HARRISBURG (July 1, 2013) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) today issued the following statement on the state Senate's confirmation of Superior Court of Pennsylvania President Judge Correale F. Stevens to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania:

"We applaud the Senate for acting quickly to confirm Gov. Corbett's nomination of Judge Stevens to fill the vacancy on the state's highest court," said PBA President Forest N. Myers. "The PBA has strongly advocated for the Supreme Court's return to its full complement of seven judges.

"Throughout the legal community, Judge Stevens is known for his devotion to improving the quality of justice. During his more than two decades as a jurist, he has demonstrated a broad knowledge of the law. He has built an exceptional record of professional involvement and has been actively engaged in the organized bar, including memberships in the PBA's Bar/Press Committee and the Appellate Advocacy Committee."

In reviewing Judge Stevens in 2007 for his retention election to the Superior Court, the PBA Judicial Evaluation Committee, which rates candidates for Pennsylvania's appellate courts, issued the following recommendation: "Judge Stevens is held in high esteem throughout the legal community and is known for consistently being thoroughly prepared, polite, courteous and fair. His legal opinions are well reasoned, clearly written and demonstrate a broad knowledge of the law. His administrative abilities are evidenced by his service as chair of the Technology Committee of the Superior Court. Judge Stevens has an exceptional record of community and professional involvement. Through his service, he has shown an unquestionable devotion to enhancing the quality of justice. Because of Judge Stevens' work ethic, respect of his peers and devotion to the quality of justice, the Commission recommends his retention as a judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court."

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 28,000 lawyers who are members of the association.