Allegheny County Common Pleas Court (5 seats)

The Courts of Common Pleas are the trial courts of Pennsylvania. Major civil and criminal cases are heard in these courts. Judges also decide cases involving adoption, divorce, child custody, abuse, juvenile delinquency, estates, guardianships, charitable organizations and many other matters. The Common Pleas courts are organized into 60 judicial districts, most of which encompass a single county. Seven judicial districts, in lightly populated areas of the Commonwealth, include two counties. Judges of the Common Pleas courts are elected to 10-year terms. A president judge and a court administrator serve in each judicial district. Candidates may appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.

Susan Evashavik DiLucente (D/R)

Age: 46

Residence: Forest Hills

Education: American University, B.A.; Dickinson School of Law, J.D.

Experience: Since 2002, she has been magisterial district judge for Forest Hills, Edgewood, Churchill and Wilkins. She maintains a private practice doing estate work and family law. Prior to her election as district judge, she primarily handled personal injury and municipal law, which included representing numerous communities and the Allegheny County Port Authority.

Ratings: Recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association

More: www.JudgeSusan.com

Phil Ignelzi (D/R)

Age: 53

Residence: McCandless

Education: University of Dayton, B.S.; University of Pittsburgh law school, J.D.

Experience: A partner in the firm of Ogg, Cordes, Murphy & Ignelzi, he has been in private practice since 1988. The bulk of his practice is in medical malpractice cases and white collar criminal defense work. Before going into private practice, he was an assistant U.S. Attorney for four years.

Ratings: Highly recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association

More: www.Phil4Judge.com

Arnie Klein (D/R)

Age: 48

Residence: Upper St. Clair

Education: University of Pittsburgh, B.A.; Pitt law school, J.D.

Experience: A trial attorney for more than 22 years, he has handled cases in the criminal, civil, juvenile and orphans' court divisions. He has been appointed to handle cases by judges in criminal and orphans' court and has been appointed guardian in elder-law cases. Previously was an assistant Allegheny County public defender.

Ratings: Recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association

More: www.KleinForJudge.com

Don Walko (D)

Age: 56

Residence: Observatory Hill

Education: Penn State University, B.S.; Dickinson law school, J.D.

Experience: A member of the state House of Representatives, he first was elected to the osition in 1994. He has been a member of the House Judiciary Committee for 12 years. Previously had a general law practice for five years.

Ratings: Not recommended at this time by the Allegheny County Bar Association

More: www.pahouse.com/walko

Joe Williams (D)

Age: 57

Residence: Penn Hills

Education: Carnegie Mellon University, B.A.; University of Pittsburgh, M.A.; Duquesne University law school, J.D.

Experience: Appointed to Allegheny Common Pleas Court in November. Before that, he was a trial attorney in private practice, active in both in federal and state courts for 23 years. He was a member of the Sports & Exhibition Authority from 2001 to 2004.

Ratings: Highly recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association

More: www.judgejoewilliams.com

Alex Bicket (R)

Age: 52

Residence: Mt. Lebanon

Education: University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, B.A.; University of Cape Town, teaching certification; Columbia University, M.A.; Duquesne University law school, J.D.

Experience: Currently a partner with the firm Zimmer Kunz, he joined the firm in 1989, specializing in commercial, insurance and toxic tort litigation. He has tried more than 30 complex cases to verdict in state and federal courts, and supervises the firm's associates in trial tactics, ethics and professional responsibility. Before attending law school, he taught Latin and English at Fox Chapel High School.

Ratings: Highly recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association

More: www.bicket4judge.com

Michele Zappala Peck, who has the Republican nomination, did not meet with Post-Gazette editors.

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