HARRSIBURG (Feb. 9, 2015) � PBA President Francis X. O�Connor today issued the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission:

"The Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission is an independent commission comprised of volunteer lawyers and non-lawyers. Its mission is to help the citizens of Pennsylvania make informed choices about their judges before they enter the voting booth. The PBA JEC is independent from, though supported by, the PBA.

While some of the candidates may not agree with the ratings issued, the PBA JEC strives to provide the voting public with an objective evaluation of candidates who stand for election or retention to the appellate bench in Pennsylvania."

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.