HKM Employment Law
Law School: University of Pittsburgh, 2016
Family: I am married to Katie Melson and have two step-children.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: not recommended
Website: amyforall.com
Why do you want to be a judge: It was never in my plans to run for judge. In fact, I never expected to run for any public office. But after the last election, I feel a responsibility that I can’t ignore. I want to be a judge so that I can protect those who are most vulnerable—the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, women, victims and all those who are often labeled as “other.” I have spent my entire career seeking and securing justice for people who have been wronged, discriminated against and sexually abused. I have worked hard to listen to individuals living through the justice system, understand their struggles and vigorously represent their interests. I want to be a judge so that I can continue to do those things from the bench. This county needs judges who will lead with compassion, empathy and fairness for all people.
What makes you the best candidate: I absolutely love being an advocate for my clients in my current role. However, I recognize that I can have the best argument and be the most persuasive attorney, but it doesn’t matter if the judge doesn’t share the same important ideals. I know that I can do more good from the bench. I am the only civil rights attorney running for judge. Right now, in the current national political landscape, our civil rights are under fire each and every day. We need judges who fully understand what it takes to protect the rule of law against tyranny. I wake up every morning wondering if my marriage will stay legitimate for the next day, month or year. I carry that feeling with me when making decisions. I understand the task at hand. I am ready to put my reputation on the line to protect our civil rights from the bench.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Dan Miller
Dan Miller
Age: 52
Residence: Mt. Lebanon
Current practice area: I serve as counsel at Ruder Law in Downtown Pittsburgh, where I advise on matters relating to special education and disability rights.
Past practice area: I spent 11 years working as a public defender and county solicitor spending three to four days a week primarily in family court.
Current position: Pennsylvania State Representative, Vice Chair of the House Majority Judiciary Committee, Chair of the Subcommittee on Crime and Corrections
Law School: Catholic University, 2002
Family: wife, Kim and our son.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: votedanmiller.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I want to become a judge because a good judge can make a difference, because a good judge is necessary to our system, and because after a decade of being in court almost daily and a decade of writing law, I believe that I offer a unique combination of skills, knowledge and experience that can appropriately balance the cases and issues that are finding their way into our judicial system.
I’m also passionate about ensuring that our justice system is equipped to better serve people with disabilities and/or mental health challenges. There is a lot of work to be done at the intersection of those challenges and the experience of those people in the courtroom. That is work I have always been passionate about and would like to continue to do.
What makes you the best candidate: I recently received my 11th award for my disability and mental health advocacy and am considered an expert regarding the intersection of those issues and the courts. As part of my commitment to these issues, I operate an annual Disability & Mental Health Summit which has become the largest collection of related resources in Western Pennsylvania. Combining that with years of courtroom experience, as well as writing and debating law in the legislature, I believe offers a unique combination of skill and knowledge that will be an asset to the bench. My public service includes enlistment in the Army National Guard, serving as a team leader in AmeriCorps NCCC, four years as a township commissioner and 14 years as a volunteer firefighter.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Bryan Neft
Bryan Neft
Age: 60
Residence: Mt. Lebanon
Current practice area: Commercial, Shareholder, Real Property Americans with Disabilities, False Claims Act and Product Liability litigation, General Counsel to local business entities
Current position: Member, Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC
Law School: Boston University, 1989
Family: Wife, Julie Cohen, Children: Simon, 28, Justin, 25 and Zoe, 22
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: voteneft.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I served as a law clerk to one of the finest members of the judiciary, the Hon. William F. Cercone, who served on the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County and then the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Ever since my clerkship, I have always wanted to become a judge. My clerkship also taught me the skills to be a judge, which is to look at the facts, law and equities of the case, to determine the correct application of law. I have used those skills successfully in my practice to guide clients in making decisions regarding how to proceed.
I have always been involved in public service through the Bar Association and in the community. I have worked hard to improve the judiciary and the legal profession, and access to justice. I have been privileged to serve on important boards of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court including IOLTA, which deals with legal aid funding across Pennsylvania and the Disciplinary Board, which disciplines attorneys who violate the rules of professional conduct. Becoming a judge is a natural step in public service.
What makes you the best candidate: My experience with the Court of Common Pleas goes back 35 years. I have practiced in all divisions of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for the last 30 years. During my clerkship with the Pennsylvania Superior Court, I reviewed many cases that were filed in each and every division of the Court of Common Pleas. I therefore come with a solid background of understanding the substantive areas of law and the rules of practice for each of the divisions. In fact, I have been an author of several chapters of the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Civil Practice Manual for the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Most of my work has been in the civil division of the court. There are very few candidates for the Court of Common Pleas who have the breadth of knowledge that I do for work within the civil division. I understand how cases progress and are tried in Allegheny County.
