Annual Judiciary Dinner

On May 6, 2011, the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association honored members of the judiciary from the 25 counties of Western Pennsylvania and the federal bench from the Western District of Pennsylvania. The annual event was held at Heinz Field and featured the music of David Cutler. In attendance were 28 judges and 140 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 Donetta W. Ambrose, of the United States District Court
◦ The Honorable John M. Cleland, of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania
◦ The Honorable Richard L. Nygaard, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
◦ The Honorable Eugene B. Strassburger, of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania
◦ The Honorable Maureen E. Lally-Green, of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania

Pictured above from L to R: Judge Maureen E. Lally-Green; Judge Eugene B. Strassburger; and Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. Photo courtesy of Martin Murphy.

Read Notes from the Judiciary Honorees

Also honored this year was outgoing President Steve Moschetta, who served as the organization’s President for the 2010-2011 year. A special plaque was presented to him by President-Elect Josh Geist. Steve did an outstanding job as President and was instrumental in reenergizing and engaging the Board of Governors, as well as the creation of a public relations campaign.

Pictured above from L to R: Vice President Chad Bowers; Judiciary Dinner Chair and Treasurer Chris Miller; President Steve Moschetta; Immediate Past President Carl Schiffman; President-Elect Josh Geist. Photo courtesy Martin Murphy.

Also this year, the high school essay contest winner’s were honored. The honorees were Colin Gould, of Washington High School; Adam Newborn, home-schooled in Franklin Regional School District; and Jairaj Ranchod, of Lincoln High School. Presentations were made by Chad Bowers.

Typically, WPTLA presents the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, our designee for our President's Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel event, with the check from the proceeds of the recent race. The timing of the race was changed to September this year, to take better advantage of good weather. Several Steelwheelers were invited to this year's dinner.

Pictured above, from L to R: Bob Eyer, Treasurer of the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers; Julie Kearns, coach for the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers; and Joe Gilkinson, of the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers. Photo courtesy Martin Murphy.

Next year’s judiciary dinner will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Heinz Field. We look forward to your attendance.