Candidate for
Judge; Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas; District 5

Jeff was born and raised in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Johnstown helped to forge much of Jeff's character and work ethic. After having experienced the downturn of the steel industry in the early 1970's, he lived through the Johnstown Flood of 1977 which practically destroyed his father's retail store as well as much of the Johnstown business community. It was during those years that Jeff learned first-hand the importance of neighbors helping each other. To this day, Jeff spends many hours outside of the courtroom volunteering and trying to help those less fortunate than he.

After graduating from Westmont Hilltop High School in 1978, he attended Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Communications. After returning to his hometown, he worked in the retail industry for six years before deciding to pursue a career in law. He worked his way through law school by attending Duquesne University School of Law's evening program while working full-time during the day. Jeff graduated law school in 1992 and received his license to practice law after passing the bar exam in November 1992.

Jeff initially practiced in several areas of the law, including family law, criminal law, probate law, real estate, and personal injury cases. After practicing in the private sector for over 11 years, Jeff decided to accept a full-time position with the Allegheny County Bar Foundation Juvenile Court Project, a non-profit law firm operated by the Allegheny County Bar Association which provides free legal representation to low-income parents whose children are subject to Juvenile Court dependency proceedings. He is also a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association Juvenile Law Committee, the Allegheny County Bar Foundation Fellows Program, and is active with the Attorneys Against Hunger campaign, the high school mock trial competitions, and other pro bono and charitable efforts.

Once again, Jeff has found his calling by being in a position to help others. Working in Juvenile Court and serving families whose children are at risk due to neglect, abuse, or even the terrible economic times that we all face has been the most rewarding of all his professional efforts. The work that is done in Juvenile Court cannot be understated. It is hard to imagine any court having more of an impact on families and our community as a whole. It is only natural that Jeff would seek the position of judge so that he can help our fellow neighbors even more.

Jeff lives in the Point Breeze section of the City of Pittsburgh with Dr. Patricia Pepe and their two beagles, Maggie and Lassie. He, his brother Jerry, and his sister Renee, have all graduated from Duquesne University school of Law and reside in the Pittsburgh area. His parents still reside in Johnstown, but he's working on moving them into Pittsburgh so the entire family can be together. Jeff hopes that with your support he will be able to fulfill his pledge to serve our community and help those in need.