Allegheny County News

Beth Lazzara takes the Bench

On January 2, 2006, Beth Lazzara was sworn in as Judge in the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County. Until her election, Judge Lazzara was a stalwart member of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and a Past President. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its community outreach and became independent from the statewide PATLA. The same skills she exhibited as leader of this organization will suit her fine as Judge. Although Judge Lazzara has been assigned to Family Division, she has assisted the Civil Division in handling overflow cases.

Judge Lazzara is a 1991 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law where she graduated with honors and was a member of Law Review. Her career started with John Gismondi & Associates. She immediately joined WPTLA and was soon elected to the Board of Governors. She exhibited hard work and enthusiasm. Beth was responsible for the expansion and preservation of the Advocate, which grew from four pages in its infancy to sixteen pages at the time she relinquished her Editor duties. Beth was elected Treasurer in 1996 and became the organization’s 32^nd President on July 1, 2000. She started the President’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel, which is the organization’s single largest fundraising event, and created the Comeback Award. Her efforts refocused the organization to its relationships with the Judges and community.

Beth was also active in the statewide PATLA organization as a Board of Governor. She had risen to the office of Vice President this past year before resigning upon her election to the Bench. PATLA has honored her with the Milton D. Rosenberg Award for outstanding service to the PATLA.

Past President Dan Berger Passes

Daniel M. Berger, WPTLA Past President (1979-1980), passed away on July 2, 2006. He was a principle in the firm of Berger & Lagnese, LLC, of Pittsburgh, PA.