I have also practiced in the family division and continue to take protection from abuse matters in that division pro bono. Cases dealing with divorce, custody and property distribution have specific standards by which judges consider the cases, and I am well-versed in those standards having reviewed these issues on appeal. I have also handled matters in Orphan’s Court, dealing with trusts and estates, and in the criminal division, representing criminal defendants from inception through appeal. My experiences in all of the divisions make me unique in my ability to serve in any of the divisions to which I would be assigned and allow me to hit the proverbial ground running.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Jackie Obara
Jackie Obara
Age: 46
Residence: Elizabeth Township
Current practice area: Family Law
Past practice area: I have experience in all four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas but have focused my practice on Family Law.
Current position: Divorce Hearing Officer, Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
Law School: Duquesne University, 2004
Family: My husband, David, and I have 3 children: Emily, Joe and Julia.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: jackieo4judge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: For the past 20 years, I have been a practitioner, judicial law clerk and hearing officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While I have extensive experience in both family division and criminal division, I have focused my practice on family law. For the past 20 years, I have observed the impact that the continual change in jurists have on families proceeding through family division. Each jurist brings with them a unique perspective to the case. In custody matters in particular, this change in perspective leads to increased litigation and is a significant disruption for the family.
Additionally, during the past five years, through my service as a divorce hearing officer, I have had daily involvement with parties and counsel regarding economic claims incident to divorce and complex support. I have developed the temperament and compassion that is necessary to manage cases with competence and decisiveness.
I am running for judge with the hope of serving in the family division so as to provide continuity on the bench and expand my service to the families of Allegheny County.
What makes you the best candidate: My 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney, which includes trying cases as a litigator, assisting the court as a judicial law clerk, teaching as an adjunct professor of law, being a panelist at numerous conferences, and, most importantly, hearing cases as a divorce hearing officer distinguishes me from the other candidates. I have developed the temperament, knowledge and experience necessary to effectively, decisively and equitably handle matters as a judge. These qualities make me the best candidate.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Carmen Robinson
Carmen Robinson
Age: 56
Residence: Hill District
Current practice area: Criminal and civil practice
Past practice area: Criminal and civil practice
Current position: Partner in Private Practice, Adjunct Professor at Duquesne School of Law and general counsel at PLS Transportation
Law School: Duquesne University, 2005
Family: I have an extended family: an adult son, a nephew, my mother and sister
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: not recommended
Website: carmenresq.poliengine.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I aim to become a judge to improve the legal system. While our Constitution is strong, it can better address marginalization. Judges bring laws to life through impartial and thoughtful decisions, maintaining public trust and safeguarding rights. This role upholds justice and has meaningful impact. Living in the historic Hill District, I advocate for marginalized individuals and wish to ensure all voices are heard equally.
What makes you the best candidate: Experience matters! I am a candidate with extensive and diverse experience. I have nearly 20 years of experience within the courts, followed by over 15 years in law enforcement, during which I also attended law school. My tenure includes serving as a judicial law clerk for 11 years: one year on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court under the late Hon. Max Baer, followed by clerkships with Hon. Dwayne Woodruff and Hon. Kim Berkeley Clark in the family division. These roles provided insights into the judiciary. My own law practice spans all divisions, with 85% of my work focused on criminal law. As a trial lawyer, I have taken cases to jury verdicts, including eight murder trials — two involving the death penalty — and other serious offenses such as robbery, burglary and drug-related crimes. Additionally, I have managed personal injury settlements and handled estate and trust matters.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Matt Rudzki
Matt Rudzki
Age: 38
Residence: Sharpsburg
Current practice area: District Judge for the Fox Chapel area
Past practice area: Previously a general practice attorney; teacher; Sharpsburg’s mayor and Sharpsburg councilman
Current position: District Judge for the Fox Chapel area
Law School: Duquesne University, 2013
Family: Wife, Bridget, and three children: Lydia, 5, Lorelei, 3 and Theodore, 1
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: recommended
Website: judgerudzkiforcommonpleas.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I am a public servant at heart and consistently trying to find better ways to effectively serve my neighbors, while also meaningfully growing the impact of such service. I have done this as a teacher, as a Sharpsburg Councilman, as Sharpsburg’s mayor and presently as a district judge. I love being on the bench and the opportunity it gives me to use all of my training, experience and skill in order to deliver positive outcomes. Judges must be prepared to meet people where they are at any moment. Some folks are already well-resourced, others are at risk of falling through the cracks and need to be connected to resources, while others need accountability. The trick is recognizing the difference and acting accordingly. I believe I have the tools to scale up the progress I have made locally to be an effective Common Pleas judge for all.
