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Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Well-rounded understanding': Q&A with public defender Emily Mosco Merski in judge's race
Emily Mosco Merski is a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County who has handled a range of other matters, including in civil and family court. Merski said her "diverse legal background" is among her qualifications to be the next judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Merski is running in the May 20 municipal primary against Jeremy Lightner, a chief district attorney for Erie County; and Leigh Ann Orton, the first assistant solicitor for Erie County. Party registration: Democrat. Merski is cross-filed as a Democrat and a Republican. Age: 42 Residence: City of Erie Experience: Solo practice at Vendetti & Vendetti law firm in Erie for past 13 years. Part-time assistant public defender for Erie County, specializing in appeals, since 2012. Started career as an associate at Knox Law Firm in Erie. Education: Mercyhurst College; law degree from Penn State Dickinson Law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 2011. Personal: Married to state Rep. Bob Merski, a Democrat who represents the 2nd District in the Pennsylvania House; two children Social media: Erie County Bar Association poll: Recommended Question: Why do you want to be a judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas? Answer: I believe my diverse legal background, commitment to justice and dedication to serving the community uniquely position me to be an effective addition to the bench. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across many areas of law, including criminal defense, civil litigation, family law and juvenile matters. This broad perspective has given me a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and its profound impact on individuals and families. As a public defender, I have advocated for people who are often marginalized and voiceless, and I have witnessed firsthand how deeply the justice system affects lives and futures. I believe one of the most important roles a judge plays that of the "what-happens-next" person in someone's life. When I chose to become a lawyer, especially an indigent defense attorney, it was with the hope of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a judge, the opportunity to guide individuals through the next steps —whether in criminal, juvenile, civil or family law matters — is an incredible responsibility. Describe the case that has had the most impact on you as a lawyer. As a new public defender, I was assigned to handle an appeal in a high-profile case. I was already familiar with the matter from news reports and, like many, had formed preconceived notions about the client and their actions. However, as I worked through the case, I quickly realized that my personal feelings about my client and their conduct could not influence my advocacy. This experience taught me a fundamental lesson: Not everyone views the world through the same lens. People's actions are shaped by a multitude of factors, including their experiences and perspectives. Whether their actions were right or wrong, I came away from that case with a deeper understanding of the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment and striving to understand the challenges that brought them into the courtroom. With that newfound perspective, I was able to advocate more effectively for my clients and appreciate the human aspects of their cases. As Erie County's next judge, I bring the recognition and understanding that those who appear before the court are not merely case numbers, but individuals whose lives — and futures — can be profoundly impacted by the court's decisions. Describe any changes or innovations that you would like to bring to Common Pleas Court. The eight Common Pleas judges currently serving in Erie County strive to make a significant and meaningful impact on our community. Having been in the courtroom nearly every day of my practice, I have seen, firsthand, the impact the legal system has on individuals and families. If given the opportunity, I would seek to complement their efforts with a strong commitment to improving public understanding of court operations and enhancing the accessibility and transparency of court proceedings.I believe that a fair and effective judiciary requires not only legal expertise but also a connection to the community it serves. Judges must be approachable and engaged, ensuring that the people who come before the court feel seen, heard and understood. Ongoing community involvement not only promotes transparency but also provides valuable insight into the real world challenges facing individuals and families in Erie County. I am actively involved with organizations that broaden my perspective on the needs of our community. I currently serve on the boards of Erie Homes for Children and Adults and the Mercy Center for Women, among others. It is this unique combination of professional experience and community engagement that I would bring to the bench. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County judge race: Emily Mosco Merski cites community service
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Well-rounded understanding': Q&A with public defender Emily Mosco Merski in judge's race
Emily Mosco Merski is a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County who has handled a range of other matters, including in civil and family court. Merski said her "diverse legal background" is among her qualifications to be the next judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Merski is running in the May 20 municipal primary against Jeremy Lightner, a chief district attorney for Erie County; and Leigh Ann Orton, the first assistant solicitor for Erie County. Party registration: Democrat. Merski is cross-filed as a Democrat and a Republican. Age: 42 Residence: City of Erie Experience: Solo practice at Vendetti & Vendetti law firm in Erie for past 13 years. Part-time assistant public defender for Erie County, specializing in appeals, since 2012. Started career as an associate at Knox Law Firm in Erie. Education: Mercyhurst College; law degree from Penn State Dickinson Law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 2011. Personal: Married to state Rep. Bob Merski, a Democrat who represents the 2nd District in the Pennsylvania House; two children Social media: Erie County Bar Association poll: Recommended Question: Why do you want to be a judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas? Answer: I believe my diverse legal background, commitment to justice and dedication to serving the community uniquely position me to be an effective addition to the bench. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across many areas of law, including criminal defense, civil litigation, family law and juvenile matters. This broad perspective has given me a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and its profound impact on individuals and families. As a public defender, I have advocated for people who are often marginalized and voiceless, and I have witnessed firsthand how deeply the justice system affects lives and futures. I believe one of the most important roles a judge plays that of the "what-happens-next" person in someone's life. When I chose to become a lawyer, especially an indigent defense attorney, it was with the hope of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a judge, the opportunity to guide individuals through the next steps —whether in criminal, juvenile, civil or family law matters — is an incredible responsibility. Describe the case that has had the most impact on you as a lawyer. As a new public defender, I was assigned to handle an appeal in a high-profile case. I was already familiar with the matter from news reports and, like many, had formed preconceived notions about the client and their actions. However, as I worked through the case, I quickly realized that my personal feelings about my client and their conduct could not influence my advocacy. This experience taught me a fundamental lesson: Not everyone views the world through the same lens. People's actions are shaped by a multitude of factors, including their experiences and perspectives. Whether their actions were right or wrong, I came away from that case with a deeper understanding of the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment and striving to understand the challenges that brought them into the courtroom. With that newfound perspective, I was able to advocate more effectively for my clients and appreciate the human aspects of their cases. As Erie County's next judge, I bring the recognition and understanding that those who appear before the court are not merely case numbers, but individuals whose lives — and futures — can be profoundly impacted by the court's decisions. Describe any changes or innovations that you would like to bring to Common Pleas Court. The eight Common Pleas judges currently serving in Erie County strive to make a significant and meaningful impact on our community. Having been in the courtroom nearly every day of my practice, I have seen, firsthand, the impact the legal system has on individuals and families. If given the opportunity, I would seek to complement their efforts with a strong commitment to improving public understanding of court operations and enhancing the accessibility and transparency of court proceedings.I believe that a fair and effective judiciary requires not only legal expertise but also a connection to the community it serves. Judges must be approachable and engaged, ensuring that the people who come before the court feel seen, heard and understood. Ongoing community involvement not only promotes transparency but also provides valuable insight into the real world challenges facing individuals and families in Erie County. I am actively involved with organizations that broaden my perspective on the needs of our community. I currently serve on the boards of Erie Homes for Children and Adults and the Mercy Center for Women, among others. It is this unique combination of professional experience and community engagement that I would bring to the bench. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County judge race: Emily Mosco Merski cites community service
