The Allegheny County Bar Association's Judiciary Committee is a group of 24 lawyers independently elected by the 6,500 members of the ACBA. The Judiciary Committee is charged by the ACBA with evaluating all candidates for local, appellate, and federal courts who reside in Allegheny County.
The Judiciary Committee examines candidates strictly on their merit, without reference to political affiliation or activity. Our Committee also adheres to a strict policy of confidentiality; only the final decision reflecting a candidate's rating is released.
There are four ratings. They are:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
The candidate:
a. Exibits preeminence in the law by way of outstanding legal ability
and a wide range of experience, either in a specialized field of law
or a more varied practice, and has a reputation in the legal community
as standing at the top of his/her profession.
b. Possesses the highest reputation for integrity and temperament.
c. Exibits outstanding citizenship by way of community and professional
contributions.
d. Is an exceptional individual who will enhance or has enhanced the
competence, dignity, and public perception of the bench.
RECOMMENDED
The candidate possesses the highest reputation for integrity and the legal ability, experience, and temperament to excel as a judge of the court for which he/she is a candidate.
NOT RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME
The candidate's legal ability, experience, and reputation indicate that, at some future time in his/her legal career, he/she may have the potential to excel as a judge, but the candidate is not yet at that stage.
UNQUALIFIED
The candidate does not now possess and is not likely to acquire the ability, reputation, or temperament necessary for a judicial position.
Publishing the ratings
The Allegheny County Bar Association Board of Governors reviews the ratings of candidates prepared by the Judiciary Committee. The ratings are published when authorized by the Board of Governors.
Why does the ACBA rate candidates, and why publish the information?
When citizens enter the voting booth, they are faced with a long list of judicial candidates to choose. It is the Allegheny County Bar Association Judiciary Committee's job to provide the guidance and information needed to help voters make informed choices when they select candidates for Allegheny County's judiciary.
For how long is a rating valid?
A rating is valid for 5 years, but a person who has been rated can ask to be re-rated after 2 years.
Details of the interviews with potential candidates are highly confidential,
and the ACBA cannot comment on these proceedings.