What makes you the best candidate: I drafted laws as a councilman, enforced the laws as a mayor and currently apply the laws as a judge. During my time on the bench, I have handled over 15,000 cases in my district court, in addition to sitting for colleagues in their districts and volunteering to hear homicide preliminary hearings at Pittsburgh Municipal Court, among other matters. I am guided by the principles of restorative, fair and accessible justice, and have the experience of being on the bench, making evidentiary decisions, ruling on objections, managing a courtroom and the parties in it, and the proven judicial temperament to be prepared for the role as a Common Pleas judge on the first day.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Michele Santicola
Michele Santicola
Age: 55
Residence: Moon
Current practice area: I am a Magisterial District Judge. My district encompasses Coraopolis, Moon, Neville and Crescent Townships.
Past practice area: I started my career as a deputy attorney general. I spent nearly 10 years representing the commonwealth in 23 counties throughout Western Pennsylvania. Next, I went into private practice with Santicola, Steele and Fedeles. I served as a hearing examiner for the Liquor Control Board from 2012-2016, presiding over cases involving liquor license issues. In that role, I ruled on issues of admissibility of evidence and credibility of witnesses and wrote lengthy opinions supporting my findings. I was elected to the Board of Supervisors in Moon Township in 2017. As a member of the board, I helped to oversee a $16 million budget, negotiate contracts and bring development to the area. I was elected Magisterial District Judge and have served in that role since 2020. As a magisterial district judge, I preside over civil, criminal, landlord tenant and traffic cases. I evaluate and grant or deny search warrants, arrest warrants and Protection From Abuse orders.
Law School: Penn State University, 1995.
Family: My husband, Mike, and I are the proud parents of Sarah, 21, a junior at Allegheny College, Michael, 18, a senior at Moon Area High School, and foster/forever parents of Amir, 17, a senior at Moon.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: santicolaforjudge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I have always been drawn to public service, and I want to be able to serve a larger area and on a higher level. As a magisterial district judge, I have been able to make a positive difference in my community and the lives of those who come before me. I believe strongly in our judicial system, and over the past 30 years in my various roles, I have seen the importance of judges in it. I believe strongly in making sure that every voice is heard and respected. I want to make sure that happens. I want to make sure that everyone is treated fairly and equally. We must observe and uphold the laws of the commonwealth or our system fails. We must ensure that people who are placed in this important role have the qualifications, experience, temperament, patience and compassion to do the job well. I have been on all sides of a case — including the side of victim — and I know how important the role of judge is. I have always loved the law and am passionate about justice for all, and I believe I can help ensure that as a judge.
What makes you the best candidate: I am the only candidate in this race who has been a prosecutor, defense attorney AND a judge. I believe the unique experience of having been on all sides of a case makes me the best candidate. I was a crime victim in college, and that experience led me to want to stand up for other victims. I went to law school intending to do just that, which I did as a deputy attorney general. But I have also stood with defendants and their families and gained a greater sense of our criminal justice system by doing so. I learned firsthand what brings people into the system and the effect it has on their families and loved ones. I have seen what advantages defendants with money have over those without. Had I only been a prosecutor, I would not have had the same understanding. I also have the experience of doing the job. I have presided over thousands of cases. I have ruled on issues of admissibility of evidence, credibility of witnesses and written hundreds of opinions. I have experience in civil, criminal, administrative and municipal law. The job of judge is a very important one. Experience and qualifications matter. . The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has entrusted me to serve on their Criminal Rules Committee and recently named me vice chair. I have been an attorney for 30 years, and I am ready for this important role. My legal experience is not the only reason I believe I am ready for this important role. I have been a Big Sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I volunteer weekly at our local food bank. I volunteer at a local after-school program for underprivileged children. I served on the board of a local charity raising funds for scholarships. I am a foster parent. I believe that my legal and life experience and track record of service make me the best candidate.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Craig Stephens
Craig Stephens
Age: 58
Residence: Scott
Current Practice Area: Magisterial District Judge since 2015
Past Practice Area: Assistant Solicitor for Allegheny County
Law School: Duquesne University, 1993
Family: married with two children who attend Pitt and Duquesne universities
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: craigstephensforjudge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I desire to be a Common Pleas judge because of my commitment to public service, and I believe I can have a positive impact on the judiciary.
