Donate to Friends of Judge Wheatley

Judge Wheatley is running for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas with a commitment to ensuring that our legal system is fair, just, and accessible to everyone. The Court of Common Pleas is where people go to right the wrongs in their lives, businesses defend their business practices, victims pursue justice, those accused of a crime seek protection of their constitutional rights, and where families seek help in a crisis. People before the Court of Common Pleas have a right to expect that the judges who hear their cases are prepared, experienced, and willing to make hard decisions. Hilary deeply values the rule of law and the importance of fairness and impartiality in our judiciary. She respects the dignity of all people who come before the court. She understands the weight of decisions she is asked to make in the courtroom. She is experienced and prepared to make the hard calls when necessary.

Since January 2022, Hilary has served as a Magisterial District Judge, having been elected to that role by the voters of Mt. Lebanon and Dormont in 2021. Judge Wheatley presides over preliminary arraignments and hearings, sets bail, and issues arrest and search warrants in criminal cases; has authority to issue Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders; and hears cases involving traffic tickets, minor contract or other civil disputes, landlord-tenant matters and summary criminal offenses for adults and juveniles. Additionally, she administers oaths of office to law enforcement officers and officiates weddings.

Before taking the bench, Hilary had a two-decade career as a trial attorney, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, in cases involving defective cars, personal injuries, landlord-tenant and other real estate-related disputes. Her clients were as varied as her practice: residential home buyers or homeowners, property investment partnerships, private mortgage lenders, residential property management companies, government agencies, local and regional banking institutions, real estate title insurance underwriters, commercial landlords, and residential tenants. She has trial and appellate experience in our state and federal courts and is admitted to practice law in both Pennsylvania and Ohio. She is a trained mediator, and regularly lectures on a variety of legal topics.

Electing good judges matters.

Thank you for supporting Judge Wheatley.