On January 20, 2023, the Honorable Debra Todd was sworn in as the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's first female Chief Justice. The ceremony was held at the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
Acknowledging the significance of her installation, Chief Justice Todd noted her early dream of becoming a lawyer and “the strong and determined women who paved the way”. She affirmed, “Today I share this historic moment with all Pennsylvanians, especially our children whose hopes and dreams will shape the future and make the world a place where nothing is out of reach. I realize I’m the first female Chief Justice, but I know I won’t be the last.”
A Lawrence County native, Chief Justice Todd earned her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and her LL.M. from the University of Virginia School of Law. She commenced her legal career as an in-house litigation attorney for U.S. Steel Corporation before transitioning to trial practice focused on complex civil litigation. Starting in 2000, she served as a Judge in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and first was elected to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 2007.
Visit the Unified Judicial System's website for more information about Chief Justice Debra Todd and to view the full press release on her installation.