What makes you the best candidate: My candidacy sets me apart as I have the most judicial experience in this race having presided over 50,000 cases in my tenure as a district judge.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Mike Sullivan
Mike Sullivan
Age: 50
Residence: Mt. Lebanon
Current practice area: Criminal defense
Past practice area: Criminal prosecutor, primarily in the area of domestic violence
Current position: Attorney at Krolikowski Law LLC
Law School: Duquesne University, 1999
Family: My wife, Sarah, three sons, and two dogs.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: recommended
Website: mikesullivanforjudge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I am running for the Court of Common Pleas to ensure every voice is heard with empathy and understanding. For nearly 20 years as a domestic violence prosecutor, I’ve seen victims feel unheard or treated as second class in the justice system. Every person — victim or accused — deserves a judge who fully considers their circumstances to deliver fair, just decisions. I want to be that judge. Beyond the courtroom, I will advocate for innovative solutions that implement effective diversion programs, reduce racial disparities in our criminal justice system and leverage technology to improve probation and parole supervision, while prioritizing public safety.
What makes you the best candidate: With 25 years as a prosecutor and defense attorney, I bring a fair, balanced approach to the bench. I’ve handled all types of cases from traffic tickets to homicides, giving me both legal expertise and a deep understanding of the human impact of the justice system. Throughout my career, I’ve worked to empower people, ensuring their voices are heard in court. As a leader, I’ve supervised the DA’s domestic violence unit, co-chaired the Domestic Violence Task Force, and served on national and local committees addressing domestic violence and racial disparities. These experiences equip me to be a well-rounded judge who makes fair decisions and improves the court system for everyone in Allegheny County.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Sarra Terry
Sarra Terry
Age: 40
Residence: Ross
Current practice area: Defense attorney for the past 13 years.
Past practice area: I served as a judicial law clerk in the Court of Common Pleas, family division for 12 years in addition to private practice
Current position: Special Counsel at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC
Law School: Duquesne University
Family: Sarra lives with her husband and two young sons. Her parents live nearby in her hometown of Millvale.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: not recommended
Website: voteforsarra.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I want to bring my knowledge and experience to the bench to build a better court system. I am running for judge because I believe that electing compassionate and empathetic people to the bench will change the trajectory of many people’s lives. I am running because I want to prioritize treating people fairly and offering them real options if they are suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues. Additionally, I want to create a more trauma-informed court particularly in the juvenile court setting.
What makes you the best candidate: I am committed to fairness, justice and ensuring that our legal system works for everyone, especially those who have been historically underserved. As a defense attorney and former judicial law clerk, I have seen firsthand how the courts impact people’s lives. My experience on both sides of the bench has reinforced my belief in applying the law with compassion, integrity and respect for the community I serve. As a judge, I will work every day to ensure that everyone who comes before the court is heard, treated with dignity, and receives equal justice under the law.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Dennis Very
Dennis Very
Age: 56
Residence: McCandless
Current practice area: I enjoy nearly 30 years as a civil litigator and arbitrator, continuously representing a wide variety of clients in the types of cases that routinely and consistently come before the civil division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.
Past practice area: During my 30 years as a civil litigator and arbitrator, I fought for clients working for: the Allegheny County Law Department as a Certified Legal Intern and representing Children and Youth Services in court while attending law school at night; 10 years at a nationally renowned Complex civil litigation law firm; and a new Pittsburgh company managing all its legal affairs, including pre-litigation issues and serving as its chief compliance officer. After leaving the company, I continued to fight for the rights of a wide variety of clients in civil litigation matters including municipal clients (school district, city, township, borough), protecting individual rights, small business interests and communities.
Current position: I continue my 30 years of civil litigation practice as senior counsel with the firm Leventry, Haschak & Rodkey LLC.
Law School: Duquesne University, 1995
Family: I am so very proud of our three daughters and of being a girl dad. My dad, Donald L. Very Sr., was a past President of the Allegheny County Bar Association. I was raised by a single mom after my dad passed away when I was 11. I am the youngest of six with my lone sister having to deal with five brothers.
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: recommended
Website: dennisvery.com
Why do you want to be a judge: As a judge, I can best serve and benefit the residents of Allegheny County now, based on my 30 year legal experience as a civil division litigator – learning from both a wide range of clients and civil matters. I have seen barriers that deny access to justice and desire to break them down. I have the proper welcoming and respectful temperament to open the court to all of Allegheny County and the bar. Additionally, I would work extremely hard. With my 30 years as a litigator in the civil division, I have the skill and legal acumen to be a successful judge. I would take great pride in being prepared, approachable and respectful of the time of all involved with the court. I believe I can take these attributes to the bench to do the work of the court and fairly, positively and expeditiously bring cases to conclusion.
