qualified

A Judge well qualified to lead...

Qualifications are the first step in deciding which candidate will best serve as Magisterial District Judge for the citizens of Ross Township and West View Borough.

In that spirit, I present to you my qualifications that will enable "Progress"to continue at the District Court:

Legal Experience

Magisterial District Judge Opiela’s Jurisdiction includes the following areas:

  • Criminal Court: Preside over preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony cases
  • Private criminal summary complaints
  • Landlord-tenant cases
  • Civil cases under $8,000.00
  • Traffic court
  • North Hills School District cases
  • North Hills School District tax cases
  • West View Borough tax cases
  • Issue search and arrest warrants
  • Weddings and notarizations
  • Issue emergency protection form abuse orders
  • Oversight, supervision and adjudication of over 33,000 cases in last five years
  • Collection of Fines, Costs and Restitution in excess of $3.9 Million Dollars in 5 years
  • Oversight and supervision of all business matters at District Court

Pittsburgh Municipal Court (District Court 05-0-03)

  • Criminal Court: Preside over homicide preliminary hearings and complex multi-district
  • criminal felony cases
  • Arraignment Court
  • Issue search and arrest warrants
  • Perform wedding ceremonies
  • Issue emergency protection form abuse orders

Private Law Practice:

  • Gatz, Cohen, Segal and Koerner, 1988-1990-Clerk/Paralegal
  • Lipsitz, Nassau, Schwartz and Leckman, 1990-1996-General Litigation Attorney
  • Opiela and Associates, PC, (Attorney) 1996-Present
    • Represented various clients in civil, criminal, family, landlord /tenant; creditors/debtor; elder; estates; employment and real property over the last 19 years

Education

  • West Virginia University College of Law, - Juris Doctorate, May 1990
  • University of Pittsburgh-Bachelor Science. Math & Philosophy, May-1987
  • CCAC-Associates Degree, Math & Philosophy, May 1984
  • North Hills High School-1982
  • St. Athanasius Grade School-1978

Memberships

  • Chairman of PCCD, Constable Education Training Board, Appointed by Governor and Confirmed by PA Senate
  • Member Allegheny County Special Judges Association
  • Member Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA)
  • Member Perrysville Business Association
  • Member of West View Chamber of Commerce
  • Ancient Order of Hibernians, North Hills Division 4

 

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”

~Oliver Wendell Homes

 

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