Judge Stella Tsai
Rating: Highly Recommended
The candidate has a long and diverse legal career. Since 2016, she has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in Orphans’ Court and the Civil Trial, Criminal Trial and Family Court divisions. Prior to joining the bench, she had extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts, representing insurance companies in environmental matters, the Philadelphia Civil Service Commission and as outside counsel to the City of Philadelphia in high-profile civil rights litigation. The candidate has handled complex domestic and international litigation in the areas of governmental agency audits, real estate and creditors’ rights, as well as land use matters. Her legal writing is clear, concise and thorough, indicating her grasp of legal issues. She currently is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania. Considered enthusiastic, hard-working and fair, her courtroom demeanor has earned the respect of her colleagues as well as that of the attorneys and litigants who appear before her. The candidate's long history of civic and pro bono activities, and her receipt of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Sandra Day O’Connor award, add depth to her legal career. The commission believes that the candidate would perform admirably as a judge on the Commonwealth Court and highly recommends her candidacy.
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Matthew L. Wolford
Rating: Highly Recommended
For almost 40 years, the candidate has been litigating all aspects of environmental law in both civil and criminal court at the trial and appellate court levels. Between 1987 and 1999, the candidate held positions at the Office of Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection in Philadelphia and Meadville. In those positions, he litigated on behalf of the Commonwealth and supervised Commonwealth Agency offices. Since 1999, he has been engaged in private practice, concentrating in environmental counseling and representing private individuals and legal entities. He is highly regarded for his work ethic, preparation, common sense, fairness, integrity, prompt and efficient performance and legal expertise in the environmental area. His writings are clear and concise. He is considered to be evenly balanced between the needs for development of natural resources and the protection of the environment and the needs for government regulation and protection of individual property rights. He has been an adjunct college professor and a frequent lecturer to both legal and nonlegal organizations. He has been active in the bar association and community organizations. Based upon his intellect and extensive experience in issues that come before the Commonwealth Court, the commission highly recommends his candidacy for Commonwealth Court.
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Joshua Prince
Rating: Not Recommended (for failure to participate)