What makes you the best candidate: Humbly, I am pleased that my work in complex civil litigation and arbitration uniquely positions me to meet a critical and current court need which distinguishes me from the others in a talented candidate pool. What is that critical need? Typically, about one-third of all matters before the court are considered in the civil division. Significantly, five of the eight judges who vacated the bench that have to be replaced in this election cycle were civil division judges — five of eight. The majority of candidates in this cycle have backgrounds in family law, criminal law and magisterial proceedings. A few have limited practice in civil law, and none have the significant experience with complex civil division litigation that I uniquely enjoy — with 30 years of continuous representation of clients in the civil division. I am the only candidate the VERY one — who meets this critical and current court need.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Hilary Wheatley
Hilary K. Wheatley
Age: 48
Residence: Mt. Lebanon
Current practice area: I currently serve as the elected magisterial judge serving Mt. Lebanon and Dormont
Past practice area: Civil litigation, with a focus on real estate-related matters
Current position: Magisterial district judge, District 05-2-19; Of counsel, Papernick & Gefsky LLC
Law School: Penn State, 2002
Family: I have one son, Garett Taylor, who is 13 years old
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: electhilary.com
Why do you want to be a judge: In 2020, the murder of George Floyd was a turning point for me. Like many, I was deeply shaken and felt an urgent need to take action. As a civil litigator with over 20 years of trial experience, I had spent my career advocating for fairness and justice, but that summer made me realize that I needed, and wanted, to do more. I believed that serving as a judge was a meaningful way to uphold the principles of equity, integrity and accountability. My legal experience, combined with my commitment to justice, made me well-suited for the role of magisterial district judge. I wanted to ensure that every person who entered my courtroom was treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of their background. Running for judge was my way of turning outrage into action — of using my experience to make a difference where it truly mattered. Now, I want to take the judicial experience I have gained to serve all of Allegheny County on the Court of Common Pleas, with the same commitment to fairness and justice.
What makes you the best candidate: There are many qualified candidates for the eight openings this election cycle. I am running for the Court of Common Pleas because I am experienced, qualified and deeply committed to ensuring our courts remain fair, impartial and focused on justice for ALL. I am ready for the job. I know that everyday Americans face significant barriers in our complex legal system, including long wait times, implicit bias and the unavailability of affordable legal representation. I see why minority and marginalized populations feel that the legal system is working against them. There is so much work to be done to fix our legal system, most of which requires legislative and cultural change. But there is room for our elected judges to do something, too, while remaining neutral and impartial jurists. Since 2022, I have worked to make the legal system fairer and more compassionate for those who come before me, while complying with my duty to uphold the rule of law.
Courtesy of the Candidate
Ilan Zur
Ilan Zur
Age: 52
Residence: Squirrel Hill
Current practice area: Criminal prosecution, specializing in the prosecution of violent crimes and firearms to include homicides and other acts of gun violence
Past practice area: N/A
Current position: Deputy District Attorney, supervising the violent crimes and firearms unit
Law School: University of Pittsburgh, 1998
Family: My wife, Lisa, along with our three children, ages 12, 10, and 7
Allegheny County Bar Association rating: highly recommended
Website: zur4judge.com
Why do you want to be a judge: I am running for judge because I have the compassion, experience and integrity to serve the people of Allegheny County on the Court of Common Pleas. As a prosecutor, I have had cases before judges who are not as experienced or attentive as they should be. I believe it is a disservice to the community to not give every case the attention that it deserves. I am also running because I have devoted my life to public service. For 26 years, I have been making important decisions every single day such as whether to file charges, what charges to bring and whether to offer a plea deal. And every day, I do the right thing. My career has helped me to develop a deep understanding, practical wisdom and empathy that only 26 years of experience can.
What makes you the best candidate: I have extensive trial experience, a proven track record of conducting myself with the highest level of integrity and the temperament to serve effectively from day one. As a trial attorney for over 26 years in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, I have tried more than 400 cases, including 60 homicide trials. As deputy district attorney overseeing the violent crimes and firearms division, I handle some of the most complex cases in our community. I understand courtroom procedures, the rules of evidence and the importance of fairness in every case. Equally important, I recognize the impact the justice system has on individuals, families and communities. A courtroom encounter does not define a person, and we need judges who balance accountability with rehabilitation. I will make sound, impartial decisions that uphold the law while ensuring fair outcomes that serve both justice and our community.
Paula Reed Ward is a TribLive reporter covering federal and Allegheny County courts. She joined the Trib in 2020 after spending nearly 17 years at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, where she was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team. She is the author of “Death by Cyanide.” She can be reached at pward@triblive.com.
