Annual Judiciary Dinner

On May 5, 2006, the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association honored members of the judiciary from the 23 counties of Western Pennsylvania and the federal bench from the Western District of Pennsylvania. The annual event was held in the Omni William Penn Hotel’s Grand Ballroom and featured the music of pianist H.K .Hilner. In attendance were 24 judges and 160 members and guests.

The evening was highlighted by recognition of judges who assumed senior status or retirement. Those so honored at this year’s dinner included: The Honorable Fred P. Anthony of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, The Honorable Warren W. Bentz of the United States Bankruptcy Court, The Honorable Robert E. Colville of the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, The Honorable Eugene E. Fike II of the Court of Common Pleas of Somerset County and The Honorable Thomas G. Peoples Jr. of the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County.

Pictured above: Judge Warren W. Bentz and President Tim Riley.

Pictured above: Judge Robert E. Colville and Past President Charles E. Evans.

In addition to the judges named above, a special presentation was made to The Honorable Joseph P. Moschetta who served on the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County to fill the vacancy following the death of Judge Gilmer. The former judge, Joseph Moschetta is a long time member of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association and was, in fact, one of the founding members. He undertook the position to remove a backlog of cases in Washington County. The bench and bar of Washington County and the citizens of Washington County are deeply indebted to his commitment. The special presentation was made by his son, Stephen P. Moschetta, currently treasurer of the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association.

Pictured above: Joseph P. Moschetta and Stephen P. Moschetta

Also honored this year was outgoing President, Tim Riley who served as the organization’s President for the 2005-2006 year. A special plaque was presented to him by Immediate Past President, Cynthia M. Danel. Tim Riley did an outstanding job as President and was instrumental in raising a significant amount of funds for Abdul Hakim Ismael who was a small Iraqi boy injured in the war. Abdul Hakim was in attendance at the dinner and his family was grateful for the undertaking by the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyer’s Association, which raised over $10,000.00 for his stay and care.

Pictured above: President Tim Riley and Immediate Past President Cynthia M. Danel, and Abdul Hakim Ismael with Presidetn Tim Riley.

Additional honors were made with the annual presentation of funds from the President’s 5K Challenge, which this year raised $21,000.00 to benefit the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers. A check was presented to them by Christopher M. Miller, Chair of that committee. Also this year, the high school essay contest winner’s were honored. The honorees included Michael Liptack of Norwin High School, Christina Genareo of Laurel High School and Sarah Keller of Greensburg-Salem High School. Presentations were made by Christina S. Nacopoulos.

Next year’s judiciary dinner will be held on Friday, May 4, 2007 at Heinz Field. We look forward to your attendance.