6 vie for 2 seats in Common Pleas
courtroom, and what does not work, and would like to apply that knowledge and experience as a judge.
MARY McGINLEY, 39
Hometown: Squirrel Hill Family: Husband, two children
Education: B.A., Pennsylvania State University, 1999; J.D., Duquesne University, 2002
Current Occupation: Attorney at Meyer Unkovic and Scott LLP, specializing in representing families and individuals in estate litigation matters, and companies in contractual and other commercial disputes
Bar Association Rating: Recommended
Why would you be a good judge? Public service was instilled in me at a very young age and continues to be extremely important to me. Becoming a judge is the pinnacle of public service in the legal profession and I would take to heart the important responsibilities that come with administering justice. I believe that I can contribute to the dignity and public perception of the bench. For quite some time, I have been drawn to the judiciary, likely because I believe that my temperament is a fit for the position and because I believe that listening is among my strengths. These attributes are complemented by my legal experience, which is specialized in some respects and broad in others.
PAULINE M. CALABRESE, 54
Hometown: Penn Hills Family: Married with five children
Education: Pennsylvania State University, B.A. 1985; Duquesne University School of Law, J.D. 1988
Current Occupation: Attorney with the Downtown firm of Notaro & Associates, Family Law
Bar Association Rating: Not recommended at this time
Why would you be a good judge? I would be a good judge because I am uniquely and exceptionally qualified. Specifically, although I have practiced in all four divisions of the Court of Common Pleas, representing clients in jury and non-jury trials, I am the only candidate for the Court of Common Pleas who has spent her entire career practicing in the Family Division, the division where new judges are typically placed. I have practiced in both the Adult Section and the Juvenile Section, where I served as a court-appointed attorney. I do not need “on the job training.” I will hit the ground running from day one.
DAVID LEE SPURGEON, 46
Hometown: McKeesport Education: Duquesne University, B.A. 1993; Duquesne University School of Law, J.D. 1996
Current Occupation: Judge, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas — Family Division (appointed to fill a vacancy in 2016); Adjunct Professor of Law — Duquesne University School of Law
Bar Association Rating: Highly recommended
Why would you be a good judge? Currently serving as a judge, I am assigned to the Family Division — Juvenile Section with a focus on domestic violence. I am the only candidate that has firsthand knowledge of the responsibilities of the job. In addition to being “Highly Recommended” by the Allegheny County Bar Association, I have a proven track record of public service and judicial decisions that are fair and just. I bring a unique perspective to the bench both professionally and personally. Born and raised in the Mon Valley area, I still live in those communities and I am the only sitting judge or candidate that brings that diverse perspective and life experience to the court.
ROSEMARY CHRISTINA CRAWFORD, 53
Hometown: Hampton Family: Mother of three beloved dogs, Aries, Athena and Zeus
Education: B.A. in Political Science from Rhodes College in 1986; J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1989
Current Occupation: Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Bar Association Rating: Highly recommended
Why would you be a good judge? I am committed to socio-economic justice and fairness, and have cultural competency, along with a proven judicial temperament, legal ability and consistent history of community service over decades. “I believe in a fair and impartial court system where age, disability, race, gender, religion, orientation and income play no role in our access to justice and freedom.” My personal history of being a part of integrating a school due to a judge’s order provides me with a unique understanding and compassion for those who are not in a position to care for themselves. I served on the boards of Neighborhood Legal Services, where I also handled protection from abuse cases pro bono to help abused individuals, the Pennsylvania Legal Services and the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, among others.