HARRISBURG, October 8, 2008 – State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) today applauded the Senate for confirming the appointment of Joseph Williams III to the Court of Common Pleas in the 5th Judicial District in Allegheny County.
Williams’ was appointed to fill the seat made vacant by Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen.
“I am pleased with the appointment of Joe Williams to the Court of Common Pleas,” Ferlo said following the vote on the Senate floor. “His extensive experience in law and longtime commitment to the community make him an excellent choice to fill the vacancy in the fifth judicial district.”
Mr. Williams has been serving as an attorney since he earned a Juris Doctor Degree in 1982 from the Duquesne University School of Law. He also holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Williams has worked as a private attorney since 1985, specializing in criminal defense, international transactions, real estate development, and contract and corporate law. He has also volunteered his time with numerous community organizations including serving as a trustee for the Pittsburgh History and Landmark Development Corporation, as secretary of the county’s Sports and Exhibition Authority, and on the board of directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Negro Education Emergency Drive.
He is also a member of the Homer S. Brown Law Association, where he previously served as president, which seeks to assist minorities by increasing the legal knowledge of the community, protect political and civil rights, assist local law students and benefit members by providing employment information, continuing education and practice development opportunities.
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